London, Great Britain – A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has today confirmed the Italian F3 Champion, Mirko Bortolotti, will drive the A1GP test car at the Portimao Circuit in the Algarve, Portugal from the 10-13 January after impressing Scuderia Ferrari at Fiorano recently. The 18-year-old had his first taste of Formula One with the legendry team at Fiorano, Ferrari’s official test circuit, as part of his reward for winning the Italian Formula 3 Championship, alongside Edoardo Piscopo and Salvatore Cicatelli who also ended the season in the top three. Bortolotti made the biggest impression recording a 59.111-second lap, breaking the lap record.
Mario Almondo, Operations Director, Gestione Sportiva said: “We are extremely happy that a young Italian driver who won the Italian Formula 3 Championship, and has shown his talent in a test day with the Ferrari F1 car, can have a such a good opportunity with A1GP.”
Current championship leader, A1 Team Ireland, is enjoying being top of the tables heading into the Christmas period. Its star driver, Portadown’s Adam Carroll, was honoured by Ireland's motorsport media with their Manley Award for International Driver of the Year last Tuesday (9 December). Carroll's race performances in A1GP saw his name added to the prestigious trophy, which has been won in the past by Formula One drivers Eddie Irvine and Martin Donnelly in the past.
"It was a nice surprise," said Carroll of his award win. "I wasn't expecting it and it's an honour to see my name included on the trophy alongside so many great names from Ireland's motorsport past. It's been a great start to the season for us and, while the job is far from finished, it's nice to be receiving recognition for our achievements."
Off the back of his A1GP success Carroll also took part in the annual Race of Champions in Wembley on Sunday (14 December), where he and rally star Gareth MacHale competed for Ireland against drivers including seven-times Formula One World Champion, Michael Schumacher, and five-times World Rally Champion, Sebastien Loeb.
The luck of the Irish was not with Carroll though as he was pipped by 2006 and 2007 overall Race of Champions’ winner, Mattias Ekstrom. In the nation’s cup portion of the event, the Ireland team, consisting of Carroll and MacHale, was beaten in the first round by the German squad of Michael Schumacher and F1 racer Sebastian Vettel.
Carroll was not disheartened at his early exit in what is traditionally a friendly, good-natured event.
“It was good fun, but it didn’t last very long for me,” said Carroll. “I knew it was going to be tough after being drawn against Schumacher and Ekstrom.
“It’s a different style of driving to A1GP. No one is on your bit of track at the same time, so you just have to ignore the other driver you are racing against. You just concentrate on making every corner and making the car go as fast as you can get it to go. It is supposed to be a bit fun, but we all hate losing. People want to get out there and give it everything they’ve got.”
The overall event was won for the third time by rally ace Sebastien Loeb.
A1 Team Brazil’s Felipe Guimarães was also getting some additional racing in, starring alongside racing stars Scott Speed, Dan Wheldon and AJ Allmendinger last Thursday (11 December) as they took to the track at the 2008 Performance Racing Industry All-Stars Karting Classic. The event, now in its third year, took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show is recognised as the world’s largest auto racing trade show, annually attracting over 45,000 members of the racing industry from 45 companies. The All-Stars Karting Classic is the jewel in the crown of the event, and has been given more gravitas with the news that Fox Sports, one of the biggest TV networks in North America, would televise a half-hour broadcast of the action in the first week of April 2009.
"I had a really enjoyable time,” said Guimarães. “I qualified in third position and then went on to win the first race. It was hard because the track is very small so everyone is setting the same lap times and it's really hard to overtake. In the final race someone put me out on the first lap after I started from pole. I had another crash on the final lap as I tried to overtake someone and ended up outside of the top six. I had a great day though and the racing was really good."
While A1 Team Mexico is spending the lead up to Christmas doing pit stop practice in Spain, rookie driver Esteban Gutiérrez was in Mexico City keeping on top of his game at the Formula BMW World Final. Local hero Gutiérrez claimed pole position after his success in the heats and came home third in the final last Sunday (7 December). The 17-year-old from Monterrey was still feeling positive after the event despite not adding a second accolade to his Formula BMW Europe title. "This weekend was good fun," he said. "I had a lot of new experiences, and it was just great to feel the support of my fellow countrymen." A1 Team Mexico has confirmed that the youngster will get his A1GP debut with the team in the A1GP Taupo, New Zealand rookie session.
"After having a great season in Formula BMW, I feel very excited to have the opportunity to climb up the ladder to more powerful cars,” he continued. “I think this new experience will help me develop myself a lot more and, working together with the team, I hope we can also develop the car and take Mexico to the top. I can’t wait to have this new experience in A1GP."
Taupo Motorsport Park is also gearing up for the first event of the New Year with Managing Director David Steele saying that everything has been done to make the 2009 A1GP Taupo, New Zealand event the best yet.
The circuit has done a lot of work over the past year to help eradicate the dust problems at the first and second races, but Steele believes they have it under control.
“We have taken measures both inside on the circuit and track boundaries and outside the circuit to minimise dust issues experienced during the last event and, on top of that, the circuit has one more year’s growth and maturity, so that has helped as well,” said Steele. “Even with the extreme and unusual weather we saw in 2007 and 2008, we are confident we are as much in control as we can possibly be.”
As Season Four continues to provide excitement and close rivalry, A1GP fans can now also relive the incredible 2007/08 season with the limited edition A1GP World Cup of Motorsport season review book. The book captures all the drama and excitement of the 2007/08 season, with exhaustive race reports, plus exclusive features and analysis of an incredible campaign.
Forwarded by four-time Formula One world champion, Alain Prost, and containing work from award-winning writers and photographers, the 154-page large coffee-table book is a must-have for all A1GP fans.
This full-colour glossy review was produced in strictly limited numbers as an exclusive keepsake and copies can be reserved on A1GP.com now.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Rugby : New Zealand rugby mourns loss of former All Blacks prop John Drake
John Drake was a regular contributor to Sport Unleashed and his wry humour and forthright attitude will be sorely missed. RIP Drakey xx
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New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman Jock Hobbs said the NZRU and the entire rugby community was deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of former All Blacks prop and rugby commentator John Drake.
Drake passed away at his home in Mount Mauganui yesterday, aged 49.
“Our immediate thoughts are with his wife Cathy and their three children, who have lost a husband and father much too early in life. On behalf of all the rugby community I would like to extend my deepest sympathies,” said Mr Hobbs.
Drake played 12 games for the All Blacks including eight Tests, and was a member of the record-setting Auckland and All Blacks teams of the mid-1980s. Making his All Blacks debut on a tour to Argentina in 1985, he made his Test debut against France in 1986 and went on to form part of the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks team of 1987, playing in all but the opening pool match.
Following his rugby career, Drake continued to contribute to the game through scrum coaching and more recently as a television commentator with SKY Television and as a columnist and radio rugby analyst.
“His loss will be keenly felt by his former team mates at club, provincial and international level, and by his colleagues at SKY Television and in the media. He was an astute commentator on the game whose immense knowledge and wry wit will be greatly missed.”
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New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman Jock Hobbs said the NZRU and the entire rugby community was deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of former All Blacks prop and rugby commentator John Drake.
Drake passed away at his home in Mount Mauganui yesterday, aged 49.
“Our immediate thoughts are with his wife Cathy and their three children, who have lost a husband and father much too early in life. On behalf of all the rugby community I would like to extend my deepest sympathies,” said Mr Hobbs.
Drake played 12 games for the All Blacks including eight Tests, and was a member of the record-setting Auckland and All Blacks teams of the mid-1980s. Making his All Blacks debut on a tour to Argentina in 1985, he made his Test debut against France in 1986 and went on to form part of the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks team of 1987, playing in all but the opening pool match.
Following his rugby career, Drake continued to contribute to the game through scrum coaching and more recently as a television commentator with SKY Television and as a columnist and radio rugby analyst.
“His loss will be keenly felt by his former team mates at club, provincial and international level, and by his colleagues at SKY Television and in the media. He was an astute commentator on the game whose immense knowledge and wry wit will be greatly missed.”
Tennis : NZ RESIDENTIALS MAIN DRAW STARTS
The first day of main draw of Pascoes the Jewellers NZ Residentials in association with Configure Express started today (Monday) at Albany Tennis Park, North Shore. The first two round of singles were completed with Canterbury's Tim Meredith, Jordan Kelly-Houston and Barrett Franks all getting through their first two rounds. So too did the McLachlan brothers Riki and Ben, Auckland's Adam Lee, James Capovilla (Wgtn) and local Nigel Espie.
Tomorrow sees the 5th to 12th seeds feed in and have their first match of the tournament and the third and fourth rounds will be played.
In the Women's singles locals Danielle Feneridis, Carli Davis, Mika Dean and Renata Hryckiewicz all had first round matches. Waikato Bay's Heidi Stewart also won through, as well as Monica Chen, Kate Parker and Zhanna Gonzur.
The women's 5th to 12th seeds also take the court tomorrow with the top four men's and women's seeds start Wednesday in the new-feed in format.
Results of round of 64:
128 Jordan Kelly-Houston d. Dima Babenkov 6-2;6-3
128 Anton Bettink d. Samuel Sadler 6-3;7-5
128 Tim Meredith d. Kyle August 6-4;6-0
128 Michael Pigou d. Trent O'keeffe 6-1;6-1
128 Nigel Espie d. Jaden Grinter 4-6;7-6;6-2
128 Ari Davis d. Chris Simich 6-3;6-4
128 Darnell Sgubin d. Bryce Hayr 6-4;6-1
128 Ben McLachlan d. James Corfield 6-0;6-1
128 James Capovilla d. Goran Gerdin 6-1;6-4
128 Jamie Eccleton d. Michael Koenen 6-2;6-1
128 Riki McLachlan d. Matt Alexander 6-3;6-4
128 Hayden Joblin d. Takuma Ohashi 6-1;7-5
128 Marco Comuzzo d. Gabriel Hernandez 6-3;6-2
128 Barrett Franks d. Daniel Brown 6-3;6-4
128 David Clifford d. Chester Espie 6-1;7-5
128 Adam Lee d. Calum O'Neil 6-2;6-3
64 Jordan Kelly-Houston d. Anton Bettink Wo (inj)
64 Tim Meredith d. Michael Pigou 6-2;6-0
64 Nigel Espie d. Ari Davis 6-1;2-6;6-4
64 Ben McLachlan d. Darnell Sgubin 6-0;3-6;6-3
64 James Capovilla d. Jamie Eccleton 4-6;6-3;7-5
64 Riki McLachlan d. Hayden Joblin 6-4;6-3
64 Adam Lee d. David Clifford 6-4;6-0
64 (12) Ioana Teu d. Lucy Bird 6-4;6-1
64 Kate Parker d. Summer Huxtable 6-1;6-1
64 Monica Chen d. Tiffany Wheelock 6-4;6-1
64 Renata Hryckiewicz d. Nicola Blake 7-5;6-4;6-4
64 Mika Deane d. Frances Askew 7-6;7-5
64 Carli Davis d. Caitlin Molloy 6-2;6-1
64 Zhanna Gonzur d. Sarah Adams 6-1;3-6;6-4
64 Danielle Feneridis d. Alexia Barritt 6-2;6-2
64 Heidi Stewart d. Kirby Wotherspoon 6-1;6-0
Tomorrow sees the 5th to 12th seeds feed in and have their first match of the tournament and the third and fourth rounds will be played.
In the Women's singles locals Danielle Feneridis, Carli Davis, Mika Dean and Renata Hryckiewicz all had first round matches. Waikato Bay's Heidi Stewart also won through, as well as Monica Chen, Kate Parker and Zhanna Gonzur.
The women's 5th to 12th seeds also take the court tomorrow with the top four men's and women's seeds start Wednesday in the new-feed in format.
Results of round of 64:
128 Jordan Kelly-Houston d. Dima Babenkov 6-2;6-3
128 Anton Bettink d. Samuel Sadler 6-3;7-5
128 Tim Meredith d. Kyle August 6-4;6-0
128 Michael Pigou d. Trent O'keeffe 6-1;6-1
128 Nigel Espie d. Jaden Grinter 4-6;7-6;6-2
128 Ari Davis d. Chris Simich 6-3;6-4
128 Darnell Sgubin d. Bryce Hayr 6-4;6-1
128 Ben McLachlan d. James Corfield 6-0;6-1
128 James Capovilla d. Goran Gerdin 6-1;6-4
128 Jamie Eccleton d. Michael Koenen 6-2;6-1
128 Riki McLachlan d. Matt Alexander 6-3;6-4
128 Hayden Joblin d. Takuma Ohashi 6-1;7-5
128 Marco Comuzzo d. Gabriel Hernandez 6-3;6-2
128 Barrett Franks d. Daniel Brown 6-3;6-4
128 David Clifford d. Chester Espie 6-1;7-5
128 Adam Lee d. Calum O'Neil 6-2;6-3
64 Jordan Kelly-Houston d. Anton Bettink Wo (inj)
64 Tim Meredith d. Michael Pigou 6-2;6-0
64 Nigel Espie d. Ari Davis 6-1;2-6;6-4
64 Ben McLachlan d. Darnell Sgubin 6-0;3-6;6-3
64 James Capovilla d. Jamie Eccleton 4-6;6-3;7-5
64 Riki McLachlan d. Hayden Joblin 6-4;6-3
64 Adam Lee d. David Clifford 6-4;6-0
64 (12) Ioana Teu d. Lucy Bird 6-4;6-1
64 Kate Parker d. Summer Huxtable 6-1;6-1
64 Monica Chen d. Tiffany Wheelock 6-4;6-1
64 Renata Hryckiewicz d. Nicola Blake 7-5;6-4;6-4
64 Mika Deane d. Frances Askew 7-6;7-5
64 Carli Davis d. Caitlin Molloy 6-2;6-1
64 Zhanna Gonzur d. Sarah Adams 6-1;3-6;6-4
64 Danielle Feneridis d. Alexia Barritt 6-2;6-2
64 Heidi Stewart d. Kirby Wotherspoon 6-1;6-0
SANZAR MEDIA RELEASE - Super 14 Merit Panel Referees
SANZAR has named nine referees on its inaugural Merit Panel of officials to take charge of next season’s Super 14 matches.
The group will control at least 75 percent of matches in the tournament while a back-up panel of seven referees has been selected to officiate when Six Nations appointments, injury or unavailability make Merit Panel officials unavailable.
SANZAR took the ground-breaking step of establishing a panel founded on merit before nationality in November. It means referees will no longer be prevented from refereeing their countrymen in opposition to another nation. The move was made to ensure the best players would be refereed by the best officials.
The Merit Panel is made of four South Africans, three Australians and two New Zealanders.
Changes may be made to the Panel during the season depending on the outcome of regular assessments by the referees’ selectors.
Merit panel (Alphabetical order):
Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Matt Goddard (Australia), Marius Jonker (South Africa), Craig Joubert (South Africa), Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Mark Lawrence (South Africa), James Leckie (Australia), Steve Walsh (New Zealand).
Shadow Panel (Alphabetical):
Paul Marks (Australia), Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Ian Smith (Australia).
Reserve Bench (Alphabetical)
Phillip Bosch (South Africa), Keith Brown (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Nathan Pearce (Australia).
The group will control at least 75 percent of matches in the tournament while a back-up panel of seven referees has been selected to officiate when Six Nations appointments, injury or unavailability make Merit Panel officials unavailable.
SANZAR took the ground-breaking step of establishing a panel founded on merit before nationality in November. It means referees will no longer be prevented from refereeing their countrymen in opposition to another nation. The move was made to ensure the best players would be refereed by the best officials.
The Merit Panel is made of four South Africans, three Australians and two New Zealanders.
Changes may be made to the Panel during the season depending on the outcome of regular assessments by the referees’ selectors.
Merit panel (Alphabetical order):
Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Matt Goddard (Australia), Marius Jonker (South Africa), Craig Joubert (South Africa), Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Mark Lawrence (South Africa), James Leckie (Australia), Steve Walsh (New Zealand).
Shadow Panel (Alphabetical):
Paul Marks (Australia), Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Ian Smith (Australia).
Reserve Bench (Alphabetical)
Phillip Bosch (South Africa), Keith Brown (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Nathan Pearce (Australia).
Motorsport : Statement From FOTA Chairman
Maranello, 11th December - After yesterday's meeting at Monte Carlo with FIA President Max Mosley and the team principals of all Formula One teams, lead by FOTA Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, the latter made the following statement:
"I am very glad about the climate of enormous collaboration at the meeting. There is a common sense of the difficult moment of our sport. Yesterday we could see the great responsibility of all the participants. The world-wide economical crisis and the enormous increase of costs in Formula One over the last years lead the FIA and its President to give a strong and right impulse to cut costs as of 2010 to get our sport back into acceptable economical dimensions, so all teams will be able to participate. The answer we could find was beyond our all expectations. The extreme compactness, never seen before, and all the participant’s passion for this sport brought the FOTA members to go beyond the requests made by President Mosley, taking into account courageous proposals, while voting unanimously for a substantial reduction of costs already as of 2009, which will be the most difficult year for the world economy and for the automotive industry in particular."
"The proposals presented to President Mosley, with Formula One’s DNA in mind - made of technology and sportiness - will enable us to drastically cut costs as of the upcoming season to have a complete new Formula One in the year 2012, projected into the future, distinguishing itself by an innovative spirit and great attention as far as the environment is concerned, but on economic levels as in the 90s, while maintaining the fascinating challenges, which is one of the factors why this sport is one of the most popular sports in the world."
"President Mosley appreciated our proposals, which will be examined tomorrow by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. We, as FOTA, will continue our work also in other areas, such as the race weekend format, and we want to determine the details for the upcoming years, bearing in mind the observations expressed by Mosley yesterday. I am extremely proud of the work FOTA has done so far; an association, which didn’t exist until last September and which united the teams, going beyond their rivalry, the salt of racing, but which could have been an obstacle on the way redesigning the future of Formula One. There is still much left to do, also because when we have a look at the economic side of the companies and not only the ones of the F1 teams, we have to consider the costs but also the earnings. In this sense yesterday we managed to agree with the FIA on the necessity to organize a meeting with FOM to discuss the earnings of the Formula One teams."
"I am very glad about the climate of enormous collaboration at the meeting. There is a common sense of the difficult moment of our sport. Yesterday we could see the great responsibility of all the participants. The world-wide economical crisis and the enormous increase of costs in Formula One over the last years lead the FIA and its President to give a strong and right impulse to cut costs as of 2010 to get our sport back into acceptable economical dimensions, so all teams will be able to participate. The answer we could find was beyond our all expectations. The extreme compactness, never seen before, and all the participant’s passion for this sport brought the FOTA members to go beyond the requests made by President Mosley, taking into account courageous proposals, while voting unanimously for a substantial reduction of costs already as of 2009, which will be the most difficult year for the world economy and for the automotive industry in particular."
"The proposals presented to President Mosley, with Formula One’s DNA in mind - made of technology and sportiness - will enable us to drastically cut costs as of the upcoming season to have a complete new Formula One in the year 2012, projected into the future, distinguishing itself by an innovative spirit and great attention as far as the environment is concerned, but on economic levels as in the 90s, while maintaining the fascinating challenges, which is one of the factors why this sport is one of the most popular sports in the world."
"President Mosley appreciated our proposals, which will be examined tomorrow by the FIA World Motor Sport Council. We, as FOTA, will continue our work also in other areas, such as the race weekend format, and we want to determine the details for the upcoming years, bearing in mind the observations expressed by Mosley yesterday. I am extremely proud of the work FOTA has done so far; an association, which didn’t exist until last September and which united the teams, going beyond their rivalry, the salt of racing, but which could have been an obstacle on the way redesigning the future of Formula One. There is still much left to do, also because when we have a look at the economic side of the companies and not only the ones of the F1 teams, we have to consider the costs but also the earnings. In this sense yesterday we managed to agree with the FIA on the necessity to organize a meeting with FOM to discuss the earnings of the Formula One teams."
Motorsport : Stars Enter Early For Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally
Darlington & District Motor Club present
The 2009 Cartersport
Jack Frost Stages Rally
Sunday 18th January 2009
Croft Circuit, North Yorkshire
11th December 2008 - With just over five weeks to go to the Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally, already the entries are rolling in for what is expected to be a titanic battle around Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire for the event on Sunday 18th January 2009.
Already, the second of the winter car rallies at Croft has so far attracted around forty crews to date for the Darlington and District Motor Club event, including 2007 and 2008 winner Chris Wise in his MG Metro 6R4, former National Rally Champion Paul Bird in his exotic Subaru Impreza WRC and the Mitsubishi Lancer of top asphalt driver, Tommi Graham. Also, the formidable MG Metro 6R4 duo of John Stone and Mark Jasper have confirmed their entries to add to the quality of what will be a superb line up.
With the preceding Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally on December 28th expected to be massively over-subscribed when entries close this weekend, meaning a potential late influx of entries, then prospective competitors are encouraged to get their entries in for the Jack Frost as soon as possible to avoid further disappointment, especially as no cheques will be banked until 31st December 2008.
"We have been over-subscribed for the past three years so we don't want anyone to be disappointed if we can help it, therefore we'd sooner people get their entries in early rather than risk missing out. We usually get an influx after the Christmas Stages but if people leave it that late, they really do run the risk of not getting a confirmed place" said Secretary of the Meeting, Terry Wright.
"There is no selection process and we do not reserve any entries, it's a case of the first ninety cars get a run, then we open a reserve list in receipt order. In the unlikely event that there are any entries available after the closing date, and the entry list has been seeded, then they will run at the back of the field" concluded Terry.
The event is a qualifying round of the North of England Rally Championship 2009, 2009 SG Petch/ANECCC Stage Rally Championship, Borders Stage Rally Championship 2009 and ANCC Stage Rally Championship 2009; there are classes for all modern cars as well as historics.
Scrutineering and Documentation take place the same day as the event which gets underway with the first car at 09.15. The entry fee is 190 with the final closing date being 5th January 2009 and for further information, please contact Terry Wright on 01325 359895 (before 21.00). Regulations and entry forms are now available at www.darlington-motor-club.org.uk.
The 2009 Cartersport
Jack Frost Stages Rally
Sunday 18th January 2009
Croft Circuit, North Yorkshire
11th December 2008 - With just over five weeks to go to the Cartersport Jack Frost Stages Rally, already the entries are rolling in for what is expected to be a titanic battle around Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire for the event on Sunday 18th January 2009.
Already, the second of the winter car rallies at Croft has so far attracted around forty crews to date for the Darlington and District Motor Club event, including 2007 and 2008 winner Chris Wise in his MG Metro 6R4, former National Rally Champion Paul Bird in his exotic Subaru Impreza WRC and the Mitsubishi Lancer of top asphalt driver, Tommi Graham. Also, the formidable MG Metro 6R4 duo of John Stone and Mark Jasper have confirmed their entries to add to the quality of what will be a superb line up.
With the preceding Specsavers Christmas Stages Rally on December 28th expected to be massively over-subscribed when entries close this weekend, meaning a potential late influx of entries, then prospective competitors are encouraged to get their entries in for the Jack Frost as soon as possible to avoid further disappointment, especially as no cheques will be banked until 31st December 2008.
"We have been over-subscribed for the past three years so we don't want anyone to be disappointed if we can help it, therefore we'd sooner people get their entries in early rather than risk missing out. We usually get an influx after the Christmas Stages but if people leave it that late, they really do run the risk of not getting a confirmed place" said Secretary of the Meeting, Terry Wright.
"There is no selection process and we do not reserve any entries, it's a case of the first ninety cars get a run, then we open a reserve list in receipt order. In the unlikely event that there are any entries available after the closing date, and the entry list has been seeded, then they will run at the back of the field" concluded Terry.
The event is a qualifying round of the North of England Rally Championship 2009, 2009 SG Petch/ANECCC Stage Rally Championship, Borders Stage Rally Championship 2009 and ANCC Stage Rally Championship 2009; there are classes for all modern cars as well as historics.
Scrutineering and Documentation take place the same day as the event which gets underway with the first car at 09.15. The entry fee is 190 with the final closing date being 5th January 2009 and for further information, please contact Terry Wright on 01325 359895 (before 21.00). Regulations and entry forms are now available at www.darlington-motor-club.org.uk.
Motorsport : New Shell Motorsport World Video Content
Shell Motorsport World Video - Ducati
New, rights-free video content is now available to download from the Shell Motorsport Media website.
Shell Motorsport has created the latest episode in its series of Shell Motorsport World, which focuses on its long-standing technical partnerships with Ferrari and Ducati. This time the episode focuses on the Festa Ducati - Europe’s biggest gathering of the Ducati community.
Over 20,000 Ducati fans from all over Europe travelled to Germany’s most famous race circuit where more than 8,000 bikes went though the gates, ranging widely in both style and age. The Nürburgring was turned red for two days and Ducati fans were treated to a string of events including live music, the Shell Track Lab, stunt shows and Ducati clothing fashion show, as well as a visit from World Superbike legend Troy Bayliss.
To view and download the videos, log onto the Shell Motorsport Media website (http://www.shell.com/motorsportmedia) and following these links:
• Ducati Corse
• Video Bank
• Shell Motorsport World
If you are not already a member and you would like access to Shell Motorsport’s content, please go to the site (http://www.shell.com/motorsportmedia) and complete the request form. Once this is completed, your username and password will be emailed to you.
For more information, images and videos please visit www.shell.com/motorsportmedia.
New, rights-free video content is now available to download from the Shell Motorsport Media website.
Shell Motorsport has created the latest episode in its series of Shell Motorsport World, which focuses on its long-standing technical partnerships with Ferrari and Ducati. This time the episode focuses on the Festa Ducati - Europe’s biggest gathering of the Ducati community.
Over 20,000 Ducati fans from all over Europe travelled to Germany’s most famous race circuit where more than 8,000 bikes went though the gates, ranging widely in both style and age. The Nürburgring was turned red for two days and Ducati fans were treated to a string of events including live music, the Shell Track Lab, stunt shows and Ducati clothing fashion show, as well as a visit from World Superbike legend Troy Bayliss.
To view and download the videos, log onto the Shell Motorsport Media website (http://www.shell.com/motorsportmedia) and following these links:
• Ducati Corse
• Video Bank
• Shell Motorsport World
If you are not already a member and you would like access to Shell Motorsport’s content, please go to the site (http://www.shell.com/motorsportmedia) and complete the request form. Once this is completed, your username and password will be emailed to you.
For more information, images and videos please visit www.shell.com/motorsportmedia.
Motorsport : Lewis Hamilton At The 2008 BRDC Annual Awards
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, Presents Lewis Hamilton With An Award At The 2008 BRDC Annual Awards
The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) celebrated motor racing achievements of 2008 in some-style today (Monday), when it hosted the BRDC Annual Awards Luncheon at a star-studded event at The Café Royal in London. The lunchtime ceremony was attended by motor racing’s finest, and the Club was deeply honoured to welcome The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, as a distinguished guest to present Lewis Hamilton with one of his awards - the Richard Seaman Trophy.
It was another successful afternoon for the recently crowned Formula 1 World Champion. Hamilton joined fellow British F1 World Champions Nigel Mansell OBE and Damon Hill OBE for a brief photo call, before receiving a standing ovation as he collected no fewer than five awards - including his second and third BRDC Gold Stars, presented to him by ten-time BRDC Gold Star winner, Sir Stirling Moss OBE.
However, Hamilton wasn’t the only driver being celebrated at the prestigious Awards ceremony. Having received his BRDC Gold Stars from Sir Stirling, the McLaren driver then turned the tables on the iconic British driver. On behalf of his fellow BRDC Members, Hamilton bestowed a unique honour on a surprised Moss, inviting him to become the Club’s first ‘Vice President For Life’. The position, in recognition of his sixty years of membership and all that he has done for the BRDC during that time, was duly accepted by Sir Stirling.
Prior to presenting Sir Stirling with the honour, Hamilton commented, “Not a day has gone by in the last sixty years when you have not worn the Club badge on either your lapel, tie or overalls. You have been the ultimate ambassador and utterly dedicated and loyal to the BRDC and all that it stands for. Our Club wishes you to accept, with immediate effect, the position of the Club’s first Vice President For Life.”
British Touring Car Championship driver Jason Plato was also in attendance to receive the BRDC’s highest national racing accolade, the BRDC Silver Star. David Coulthard, who recently announced his retirement from Formula 1, was presented with The Earl Howe Trophy for his meritorious podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix.
A further highlight of the day was the presentation of the BRDC Gold Medal to Vodafone McLaren F1 Team Principal Ron Dennis. This was only the ninth such Medal to be presented by the Club since the award’s inception in 1996.
Rugby : Guinness Premiership Rugby Players Support Responsible Drinking This Christmas
The 12 Guinness Premiership clubs have teamed up with The Drinkaware Trust (Drinkaware), the UK charity which aims to reduce alcohol harm, to promote responsible drinking this Christmas.
Players from London Irish, currently top of the Guinness Premiership, braved the rain to pose alongside a Drinkaware black cab, one of 300 taxis displaying advice to partygoers in London throughout December, to launch the campaign.
Round 9 of the Guinness Premiership on Saturday 20th December has been selected to promote responsible drinking and activities at the home grounds will be tailored to educating supporters on the subject. Clubs will also give out festive pocket-size ‘tip cards’ to rugby fans at all six home grounds that weekend.
Entitled ‘Tips for a Christmas to remember’, the cards contain practical tips, unit guidelines, and links to a 24 hour helpline and drinkaware.co.uk. Tips include ‘Avoid drinking on an empty stomach’, ‘Include soft drinks in your celebration’ and ‘Don’t leave yourself vulnerable – plan your journey home.’
The Drinkaware logo will be seen on-pitch at the televised game at Bath and match programme content at all clubs will also offer responsible drinking advice.
The Guinness Premiership Round 9 games on Saturday 20th December include London Wasps v Saracens at 14.15, Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks at 14.45, Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons at 14.45, and London Irish v Gloucester Rugby, Northampton Saints v Harlequins and Worcester Warriors v Bristol Rugby all kicking off at 15.00.
Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 2.15pm, and ITV4’s Guinness Premiership highlights show broadcast at 6.30pm on Sunday 21st December will be anchored from London Irish v Gloucester Rugby.
Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby, said: “The Drinkaware responsible drinking message is an important one and the Guinness Premiership clubs have set-aside Round 9 on 20th December, well-placed within the festive season, to help communicate Drinkaware’s messages and suggestions to fans for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.”
Drinkaware’s CEO, Chris Sorek, said: “Drinkaware is delighted to support the Guinness Premiership’s responsible drinking weekend. By distributing tip cards at rugby fixtures, we hope to offer practical guidance to club fans who want to have a merry – and memorable - Christmas.”
Up to a million tip cards have been distributed to over 2000 pubs across the UK, and a further 10,000 will be given to taxi passengers in London throughout December.
Drinkaware.co.uk, the UK’s leading source of information on the effects of alcohol, offers further advice and information, including two short films which will also be placed on other broadcast sites.
Players from London Irish, currently top of the Guinness Premiership, braved the rain to pose alongside a Drinkaware black cab, one of 300 taxis displaying advice to partygoers in London throughout December, to launch the campaign.
Round 9 of the Guinness Premiership on Saturday 20th December has been selected to promote responsible drinking and activities at the home grounds will be tailored to educating supporters on the subject. Clubs will also give out festive pocket-size ‘tip cards’ to rugby fans at all six home grounds that weekend.
Entitled ‘Tips for a Christmas to remember’, the cards contain practical tips, unit guidelines, and links to a 24 hour helpline and drinkaware.co.uk. Tips include ‘Avoid drinking on an empty stomach’, ‘Include soft drinks in your celebration’ and ‘Don’t leave yourself vulnerable – plan your journey home.’
The Drinkaware logo will be seen on-pitch at the televised game at Bath and match programme content at all clubs will also offer responsible drinking advice.
The Guinness Premiership Round 9 games on Saturday 20th December include London Wasps v Saracens at 14.15, Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks at 14.45, Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons at 14.45, and London Irish v Gloucester Rugby, Northampton Saints v Harlequins and Worcester Warriors v Bristol Rugby all kicking off at 15.00.
Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 2.15pm, and ITV4’s Guinness Premiership highlights show broadcast at 6.30pm on Sunday 21st December will be anchored from London Irish v Gloucester Rugby.
Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby, said: “The Drinkaware responsible drinking message is an important one and the Guinness Premiership clubs have set-aside Round 9 on 20th December, well-placed within the festive season, to help communicate Drinkaware’s messages and suggestions to fans for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.”
Drinkaware’s CEO, Chris Sorek, said: “Drinkaware is delighted to support the Guinness Premiership’s responsible drinking weekend. By distributing tip cards at rugby fixtures, we hope to offer practical guidance to club fans who want to have a merry – and memorable - Christmas.”
Up to a million tip cards have been distributed to over 2000 pubs across the UK, and a further 10,000 will be given to taxi passengers in London throughout December.
Drinkaware.co.uk, the UK’s leading source of information on the effects of alcohol, offers further advice and information, including two short films which will also be placed on other broadcast sites.
Motorsport : Perez Secures Top Twenty Place On Wales Rally GB
ick Energy rally driver Steve Perez had by no means an easy final day of Wales Rally GB but despite his problems, he secured an all-important top twenty placing on Britain's round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Along with Welsh co-driver Paul Spooner, the pair started out at dawn today in 21st place but on the opening two stages in Rheola and Port Talbot, the Ford Focus WRC 05 suffered from low oil pressure meaning that the former British National and Historic Champion had to back off as well in order to preserve the car but still set 24th fastest times in both stages to move up to 19th place overall.
Nursing the car back to Swansea service whereby repairs were effected, Perez went into the penultimate stage of Rheola 2 hoping to charge further up the leaderboard but a puncture scuppered any chances, followed by a hefty collision with a bank, meaning he dropped a place to 20th overall.
However, the Chesterfield driver pulled out all the stops in the final 20km Port Talbot 2 stage to set 20th fastest time and in doing so, climbed up to 19th place overall after the tough three day event.
Steve Perez: "To just get to the finish is a major achievement given this is one of the toughest rallies I have ever done. The ice, snow and fog made the going treacherous so I'm doubly delighted to achieve a top twenty finish on a World Championship event with very few top name retirements. The problems today really cost us a place and 18th would have been fantastic but I'm pleased with 19th which is what we set out for. The car has been sideways more than it's been facing forward on this rally!"
Paul Spooner: "It was a difficult rally and well done to Steve for bringing the car home in 19th place. It reminded me of Rally GB in 1996 when it was very icy and snowed a lot then and a lot of people have been saying just how tough it has been this year. We gave the bank a fair old clout towards the end and I'm glad it didn't do too much damage but it's fantastic to get to the finish."
The rally was won in dramatic fashion by Frenchman Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) who overtook Ford's Jari-Matti Latvala on the very last stage to win by just 12.7 seconds after the three day event.
Results
1 Sébastien LOEB (Citroen) 2:43:09.6
2 Jari-Matti LATVALA (Ford) 2:43:22.3
3 Dani SORDO (Citroen) 2:44:30.2
4 Petter SOLBERG (Subaru) 2:45:09.2
5 Per-Gunnar ANDERSSON (Suz) 2:47:13.7
6 François DUVAL (Ford) 2:48:17.4
7 Toni GARDEMEISTER (Suz) 2:48:34.6
8 Mikko HIRVONEN (Ford) 2:48:48.4
9 Matthew WILSON (Ford) 2:51:23.5
10 Barry Clark (Ford) 2:53:02.7
19 Steve PEREZ (Ford) 3:03:50.3
Photograph attached courtesy of Jakob Ebrey.
Sailing : TIMONEER CLAIMS VICTORY IN THE SUPERYACHT CUP ANTIGUA 2008
December 13th 2008
After a very close day of racing in what had to be one of the most nail biting finishes to The Superyacht Cup Antigua ever, Timoneer claimed a worthy victory.
With winds ranging from 14 to 27 knots on the Abu Dhabi race, all of the boats left the dock with everything to sail for. The competition for first place overall was between the Dubois designed 44m ketch Timoneer and the Bruce King 35m ketch Signe. Signe had to put at least one other boat between them to take the title and sailed hard around the course keeping the other boats behind them.
As the fleet closed up together and within a mile of the finish it still looked like it could be Signe's day for glory. Everyone was on tender hooks as yet another powerful rain squall approached shifting the breeze by 20 to 30 degrees. Signe slightly understood their lay-line to the finish and just brushed the mark and had to accept the points penalty given to them by the race committee. Timoneer, who finished second, claimed the overall title for The Superyacht Cup Antigua.
Photo: ©clairematches.com
Sailing : Day 35 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe
Sam Davies’ daily log - Iceberg Dead Ahead!
Hello! Yesterday I saw my first iceberg! It is a sight that tears your emotions in two - half of you is in awe of such an amazing sight, with such intense blues and whites, whereas the other half is terrified! What if I hadn't seen it or it had been night and I'd been half a mile to the South? But, these thoughts aren't worth considering. The iceberg was almost 100m long I guess, although that is just the part I could see. Luckily my camera worked, and I got some good photos, so when I am back at home in front of the fire I can really appreciate the beauty. Until then, I hope that was the last iceberg I see this race. Now Roxy is hooning along at break-neck speed! We put the indicator on and we're in the outside lane overtaking Pindar - sorry Brian! I'm making the most of the NW wind and relatively flat sea in front of the low that is coming up behind us. It is like being in a washing machine (on a cold cycle) outside, so when I go on deck I wear my drysuit, and get things done as quickly as possible! Enjoy your Sunday! Sam x
At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 11th position, 877 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec-Virbac 2
Hello! Yesterday I saw my first iceberg! It is a sight that tears your emotions in two - half of you is in awe of such an amazing sight, with such intense blues and whites, whereas the other half is terrified! What if I hadn't seen it or it had been night and I'd been half a mile to the South? But, these thoughts aren't worth considering. The iceberg was almost 100m long I guess, although that is just the part I could see. Luckily my camera worked, and I got some good photos, so when I am back at home in front of the fire I can really appreciate the beauty. Until then, I hope that was the last iceberg I see this race. Now Roxy is hooning along at break-neck speed! We put the indicator on and we're in the outside lane overtaking Pindar - sorry Brian! I'm making the most of the NW wind and relatively flat sea in front of the low that is coming up behind us. It is like being in a washing machine (on a cold cycle) outside, so when I go on deck I wear my drysuit, and get things done as quickly as possible! Enjoy your Sunday! Sam x
At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 11th position, 877 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec-Virbac 2
Tennis : NZ RESIDENTIALS QUALIFYING DAY & MAIN DRAW DRAWS RELEASED
Pascoes the Jewellers NZ Residentials in association with Configure Express kicked off today (Sunday) with the men's qualifying at Albany Tennis Park.
The top three seeds and the fifth seed all advanced in the qualifying to firm their spots in the main draw, Chris Simich defeated fourth seed Callum O'Neil to firm his place in the main draw along with Hernandez, Koenen and Corfield.
8 Qualifiers
- Gabriel Hernandez
- Michael Koenen
- James Corfield
- (5) Matt Alexander
- Chris Simich
- (3) Takuma Ohashi
- (2) James Capovilla
- (1) Hayden Joblin
The main draw is now available to view on-line - http://tennisnz.infonetwork.com/tournaments/draws.asp?tid=5185887
The top three seeds and the fifth seed all advanced in the qualifying to firm their spots in the main draw, Chris Simich defeated fourth seed Callum O'Neil to firm his place in the main draw along with Hernandez, Koenen and Corfield.
8 Qualifiers
- Gabriel Hernandez
- Michael Koenen
- James Corfield
- (5) Matt Alexander
- Chris Simich
- (3) Takuma Ohashi
- (2) James Capovilla
- (1) Hayden Joblin
The main draw is now available to view on-line - http://tennisnz.infonetwork.com/tournaments/draws.asp?tid=5185887
Tennis : HOLLANDS & NIELSEN TAKE OUT WEST END CUP
The semi-finals and finals of the West End Cup NZMT4 in association with Configure Express saw the top two seeds in the women's get knocked out in the semis, but it went down to the seeds in the men's.
In the first women's semi-final, top seed Kairangi Vano and fourth seed Dianne Hollands had a close three set battle with Hollands winning the first set. Vano came back to win the second in a tiebreak but Hollands turned the game around to win the third in another tiebreak.
Thirteen year old Tanya Samedelok, seeded sixth who had previously knocked out Shona Lee, beat Leanne Baker in straight sets in the other semi to advance into the final.
Hollands was too strong in the final winning 6/3 7/5 against Samodelok.
After taking out third seed James Shortall yesterday, James Meredith was all set to take on second seed Mark Nielsen. However in the first set, 4-1 down Meredith was forced to retire due to a niggling hamstring injury. In the other semi, top seed Adam Thompson had a straight set win over fourth seed Matt Prentice.
In the men's final Mark Nielsen grabbed the first set 6/3 against Thompson. In the second set Thompson came back and was leading 3-0, but Nielsen came back to win the next 6 games and the match.
Results
Semi-finals
(2) Mark Nielsen d. James Meredith 4-1Ret (inj)
(1) Adam Thompson d. (4) Matthew Prentice 6-4;6-2
(6) Tanya Samodelok d. (2) Leanne Baker 6-3;6-2
(4) Dianne Hollands d. (1) Kairangi Vano 6-4;4-6;7;7-6(2)
Finals
(4) Dianne Hollands d. (6) Tanya Samodelok 6-3 7-5
(2) Mark Nielsen d. (1) Adam Thompson 6-3 6-3
In the first women's semi-final, top seed Kairangi Vano and fourth seed Dianne Hollands had a close three set battle with Hollands winning the first set. Vano came back to win the second in a tiebreak but Hollands turned the game around to win the third in another tiebreak.
Thirteen year old Tanya Samedelok, seeded sixth who had previously knocked out Shona Lee, beat Leanne Baker in straight sets in the other semi to advance into the final.
Hollands was too strong in the final winning 6/3 7/5 against Samodelok.
After taking out third seed James Shortall yesterday, James Meredith was all set to take on second seed Mark Nielsen. However in the first set, 4-1 down Meredith was forced to retire due to a niggling hamstring injury. In the other semi, top seed Adam Thompson had a straight set win over fourth seed Matt Prentice.
In the men's final Mark Nielsen grabbed the first set 6/3 against Thompson. In the second set Thompson came back and was leading 3-0, but Nielsen came back to win the next 6 games and the match.
Results
Semi-finals
(2) Mark Nielsen d. James Meredith 4-1Ret (inj)
(1) Adam Thompson d. (4) Matthew Prentice 6-4;6-2
(6) Tanya Samodelok d. (2) Leanne Baker 6-3;6-2
(4) Dianne Hollands d. (1) Kairangi Vano 6-4;4-6;7;7-6(2)
Finals
(4) Dianne Hollands d. (6) Tanya Samodelok 6-3 7-5
(2) Mark Nielsen d. (1) Adam Thompson 6-3 6-3
league : Warriors confirmed as new opponents for Lismore trial
The Jetstar Gold Coast Titans wish to advise that the New Zealand Warriors will replace the Wests Tigers as the club’s opponents in a pre-season trial match in Lismore in February next year after the Tigers withdrew from the arrangement.
Due to a misunderstanding in the revised terms of the agreement between the two clubs, the Tigers withdrew as an appearance fee could not be guaranteed by moving the game to a regional venue with a capacity of only 8,000 fans.
However, a full-strength NRL trial match will still go ahead as planned at Lismore’s Oakes Oval on February 28, with the Warriors agreeing to travel across the Tasman in what will mark the final pre-season hit-out for both clubs.
Tickets which have already been purchased for the trial match will remain valid, however a refunds policy will apply for fans who no longer want to attend the match. Fans in that situation need to contact the Lismore Workers Club.
“There was a misunderstanding regarding the revised terms of the agreement after both clubs initially agreed to move this year’s trial to Lismore so people in country NSW could attend the game,’’ said Jetstar Titans managing director Michael Searle.
“Whilst it is somewhat disappointing the Tigers have had to withdraw, it is great the Warriors have been able to agree to terms at short notice which will enable the Titans to fulfil our commitment to bringing top flight rugby league to the Northern Rivers region.
“The Titans have made this decision in the best interest of grassroots rugby league as all the proceeds are re-invested back into the local junior and senior rugby leagues in our catchment areas.’’
The Titans and Tigers were scheduled to play for the annual Larry Corowa Shield in Lismore. However, the Titans intend raising the possibility of still playing for the Shield when they clash in a premiership match in round 25 next season.
“Our club now intends to ask the Tigers to consider if they will allow the Larry Corowa Shield to become an annual premiership game clash. The concept was first floated by former Tigers CEO Steve Noyce late in season 2007 to acknowledge the role Larry played at the Tigers as well as his involvement in the game on the Gold Coast and in Northern NSW, ” said Searle.
“The Warriors showed last year they are a genuine top four contender for 2009 and it will be a full strength Titans and Warriors clash that takes the field on February 28.”
Due to a misunderstanding in the revised terms of the agreement between the two clubs, the Tigers withdrew as an appearance fee could not be guaranteed by moving the game to a regional venue with a capacity of only 8,000 fans.
However, a full-strength NRL trial match will still go ahead as planned at Lismore’s Oakes Oval on February 28, with the Warriors agreeing to travel across the Tasman in what will mark the final pre-season hit-out for both clubs.
Tickets which have already been purchased for the trial match will remain valid, however a refunds policy will apply for fans who no longer want to attend the match. Fans in that situation need to contact the Lismore Workers Club.
“There was a misunderstanding regarding the revised terms of the agreement after both clubs initially agreed to move this year’s trial to Lismore so people in country NSW could attend the game,’’ said Jetstar Titans managing director Michael Searle.
“Whilst it is somewhat disappointing the Tigers have had to withdraw, it is great the Warriors have been able to agree to terms at short notice which will enable the Titans to fulfil our commitment to bringing top flight rugby league to the Northern Rivers region.
“The Titans have made this decision in the best interest of grassroots rugby league as all the proceeds are re-invested back into the local junior and senior rugby leagues in our catchment areas.’’
The Titans and Tigers were scheduled to play for the annual Larry Corowa Shield in Lismore. However, the Titans intend raising the possibility of still playing for the Shield when they clash in a premiership match in round 25 next season.
“Our club now intends to ask the Tigers to consider if they will allow the Larry Corowa Shield to become an annual premiership game clash. The concept was first floated by former Tigers CEO Steve Noyce late in season 2007 to acknowledge the role Larry played at the Tigers as well as his involvement in the game on the Gold Coast and in Northern NSW, ” said Searle.
“The Warriors showed last year they are a genuine top four contender for 2009 and it will be a full strength Titans and Warriors clash that takes the field on February 28.”
Sailing : KOSATKA TEAM RUSSIA LEG THREE DAY 3 QFB
received 15.12.08 0610 GMT
"Max daggerboard down, please"
This rare call in the race so far marks the beginning of the 1000 NW beat to the top of Sumatra. To give you an idea of just how long a beat that is, it is as far as Miami to New York, slightly shorter than Sydney to Auckland or from Holland to the very most southern tip of Italy. Wow, that is more than a two-day drive!
It is not like we haven't been warned though. The statistics from the weather studies were daunting when we first got them. Whereas previous Volvo Ocean Races have been mainly a downwind and reaching trip around the planet, this edition we are in for a good beat(ing). Both this leg and the next leg stick out like a sore thumb with this one being the light to medium upwind stretch and the next leg to China the big breeze beat.
So the daggerboards that have been mostly dead weight so far in the race are now getting a chance to do their bit. Code Zero's are max trimmed in, and I don't think we will see the traveller much below centreline over the next days.
Getting the last percentages out of the boat is going to be crucial, and there is no better reference on how we are doing than the other boats. Fortunately, we have both Green Dragon and Ericsson within sight. As the conditions are still highly variable, changing gears well is where we can make the biggest gains. So we have the hand bearing compass and binoculars out to judge how we are doing.
"This high mode works well." "Little gain here with some more traveller up." "Nice work guys, the boat feels well balanced now." The speed team circle of the trimmers and driver is doing a great job and by the looks of things, they are going to be busy the next days!
As for us in the nav station, little differences in wind direction and wind speed have a large impact on our progress. Much more so than with the high speed reaching and downwind sailing that we have done in the previous legs.
Over the next days, the crucial question is when to tack north. It is clear that there is consistently is more wind up there in the Bay of Bengal, but we want to find a good opportunity get there. Go further east to get that better right hand shift, or go earlier to get to the stronger wind first. It will be all to play for once we get clear of the second Sri Lanka waypoint.
Wouter Verbraak - navigator
"Max daggerboard down, please"
This rare call in the race so far marks the beginning of the 1000 NW beat to the top of Sumatra. To give you an idea of just how long a beat that is, it is as far as Miami to New York, slightly shorter than Sydney to Auckland or from Holland to the very most southern tip of Italy. Wow, that is more than a two-day drive!
It is not like we haven't been warned though. The statistics from the weather studies were daunting when we first got them. Whereas previous Volvo Ocean Races have been mainly a downwind and reaching trip around the planet, this edition we are in for a good beat(ing). Both this leg and the next leg stick out like a sore thumb with this one being the light to medium upwind stretch and the next leg to China the big breeze beat.
So the daggerboards that have been mostly dead weight so far in the race are now getting a chance to do their bit. Code Zero's are max trimmed in, and I don't think we will see the traveller much below centreline over the next days.
Getting the last percentages out of the boat is going to be crucial, and there is no better reference on how we are doing than the other boats. Fortunately, we have both Green Dragon and Ericsson within sight. As the conditions are still highly variable, changing gears well is where we can make the biggest gains. So we have the hand bearing compass and binoculars out to judge how we are doing.
"This high mode works well." "Little gain here with some more traveller up." "Nice work guys, the boat feels well balanced now." The speed team circle of the trimmers and driver is doing a great job and by the looks of things, they are going to be busy the next days!
As for us in the nav station, little differences in wind direction and wind speed have a large impact on our progress. Much more so than with the high speed reaching and downwind sailing that we have done in the previous legs.
Over the next days, the crucial question is when to tack north. It is clear that there is consistently is more wind up there in the Bay of Bengal, but we want to find a good opportunity get there. Go further east to get that better right hand shift, or go earlier to get to the stronger wind first. It will be all to play for once we get clear of the second Sri Lanka waypoint.
Wouter Verbraak - navigator
Sailing : KOSATKA TEAM RUSSIA LEG THREE DAY 3 QFB
received 15.12.08 0457 GMT
The first two days haven’t been as we feared in our worst nightmares of no wind areas, just a few hours very light, but the breeze never died away completely.
The whole stretch to the western end of the Sri Lanka exclusion zone was very tactical and offered lots of opportunities to gain and lose and we had both. While getting off the start under A1 got us into second place, we lost the good position when we reached off too far from land in the land breeze off Quilon.
While we sailed into a light area there, the fleet benefitted from the stronger outflow close inshore. Once in the strait between mainland India and Sri Lanka it paid to sail low initially and we made good gains on the fleet, overtaking Ericsson 3. We were able to lay the mark while they had to gybe.
Now we are settling in for the 1000-mile beat to Sumatra against the northeast Monsoon where upwind speed will count most. Not a lot of wind shifts ahead, just the constant flow of wind coming from the wintery high pressure that covers most of northern Asia. The early seafarers did it the other way around, they followed the Monsoon, giving them an easy ride west in winter and back the other way the following summer.
It is great to race in sight of each other as it allows us for the first time to compare boat speed. Even though Kosatka is regarded as being a heavy weather boat, we were able to keep the pace in the light conditions. During the reach to the first waypoint, we felt slightly weak due to the lighter bulb and the light mode we are sailing in currently, even though we previously regarded it as a strength of the boat.
Andreas Hanakamp – skipper
The first two days haven’t been as we feared in our worst nightmares of no wind areas, just a few hours very light, but the breeze never died away completely.
The whole stretch to the western end of the Sri Lanka exclusion zone was very tactical and offered lots of opportunities to gain and lose and we had both. While getting off the start under A1 got us into second place, we lost the good position when we reached off too far from land in the land breeze off Quilon.
While we sailed into a light area there, the fleet benefitted from the stronger outflow close inshore. Once in the strait between mainland India and Sri Lanka it paid to sail low initially and we made good gains on the fleet, overtaking Ericsson 3. We were able to lay the mark while they had to gybe.
Now we are settling in for the 1000-mile beat to Sumatra against the northeast Monsoon where upwind speed will count most. Not a lot of wind shifts ahead, just the constant flow of wind coming from the wintery high pressure that covers most of northern Asia. The early seafarers did it the other way around, they followed the Monsoon, giving them an easy ride west in winter and back the other way the following summer.
It is great to race in sight of each other as it allows us for the first time to compare boat speed. Even though Kosatka is regarded as being a heavy weather boat, we were able to keep the pace in the light conditions. During the reach to the first waypoint, we felt slightly weak due to the lighter bulb and the light mode we are sailing in currently, even though we previously regarded it as a strength of the boat.
Andreas Hanakamp – skipper
Sailing : TELEFÓNICA BLUE LEG THREE DAY 3 QFB
received 15.12.08 0735 GMT
As expected, the fleet has compressed again, after a fast ride along Sri Lanka. Last night we were close with four boats, all under spinnaker and I don't know how many times we gybed, to protect our 2nd place, as Ericsson 4 had slipped through our lee.
We were all heading to the ‘pirate waypoint' and Si Fi (Simon Fisher – navigator) got a couple of extra grey hairs, since we were pretty close. The problem was that 2.5 knots of current pushed us down to the point, and of course you don't want to end up on the wrong side, as you than have to sail backwards, and go properly around the point. For some reason we lost Telefónica Black who were only a hundred metres behind us. Either they had a bad sail change or ended up on the wrong side of the point, as all of sudden they were 3 miles behind us.
Now sailing upwind with our big Code Zero, and just hanging in. Puma is going the best, Ericsson 4 second best and unfortunately, we are the worst. Just a matter of being patient and wait for the conditions to change. Still we have a lot of current against us, nearly 3 knots which doesn't help our progress and course, but at least we have breeze, so still making miles in the right direction. Everybody is feeling well, and it is not too hot, although some will disagree, but we are a happy vessel.
Cheers,
Bouwe Bekking - skipper
As expected, the fleet has compressed again, after a fast ride along Sri Lanka. Last night we were close with four boats, all under spinnaker and I don't know how many times we gybed, to protect our 2nd place, as Ericsson 4 had slipped through our lee.
We were all heading to the ‘pirate waypoint' and Si Fi (Simon Fisher – navigator) got a couple of extra grey hairs, since we were pretty close. The problem was that 2.5 knots of current pushed us down to the point, and of course you don't want to end up on the wrong side, as you than have to sail backwards, and go properly around the point. For some reason we lost Telefónica Black who were only a hundred metres behind us. Either they had a bad sail change or ended up on the wrong side of the point, as all of sudden they were 3 miles behind us.
Now sailing upwind with our big Code Zero, and just hanging in. Puma is going the best, Ericsson 4 second best and unfortunately, we are the worst. Just a matter of being patient and wait for the conditions to change. Still we have a lot of current against us, nearly 3 knots which doesn't help our progress and course, but at least we have breeze, so still making miles in the right direction. Everybody is feeling well, and it is not too hot, although some will disagree, but we are a happy vessel.
Cheers,
Bouwe Bekking - skipper
Motorsport : Wayne Boyd Celebrates Milestone Year At Prestigious Autosport Awards
London, 07 December 2008: This year’s British Formula Ford Champion and BRDC Superstar Wayne Boyd celebrated a milestone year in his racing career with a night amongst the stars of motor sport at the prestigious Autosport Awards ceremony in London on Sunday night (7 December).
Boyd, who is only 18 years old, was one of six finalists for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which was set up in 1989 to recognise and reward the talents of up-andcoming racing drivers.
Boyd is now working with his management team on finding a competitive seat in next year’s British Formula 3 Championship.
"I have really enjoyed testing with all the leading Formula 3 teams, but it is now crunch time. We need to decide what will be the best move, as we want to be fully prepared for the season ahead.
Next year will be a high profile year in the British F3 Championship, so we need to secure the most competitive drive possible. I’ll be aiming to take the fight to the field from the start of the season."
Ulsterman Boyd, from Templepatrick, won this year's British Formula Ford Championship and the annual Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in October, just days before his 18th birthday.
Sailing : DELTA LLOYD LEG THREE DAY 2 QFB
received 14.12.08 2042 GMT
The weather brief that we received from our meteorologist, Fritz Koek, has been spot on so far on leg 3. The short sprint from the start, down to the virtual marks that Volvo laid to the south of Sri Lanka, would be full of geographically placed 'bands of wind' and 'bands of little wind':
From the start - A band of westerly sea breeze
No wind
A band of land breeze from the east
No wind
A band of strong 20-knot wind from the east that funnels between India and Sri Lanka
Little wind on the lee side of Sri Lanka as we round the first waypoint (this is where we are now)
The strategic implications of this brief?
After the first park up, of no wind, the first boats to sail south into the land breeze from the east would jump ahead of the fleet. Winning the first 6 hours of the race would be key in this Yo-Yo race. During the first park-up, the entire fleet was separated, on a north-south basis of only 1 or 2 miles. 2 miles was all it took for the leaders to leap ahead 30 miles as they got the land breeze first and sailed away from the boats that were still adrift - Yo.
It was the time for the boats at the back to play catch-up as the leaders sailed into the next parking lot. We were all separated by only a handful of miles yet again. Yo
The leaders got south into the strong funnelling wind from the east and zoomed away. Yo
Still blast reaching at 20 knots the trailing boats caught back up to the leaders. Yo
How many more 'Yos' are left in this leg? Plenty! Stay tuned.
Matt Gregory - navigator
The weather brief that we received from our meteorologist, Fritz Koek, has been spot on so far on leg 3. The short sprint from the start, down to the virtual marks that Volvo laid to the south of Sri Lanka, would be full of geographically placed 'bands of wind' and 'bands of little wind':
From the start - A band of westerly sea breeze
No wind
A band of land breeze from the east
No wind
A band of strong 20-knot wind from the east that funnels between India and Sri Lanka
Little wind on the lee side of Sri Lanka as we round the first waypoint (this is where we are now)
The strategic implications of this brief?
After the first park up, of no wind, the first boats to sail south into the land breeze from the east would jump ahead of the fleet. Winning the first 6 hours of the race would be key in this Yo-Yo race. During the first park-up, the entire fleet was separated, on a north-south basis of only 1 or 2 miles. 2 miles was all it took for the leaders to leap ahead 30 miles as they got the land breeze first and sailed away from the boats that were still adrift - Yo.
It was the time for the boats at the back to play catch-up as the leaders sailed into the next parking lot. We were all separated by only a handful of miles yet again. Yo
The leaders got south into the strong funnelling wind from the east and zoomed away. Yo
Still blast reaching at 20 knots the trailing boats caught back up to the leaders. Yo
How many more 'Yos' are left in this leg? Plenty! Stay tuned.
Matt Gregory - navigator
Sailing : TELEFÓNICA BLACK LEG THREE DAY 2 QFB
received 14.12.08 1706 GMT
Hi everybody!
It has been a nice quiet day. The same fro the wind itself, until it started to blow around midday for about 3 hours, with gusts up to 25 knots, which made life a little bit difficult on board, but it was because it had been such a gentle start that we were not used to it! Ha ha!
The truth is that had very little wind last night until this morning. Last night we were in a bunch, everybody very close to one another, we were 20 metres apart from our Telefónica Blue, so you can imagine how close it was. But, step by step, everybody was positioning themselves and started to spread out a bit. In the morning, the situation of the fleet was not very different to that of the previous day. Until breeze made its way to the fleet, and some boats closer to shore started to make a significant gain.
It was like that until the winds calmed at sunset, and the fleet is again very tighten. We can all see the lights of our mates not very far away. We have 44 miles to go to the first of the two waypoints the race committee have placed in order to keep us a safe distance from turbulent waters of Sri Lanka. Nobody wants risks, as it is proved that the weather models are not very accurate. Keep in mind that we are into an unexplored region so far. Right now, we are the most leeward boat, and as we have to keep going down to the mark, and as the wind is expected to drop, we think we are in a nice position, but you never know in these waters!
Let's see what will happen tonight.
Regards
Los Blackies
Mikel Pasabant MCM
Hi everybody!
It has been a nice quiet day. The same fro the wind itself, until it started to blow around midday for about 3 hours, with gusts up to 25 knots, which made life a little bit difficult on board, but it was because it had been such a gentle start that we were not used to it! Ha ha!
The truth is that had very little wind last night until this morning. Last night we were in a bunch, everybody very close to one another, we were 20 metres apart from our Telefónica Blue, so you can imagine how close it was. But, step by step, everybody was positioning themselves and started to spread out a bit. In the morning, the situation of the fleet was not very different to that of the previous day. Until breeze made its way to the fleet, and some boats closer to shore started to make a significant gain.
It was like that until the winds calmed at sunset, and the fleet is again very tighten. We can all see the lights of our mates not very far away. We have 44 miles to go to the first of the two waypoints the race committee have placed in order to keep us a safe distance from turbulent waters of Sri Lanka. Nobody wants risks, as it is proved that the weather models are not very accurate. Keep in mind that we are into an unexplored region so far. Right now, we are the most leeward boat, and as we have to keep going down to the mark, and as the wind is expected to drop, we think we are in a nice position, but you never know in these waters!
Let's see what will happen tonight.
Regards
Los Blackies
Mikel Pasabant MCM
Sailing : ERICSSON 4 LEG THREE DAY TWO QFB:
received 14.12.08 1444 GMT
Hi there,
We are a little more than 30 hours into third leg. We already had quite a few restarts and there is another coming soon, here at the bottom of Sri Lanka.
Temperature outside is great for sailing. We don’t need wet weather gear, just a shirt to protect from the sun. Inside the boat is another story and the heat makes us sweat continuously and it is not nice even to rest quietly.
Our most favourite dishes, Chicken korma and Chicken Tikka don’t seem so nice anymore after we got used to real stuff in Cochin. It is nice to be back sailing but I wish the stop was a little longer so we could enjoy a little more of India.
Racing as usual has been pretty close, especially with this ‘stop and go's’ that recompresses the fleet. Wind has been light for periods but not too bad, so we are making good progress. After enjoying life at the extreme, life seems quiet onboard in these light conditions...
Fair winds,
Torben Grael - skipper
Hi there,
We are a little more than 30 hours into third leg. We already had quite a few restarts and there is another coming soon, here at the bottom of Sri Lanka.
Temperature outside is great for sailing. We don’t need wet weather gear, just a shirt to protect from the sun. Inside the boat is another story and the heat makes us sweat continuously and it is not nice even to rest quietly.
Our most favourite dishes, Chicken korma and Chicken Tikka don’t seem so nice anymore after we got used to real stuff in Cochin. It is nice to be back sailing but I wish the stop was a little longer so we could enjoy a little more of India.
Racing as usual has been pretty close, especially with this ‘stop and go's’ that recompresses the fleet. Wind has been light for periods but not too bad, so we are making good progress. After enjoying life at the extreme, life seems quiet onboard in these light conditions...
Fair winds,
Torben Grael - skipper
Sailing : TELEFÓNICA BLUE LEG THREE DAY TWO QFB
received 14.12.08 1311 GMT
It's been exciting racing so far in leg 3 despite it being all in slow motion at times due to the light winds off the coast. The usual anxiety and anticipation of having to wait for each sched every three hours has been absent so far - because we have been able to see each other for most of the time!
We have had a really good battle down the coast of India and now we are once more out in the open ocean heading for the first of our waypoints near Sri Lanka. Our passage down the coast was nice and smooth, not too many fishing boats or nets to contend with and the ones we did meet only needed a friendly wave as opposed to drastic evasive action. I am hoping we will be able to tell a similar story in the Strait of Malacca although I'm not going to be counting any chickens just yet! We did however have some wrangling with the Cochin weed early on the race but luckily came out not too badly scathed from the whole ordeal. Some nimble action with the weed stick from Daryl (Daryl Wislang/NZL) and Pepe Ribes/ESP) and without too much delay we were back up to race pace again.
We are now clear of the Indian coast and heading to the first of our Sri Lankan waypoints and, to be honest, it feels good to be back racing in the open ocean. For sure, the sunshine and 28 degree sea temperature is helping, it is wet on deck right now but it doesn't really matter and very pleasant compared with the sweltering temperatures down below which have been well up in the high 30's! It is a close call whether it is wetter on deck from the spray or downstairs from the sweat!
Despite the close racing, all in all things have been pretty relaxed so far, no doubt a result of having a good stopover in India, everyone has come back happy and refreshed. Hopefully we can keep this tempo up over the next few days. Tonight will no doubt be getting busy again as the wind drops and the fleet compresses once more but with everyone thriving on the competition right now, we are happy to bring it on!
Cheers,
Simon Fisher - navigator
It's been exciting racing so far in leg 3 despite it being all in slow motion at times due to the light winds off the coast. The usual anxiety and anticipation of having to wait for each sched every three hours has been absent so far - because we have been able to see each other for most of the time!
We have had a really good battle down the coast of India and now we are once more out in the open ocean heading for the first of our waypoints near Sri Lanka. Our passage down the coast was nice and smooth, not too many fishing boats or nets to contend with and the ones we did meet only needed a friendly wave as opposed to drastic evasive action. I am hoping we will be able to tell a similar story in the Strait of Malacca although I'm not going to be counting any chickens just yet! We did however have some wrangling with the Cochin weed early on the race but luckily came out not too badly scathed from the whole ordeal. Some nimble action with the weed stick from Daryl (Daryl Wislang/NZL) and Pepe Ribes/ESP) and without too much delay we were back up to race pace again.
We are now clear of the Indian coast and heading to the first of our Sri Lankan waypoints and, to be honest, it feels good to be back racing in the open ocean. For sure, the sunshine and 28 degree sea temperature is helping, it is wet on deck right now but it doesn't really matter and very pleasant compared with the sweltering temperatures down below which have been well up in the high 30's! It is a close call whether it is wetter on deck from the spray or downstairs from the sweat!
Despite the close racing, all in all things have been pretty relaxed so far, no doubt a result of having a good stopover in India, everyone has come back happy and refreshed. Hopefully we can keep this tempo up over the next few days. Tonight will no doubt be getting busy again as the wind drops and the fleet compresses once more but with everyone thriving on the competition right now, we are happy to bring it on!
Cheers,
Simon Fisher - navigator
Sailing : ERICSSON 3 LEG THREE DAY 2 QFB
received 14.12.08 0840 GMT
We started to windward and were fighting for a long time with Puma, Telefónica Blue and Ericsson 4. We actually passed Telefónica last night. We put the throttle down and passed them to windward and then we bore off and sailed down just in front of them. But a lot has happened since.
During the night, the wind suddenly picked up a lot and we were splashing along in 16 knots of boatspeed. The guys below almost fell out of their bunks.
The temperature was perfect and the wind was cooling of our sunburned faces. It had been a very hot and sunny day and it was nice to be on deck in the darkness.
Since the start, the wind has been very up and down in strength and changing direction several times. This morning we had just 50 meters of separation from the Russians. We tacked away and found ourselves on 180 degrees course from each other.
The entire fleet was gathered, we could see everyone. We had almost no wind at all and it was essential to catch the small gusts that were approaching. Unfortunately, we did not do very well. We missed a few chances to make better gains. We feel that we are not very fast in the light and we have to improve, quickly. We haven’t really followed our own strategy and now we have only two boats behind us. We are not happy with that, says Mange Olsson with a frustrated face.
Now the wind is back again and we are bumping a long in 18 to 20 knots of breeze and the same speed aiming to get back in the game.
Gustav Morin - MCM
We started to windward and were fighting for a long time with Puma, Telefónica Blue and Ericsson 4. We actually passed Telefónica last night. We put the throttle down and passed them to windward and then we bore off and sailed down just in front of them. But a lot has happened since.
During the night, the wind suddenly picked up a lot and we were splashing along in 16 knots of boatspeed. The guys below almost fell out of their bunks.
The temperature was perfect and the wind was cooling of our sunburned faces. It had been a very hot and sunny day and it was nice to be on deck in the darkness.
Since the start, the wind has been very up and down in strength and changing direction several times. This morning we had just 50 meters of separation from the Russians. We tacked away and found ourselves on 180 degrees course from each other.
The entire fleet was gathered, we could see everyone. We had almost no wind at all and it was essential to catch the small gusts that were approaching. Unfortunately, we did not do very well. We missed a few chances to make better gains. We feel that we are not very fast in the light and we have to improve, quickly. We haven’t really followed our own strategy and now we have only two boats behind us. We are not happy with that, says Mange Olsson with a frustrated face.
Now the wind is back again and we are bumping a long in 18 to 20 knots of breeze and the same speed aiming to get back in the game.
Gustav Morin - MCM
Sailing : GREEN DRAGON LEG THREE DAY 2 QFB:
received 14.12.08 0806 GMT
After a good start off the line, it was frustrating to get swallowed up and spat out by the fleet. We seemed way off the pace and for two position reports we were bringing up the rear of the pack. The only good thing was that this gave us the freedom to carry out our plan of staying in close to the shore.
After losing three boats by being too offshore in the last day into Cochin, it was a case of once bitten twice shy for the Dragon. We had no intention of letting anyone inside us and even gybed in at 90 degrees to our course at one stage to be best place to catch the end of the sea breeze and the start of the breeze off the land.
Fortunately, this seems to have been what transpired and Steve Hayles can rest in the knowledge that his first call as navigator has been a good one. It not only took us from last to first, but it is doubly important as we have now sailed into a freshening breeze and although Telefónica Blue has passed us, our lead on the pack has grown dramatically.
This morning we had every boat in the fleet in sight but now we can only see Telefónica Blue in front of us, Ericsson 4 a few miles behind us and Puma a further 6 or so behind them. I think the fleet will compress again at the turning mark but for now, it is nice to be up with the leaders.
The atmosphere is good onboard especially as I think we all know deep down that it will take forever to get to Singapore and Christmas onboard could well be a reality. We have had no problems with the boat apart from the distraction of a stowaway cricket. As Justin (Justin Slattery/IRL) succinctly put it as he was trying to get to sleep: 'it sounds like we're camping'. Fortunately, the noise seems to have gone away since some decent breeze came in - maybe he has taken a swim.
Right now, we have 160 miles to the turning mark off Sri Lanka and we are reaching at 18 knots in 20 knots of wind under full main and jib top. I suspect this is the fastest we will be going at any time on this leg but I hope I am wrong.
Ian Walker - skipper
After a good start off the line, it was frustrating to get swallowed up and spat out by the fleet. We seemed way off the pace and for two position reports we were bringing up the rear of the pack. The only good thing was that this gave us the freedom to carry out our plan of staying in close to the shore.
After losing three boats by being too offshore in the last day into Cochin, it was a case of once bitten twice shy for the Dragon. We had no intention of letting anyone inside us and even gybed in at 90 degrees to our course at one stage to be best place to catch the end of the sea breeze and the start of the breeze off the land.
Fortunately, this seems to have been what transpired and Steve Hayles can rest in the knowledge that his first call as navigator has been a good one. It not only took us from last to first, but it is doubly important as we have now sailed into a freshening breeze and although Telefónica Blue has passed us, our lead on the pack has grown dramatically.
This morning we had every boat in the fleet in sight but now we can only see Telefónica Blue in front of us, Ericsson 4 a few miles behind us and Puma a further 6 or so behind them. I think the fleet will compress again at the turning mark but for now, it is nice to be up with the leaders.
The atmosphere is good onboard especially as I think we all know deep down that it will take forever to get to Singapore and Christmas onboard could well be a reality. We have had no problems with the boat apart from the distraction of a stowaway cricket. As Justin (Justin Slattery/IRL) succinctly put it as he was trying to get to sleep: 'it sounds like we're camping'. Fortunately, the noise seems to have gone away since some decent breeze came in - maybe he has taken a swim.
Right now, we have 160 miles to the turning mark off Sri Lanka and we are reaching at 18 knots in 20 knots of wind under full main and jib top. I suspect this is the fastest we will be going at any time on this leg but I hope I am wrong.
Ian Walker - skipper
Sailing : KOSATKA TEAM RUSSIA LEG THREE DAY TWO QFB
received 14.12.08 0239 GMT
All doubts about the ‘new route’ must have been wiped out with the Cochin stopover. India and the city of Cochin have been a fantastic host to the fleet; people welcomed us with such a friendship and enthusiasm. Even though coming here was difficult for us at the end of leg 2, I wish to come back again.
We started this leg with two new faces on board, Scotty (Scott Gray/GBR) our rigger as second bowman as Oleg (Zherebtsov) has left for St. Petersburg and Sergey )Sergey Bogdanov/RUS) as new media crew member. Both have been sailing with Kosatka extensively over the summer and know boat and the team well.
The first 15 hours in the race have been closer racing than ever before, this morning the fleet was summoned within sight of each other and at one stage, at dawn, we would have been able to talk directly to il Mostro and Ericsson 3 at the same time. What a great race and it feels good to be able to race the other boats that close.
We are sailing the boat in light mode, having just taken the bare necessities onboard. Everything we had the slightest doubt whether we will need it, was left behind, I hope that pays off. Thanks to Nick Bubb and Ben Costello for the great effort put in.
Andreas Hanakamp - skipper
All doubts about the ‘new route’ must have been wiped out with the Cochin stopover. India and the city of Cochin have been a fantastic host to the fleet; people welcomed us with such a friendship and enthusiasm. Even though coming here was difficult for us at the end of leg 2, I wish to come back again.
We started this leg with two new faces on board, Scotty (Scott Gray/GBR) our rigger as second bowman as Oleg (Zherebtsov) has left for St. Petersburg and Sergey )Sergey Bogdanov/RUS) as new media crew member. Both have been sailing with Kosatka extensively over the summer and know boat and the team well.
The first 15 hours in the race have been closer racing than ever before, this morning the fleet was summoned within sight of each other and at one stage, at dawn, we would have been able to talk directly to il Mostro and Ericsson 3 at the same time. What a great race and it feels good to be able to race the other boats that close.
We are sailing the boat in light mode, having just taken the bare necessities onboard. Everything we had the slightest doubt whether we will need it, was left behind, I hope that pays off. Thanks to Nick Bubb and Ben Costello for the great effort put in.
Andreas Hanakamp - skipper
Sailing : PUMA LEG THREE DAY TWO QFB:
received 14.12.08 0553 GMT
We have gotten exactly what was expected so far in the first 20 hours of the race. Hot, light, tricky and very variable conditions.
But first, back to the beginning of the adventure. Leg 3: India to Singapore. And what a send off it was.
A Volvo Ocean Race send off is becoming a bit second nature. Meet in the morning at our team compound, team meeting, weather briefing, team walks to the beginning of the dock--but then it got different.
At the beginning of the dock, there were thousands of Indians waiting to see the teams as they paraded to the boats. Just a final reminder of how hospitable the Indian stop was for all of us. Forget the fact that we all learned so much about a culture that we had never laid eyes on before; it was the people who made the difference. Hospitable, friendly, inviting, and really, really interested in the Volvo Ocean Race. Just a reminder that we are ambassadors for our sport in so many ways, bringing sailing to places, which had never even heard of a sailboat race before -never mind this travelling circus called the Volvo Ocean Race.
This was also the first place I have been to where we chose to be towed off the dock. Mainly because of all the floating weed and small tree's and various other stuff in the water. And, when I say there is a lot of it, I mean almost ‘walk on it’ thick. No way to protect our propellers from all the guck so we decided to tow around the parade and show off the boats to the tens of thousands who lined the shores of the bay to just get a glimpse of the boats.
The parade also gave us a chance to meet our new friend and ‘Bollywood’ movie star Dino Morea - good guy - and joined us with Jochen Zeitz the CEO of PUMA and Martin Bowen who oversees PUMA India in addition to many other regions. All good guys, but there did come a point where we finally had to hurry them off the boat just minutes prior to the start.
Bang...gun goes and we are off. A good start for the home team and an early lead, but this is becoming a bit of a theme. In the evening the lead evaporated as did the wind and all of us took turns at the front of the pack. As morning came, the entire fleet was piled up on top of each other. A long night with nothing to show for it but a re-start.
On board it is also very familiar. It is really beginning to feel like home - in front of this computer. A lot of the same jokes, a bunk that always has gear underneath poking me in the back. Bad food and warm water. Pretty much status quo. But, for this leg at least there is no large low pressure brewing as of yet to knock our socks off as the last two legs had.
We have a fairly light and tricky beat across the Bay of Bengal after rounding the southern tip of Sri Lanka. All new for us. Places that I never imagined I would be racing.
Should be a very interesting 10 days or so, stay tuned.
Kenny Read - skipper
We have gotten exactly what was expected so far in the first 20 hours of the race. Hot, light, tricky and very variable conditions.
But first, back to the beginning of the adventure. Leg 3: India to Singapore. And what a send off it was.
A Volvo Ocean Race send off is becoming a bit second nature. Meet in the morning at our team compound, team meeting, weather briefing, team walks to the beginning of the dock--but then it got different.
At the beginning of the dock, there were thousands of Indians waiting to see the teams as they paraded to the boats. Just a final reminder of how hospitable the Indian stop was for all of us. Forget the fact that we all learned so much about a culture that we had never laid eyes on before; it was the people who made the difference. Hospitable, friendly, inviting, and really, really interested in the Volvo Ocean Race. Just a reminder that we are ambassadors for our sport in so many ways, bringing sailing to places, which had never even heard of a sailboat race before -never mind this travelling circus called the Volvo Ocean Race.
This was also the first place I have been to where we chose to be towed off the dock. Mainly because of all the floating weed and small tree's and various other stuff in the water. And, when I say there is a lot of it, I mean almost ‘walk on it’ thick. No way to protect our propellers from all the guck so we decided to tow around the parade and show off the boats to the tens of thousands who lined the shores of the bay to just get a glimpse of the boats.
The parade also gave us a chance to meet our new friend and ‘Bollywood’ movie star Dino Morea - good guy - and joined us with Jochen Zeitz the CEO of PUMA and Martin Bowen who oversees PUMA India in addition to many other regions. All good guys, but there did come a point where we finally had to hurry them off the boat just minutes prior to the start.
Bang...gun goes and we are off. A good start for the home team and an early lead, but this is becoming a bit of a theme. In the evening the lead evaporated as did the wind and all of us took turns at the front of the pack. As morning came, the entire fleet was piled up on top of each other. A long night with nothing to show for it but a re-start.
On board it is also very familiar. It is really beginning to feel like home - in front of this computer. A lot of the same jokes, a bunk that always has gear underneath poking me in the back. Bad food and warm water. Pretty much status quo. But, for this leg at least there is no large low pressure brewing as of yet to knock our socks off as the last two legs had.
We have a fairly light and tricky beat across the Bay of Bengal after rounding the southern tip of Sri Lanka. All new for us. Places that I never imagined I would be racing.
Should be a very interesting 10 days or so, stay tuned.
Kenny Read - skipper
Sailing : DELTA LLOYD LEG THREE DAY 1 QFB:
received 13.12.08 1357 GMT
We are about 3 hours into the start of leg 3. Right now the entire fleet is sailing due south along the west coast of India. We are currently enjoying a very nice westerly sea breeze. We are flying our A4, big downwind sail and cruising along nicely at 10 knots of boatspeed in 9 to 11 knots of wind. This wind won't last forever. I expect the wind to die in about 2 hours...we will most likely come to a complete stop. Wind is coming however. The winter Monsoon wind, and its northeast gradient should come to save us and propel us along to the south once again.
Volvo has place an exclusion zone around the south coast of Sri Lanka. There is a gang of pirates that occupy the region of the exclusion zone. Apparently, they even have their own 'air force'. In an effort to avoid starting a 'turf war', the race will pass to the south of a line of virtual marks that will give us a safe distance between ‘the bad guys’ and us.
Once we pass the landmasses of India and Sri Lanka we will be able to head east across the Bay of Bengal. The northeast Monsoon winds will still be our driving weather pattern through this 1000-mile stretch of open ocean. Sailing mostly on port tack, at maximum upwind angles we will have a couple strategic decisions to make during this section of the course.
To the north of our track is more wind. To the south, a light and shifty convergence zone that is full of clouds, rain and not much wind. However because of the mechanical forces that propel the boat through the water, going south is quite easy, going north is very difficult. We can reach a bit, to sail faster, but we will be flirting with being swallowed up in the convergence zone. While sailing to the north seems like the obvious choice, we can only sail so close to the wind, so getting to the windier areas might be costly if we have to sail in full 'upwind mode'. It will be very costly if we have to tack to starboard to get more wind....we'll all just have to wait and see what micro weather systems exist when we turn east.
The last 600 miles of the race will be incredibly tricky as we sail down the Malacca Straights- the waterway between Sumatra and Malaysia. This is a narrow strip of water that is full of fishing boats, fishing nets, commercial shipping, more fishing nets, and, yes, more pirates. But this is also an area of very little wind and an opposing current. This section of the race is bound to be incredibly difficult.
If we are lucky, we will be in Singapore by Christmas. For the past couple days, all the wives and girlfriends of my teammates have asked me if my forecasting models will get us to Singapore in time for Christmas... I didn't have the heart to tell them directly what I was thinking. The truth is, I don't care when we get to Singapore. All I want for Christmas this year is a podium finish.
Matt Gregory - Navigator
We are about 3 hours into the start of leg 3. Right now the entire fleet is sailing due south along the west coast of India. We are currently enjoying a very nice westerly sea breeze. We are flying our A4, big downwind sail and cruising along nicely at 10 knots of boatspeed in 9 to 11 knots of wind. This wind won't last forever. I expect the wind to die in about 2 hours...we will most likely come to a complete stop. Wind is coming however. The winter Monsoon wind, and its northeast gradient should come to save us and propel us along to the south once again.
Volvo has place an exclusion zone around the south coast of Sri Lanka. There is a gang of pirates that occupy the region of the exclusion zone. Apparently, they even have their own 'air force'. In an effort to avoid starting a 'turf war', the race will pass to the south of a line of virtual marks that will give us a safe distance between ‘the bad guys’ and us.
Once we pass the landmasses of India and Sri Lanka we will be able to head east across the Bay of Bengal. The northeast Monsoon winds will still be our driving weather pattern through this 1000-mile stretch of open ocean. Sailing mostly on port tack, at maximum upwind angles we will have a couple strategic decisions to make during this section of the course.
To the north of our track is more wind. To the south, a light and shifty convergence zone that is full of clouds, rain and not much wind. However because of the mechanical forces that propel the boat through the water, going south is quite easy, going north is very difficult. We can reach a bit, to sail faster, but we will be flirting with being swallowed up in the convergence zone. While sailing to the north seems like the obvious choice, we can only sail so close to the wind, so getting to the windier areas might be costly if we have to sail in full 'upwind mode'. It will be very costly if we have to tack to starboard to get more wind....we'll all just have to wait and see what micro weather systems exist when we turn east.
The last 600 miles of the race will be incredibly tricky as we sail down the Malacca Straights- the waterway between Sumatra and Malaysia. This is a narrow strip of water that is full of fishing boats, fishing nets, commercial shipping, more fishing nets, and, yes, more pirates. But this is also an area of very little wind and an opposing current. This section of the race is bound to be incredibly difficult.
If we are lucky, we will be in Singapore by Christmas. For the past couple days, all the wives and girlfriends of my teammates have asked me if my forecasting models will get us to Singapore in time for Christmas... I didn't have the heart to tell them directly what I was thinking. The truth is, I don't care when we get to Singapore. All I want for Christmas this year is a podium finish.
Matt Gregory - Navigator
Sailing : ERICSSON 4 LEG THREE DAY 1 QFB:
received 13.12.08 1456 GMT
Leg 3 starts and we are all wondering where all the time is going. We had a great stop in Cochin and I am sure you will be hearing India being praised by all teams. It was a fantastic and friendly place and I for one would be more than happy if the race returned here. Admittedly there are a few people who didn’t enjoy the culture as much as others did, but this probably has more to do with ‘Deli Belly’ and the power of the chilli pepper, than the place itself.
I personally enjoyed feasting on different strength curries for every meal and I was in heaven here!
We are sailing in 4kts of wind right now and are in sight of most of the fleet. We have Puma just in front; Tele Blue and E3 are just offshore of us. Last we saw was the Russians, Green Dragon and Tele black inshore.
I hear the boys talking and they seem most concerned about the 3 inshore right now - we were looking good against them last sched, but the worry is they have more wind and are slipping up the inside – I guess we will know in an hour and a half.
The night air is not only light, but also warm and we still feel over dressed in t-shirt and shorts. The moon is bright - in fact, yesterday the moon was the closest it had been to earth in 50 years, it is so bright that everything is casting a shadow. On the negative side, the tides will be very strong!
Everyone is still on deck and it will take a little while to get used to the watch system and life onboard once more. It is a journey into the unknown once more and I am sure it will make everything that little more exciting again.
Guy Salter MCM
Leg 3 starts and we are all wondering where all the time is going. We had a great stop in Cochin and I am sure you will be hearing India being praised by all teams. It was a fantastic and friendly place and I for one would be more than happy if the race returned here. Admittedly there are a few people who didn’t enjoy the culture as much as others did, but this probably has more to do with ‘Deli Belly’ and the power of the chilli pepper, than the place itself.
I personally enjoyed feasting on different strength curries for every meal and I was in heaven here!
We are sailing in 4kts of wind right now and are in sight of most of the fleet. We have Puma just in front; Tele Blue and E3 are just offshore of us. Last we saw was the Russians, Green Dragon and Tele black inshore.
I hear the boys talking and they seem most concerned about the 3 inshore right now - we were looking good against them last sched, but the worry is they have more wind and are slipping up the inside – I guess we will know in an hour and a half.
The night air is not only light, but also warm and we still feel over dressed in t-shirt and shorts. The moon is bright - in fact, yesterday the moon was the closest it had been to earth in 50 years, it is so bright that everything is casting a shadow. On the negative side, the tides will be very strong!
Everyone is still on deck and it will take a little while to get used to the watch system and life onboard once more. It is a journey into the unknown once more and I am sure it will make everything that little more exciting again.
Guy Salter MCM
Sailing : TELEFÓNICA BLUE LEG THREE DAY ONE QFB:
received 13.12.08 1455 GMT
We had had a great farewell from the people of Cochin. The parade down the dock took a little longer as anticipated and the sun was burning down on us, a good practice for what we expect over the next week, but the atmosphere was great.
After some sailing around past all the spectators, we headed out to the start line. A bit different here than in Alicante and Cape Town - a gentle breeze and no worries with spectators boats, as there were hardly any out.
We had a good start, but Puma got their nose out just half a boat length, and that made it a bit difficult for us as were dictated by them, just follow the leader. The two Ericsson boats were right on our hip, and we sailed for about two hours, slowly stretching on them. Then all of a sudden we lost speed. A quick look through the endoscope, and we learned that we had weed on the keel and rudder, and they both rolled us. Amazing such a bad effect some pieces of weed have on the performance.
Right now, the breeze has dropped to 4-5 knots and we still sail at around 6 knots, hopefully the breeze stays in. ERT 3 is half a boat length in front of us, and we can read their instruments. In about 20 miles we should get more wind, coming back from the east, at least that is what our own weather model predicts. The team that sticks its nose in this first, for sure will get a jump on the rest. Right now we are spread out, some right on the beach and us about eight miles off. Time will tell who comes out best.
Cheers,
Bouwe Bekking - skipper
We had had a great farewell from the people of Cochin. The parade down the dock took a little longer as anticipated and the sun was burning down on us, a good practice for what we expect over the next week, but the atmosphere was great.
After some sailing around past all the spectators, we headed out to the start line. A bit different here than in Alicante and Cape Town - a gentle breeze and no worries with spectators boats, as there were hardly any out.
We had a good start, but Puma got their nose out just half a boat length, and that made it a bit difficult for us as were dictated by them, just follow the leader. The two Ericsson boats were right on our hip, and we sailed for about two hours, slowly stretching on them. Then all of a sudden we lost speed. A quick look through the endoscope, and we learned that we had weed on the keel and rudder, and they both rolled us. Amazing such a bad effect some pieces of weed have on the performance.
Right now, the breeze has dropped to 4-5 knots and we still sail at around 6 knots, hopefully the breeze stays in. ERT 3 is half a boat length in front of us, and we can read their instruments. In about 20 miles we should get more wind, coming back from the east, at least that is what our own weather model predicts. The team that sticks its nose in this first, for sure will get a jump on the rest. Right now we are spread out, some right on the beach and us about eight miles off. Time will tell who comes out best.
Cheers,
Bouwe Bekking - skipper
Sailing : Bollywood Star Dino Morea joins PUMA for Cochin start PUMA leads the Volvo Ocean Race away from India
December 13, 2008 – Bollywood star Dino Morea today joined the PUMA team for the start of the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. In over 30 degrees heat, thousands upon thousands of spectators flocked to the Volvo Ocean Race village in Cochin, India, to bid PUMA with Dino Morea onboard, and the race fleet goodbye. PUMA made a great start to the 1,950 nautical mile leg to Singapore, Malaysia, at 1530 local (1000 GMT), leading the eight boat fleet as they headed south, towards the tip of India.
This is the first time that a Bollywood star has ever joined a sailing team. 33 year old Dino, a keen sportsman, has starred in over 20 Bollywood films as well as having a successful modeling career working with some of India’s top designers. PUMA and the Volvo Ocean Race fleet conducted a parade of sail for spectators along the Mattancheri Channel in front of the race village, before heading out into open water for the official start of leg three.
The leg to Singapore is expected to be generally very light and flukey, presenting difficult sailing conditions for the fleet, as well as tough living conditions onboard in extremely hot and humid temperatures. Once more, the fleet are heading into the unknown, as the race course takes them across the Indian Ocean to Malaysia for the first time.
PUMA Ocean Racing skipper Ken Read commented on the dock this morning: “Thanks to our amazing shore team, designers and engineers, our boat il mostro is back at 100% and we are ready to go. This leg will be tough. It’s going to be hot, hot, hot, and then the heat will get cranked right up. As well as the heat making it physically intense, it is going to be tough mentally. We’re expecting it to end up being three different races; the race to Sri Lanka, a race across the Bay of Bengal, and then a race down the Straits of Malacca. There could be re-starts, there could be crap-shoots, I think it will be interesting for you guys back here to watch. It’s certainly not going to be ‘normal’.”
Speaking at the pre-start press conference yesterday, Read commented on the fact that this is the first time the race has ever visited India: “It's clear that India has taken in this race with open arms and the race has taken India in with open arms. It's been a wonderful experience here. I think we were all looking forward to it on the one hand, but felt slight trepidation on the other hand because we're venturing into the unknown. So far, I think it's been proved to all involved that this could have been one of the best decisions ever made in boat racing, to bring the race to this part of the world.”
Speaking after his experience aboard PUMA today, Bollywood star Dino Morea commented: “Sailing aboard PUMA today was fantastic. A once in a lifetime experience. It is an amazing sport, and high endurance. I was out on the water for about three hours and I’m exhausted. These guys do it for up to three or four weeks at a stretch, living in a small cabin, with no ventilation or showers, water thrown in their face, extreme heat, extreme cold…they go through so much – it’s not like a hundred metre sprint, where you run and you are over, there’s more to it – you live it, and it’s tough.”
“It’s not just a boat race, once you are out at sea, sailing with the wind behind you, and you get going at quite a speed, it’s quite amazing. There’s so much that goes into the endurance they have, it’s incredible. I saw the crew grinding, man it’s tough…there’s a lot going on, all the time, it takes some getting used to. I have been following the race since it began back in Alicante in October, and it was great to find out what goes on behind the scenes. Interacting with the skipper and the crew on the PUMA boat…it’s just something else. I think it’s fantastic to have the Volvo Ocean Race stop here in India, it just goes to show how people consider India, how important India is right now on the map. It’s great that they have stopped here in Cochin, and make India part of the race.”
The race fleet is expected to arrive in Singapore on 23rd December where the PUMA team plans to spend Christmas. The Volvo Ocean Race is made up of ten legs, finishing in June 2009 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
This is the first time that a Bollywood star has ever joined a sailing team. 33 year old Dino, a keen sportsman, has starred in over 20 Bollywood films as well as having a successful modeling career working with some of India’s top designers. PUMA and the Volvo Ocean Race fleet conducted a parade of sail for spectators along the Mattancheri Channel in front of the race village, before heading out into open water for the official start of leg three.
The leg to Singapore is expected to be generally very light and flukey, presenting difficult sailing conditions for the fleet, as well as tough living conditions onboard in extremely hot and humid temperatures. Once more, the fleet are heading into the unknown, as the race course takes them across the Indian Ocean to Malaysia for the first time.
PUMA Ocean Racing skipper Ken Read commented on the dock this morning: “Thanks to our amazing shore team, designers and engineers, our boat il mostro is back at 100% and we are ready to go. This leg will be tough. It’s going to be hot, hot, hot, and then the heat will get cranked right up. As well as the heat making it physically intense, it is going to be tough mentally. We’re expecting it to end up being three different races; the race to Sri Lanka, a race across the Bay of Bengal, and then a race down the Straits of Malacca. There could be re-starts, there could be crap-shoots, I think it will be interesting for you guys back here to watch. It’s certainly not going to be ‘normal’.”
Speaking at the pre-start press conference yesterday, Read commented on the fact that this is the first time the race has ever visited India: “It's clear that India has taken in this race with open arms and the race has taken India in with open arms. It's been a wonderful experience here. I think we were all looking forward to it on the one hand, but felt slight trepidation on the other hand because we're venturing into the unknown. So far, I think it's been proved to all involved that this could have been one of the best decisions ever made in boat racing, to bring the race to this part of the world.”
Speaking after his experience aboard PUMA today, Bollywood star Dino Morea commented: “Sailing aboard PUMA today was fantastic. A once in a lifetime experience. It is an amazing sport, and high endurance. I was out on the water for about three hours and I’m exhausted. These guys do it for up to three or four weeks at a stretch, living in a small cabin, with no ventilation or showers, water thrown in their face, extreme heat, extreme cold…they go through so much – it’s not like a hundred metre sprint, where you run and you are over, there’s more to it – you live it, and it’s tough.”
“It’s not just a boat race, once you are out at sea, sailing with the wind behind you, and you get going at quite a speed, it’s quite amazing. There’s so much that goes into the endurance they have, it’s incredible. I saw the crew grinding, man it’s tough…there’s a lot going on, all the time, it takes some getting used to. I have been following the race since it began back in Alicante in October, and it was great to find out what goes on behind the scenes. Interacting with the skipper and the crew on the PUMA boat…it’s just something else. I think it’s fantastic to have the Volvo Ocean Race stop here in India, it just goes to show how people consider India, how important India is right now on the map. It’s great that they have stopped here in Cochin, and make India part of the race.”
The race fleet is expected to arrive in Singapore on 23rd December where the PUMA team plans to spend Christmas. The Volvo Ocean Race is made up of ten legs, finishing in June 2009 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Sailing : Day 34 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe
Sam Davies’ daily log - It’s Snowing!
Hello Everyone!
Cold reached a whole new level last night, when it started snowing and now I’m in a nice little freezing snow squall! Brrrrr! Yesterday was just a beautiful day, albeit full of sail changes and ?maneuvers, however, as it was sunny and the sea was beautiful, I didn't ?mind running around on deck! I even had my factor 50 Avene sun cream on! ? ?At the end of the day, there was a beautiful sunset, and I have photographic ?proof, as it is a rare sight down here. What followed was an amazing clear ?night with a full moon, and lots of the maneuvers, but I was happy to? experience such an amazing night. It’s "summer ?time" down here in the Southern Ocean and as we are so far south now, we must be nearing the longest day as it never really getting dark. To? the South, the sky stayed that deep "twilight" blue as the sun can't ?have been far from the horizon. To the north, the moon lit up the sky? brilliantly, meaning there was enough light that I could have spotted an iceberg; fortunately I? didn't! ?? The sky wasn't totally clear though, and there were a few ?40-knot snow squalls hanging around. It was fun to see my first snow of the? South, and with all the sail changing involved in keeping Roxy upright ?in variable conditions I didn't even notice the cold! S x”
At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 14th position, 854 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec-Virbac 2
Hello Everyone!
Cold reached a whole new level last night, when it started snowing and now I’m in a nice little freezing snow squall! Brrrrr! Yesterday was just a beautiful day, albeit full of sail changes and ?maneuvers, however, as it was sunny and the sea was beautiful, I didn't ?mind running around on deck! I even had my factor 50 Avene sun cream on! ? ?At the end of the day, there was a beautiful sunset, and I have photographic ?proof, as it is a rare sight down here. What followed was an amazing clear ?night with a full moon, and lots of the maneuvers, but I was happy to? experience such an amazing night. It’s "summer ?time" down here in the Southern Ocean and as we are so far south now, we must be nearing the longest day as it never really getting dark. To? the South, the sky stayed that deep "twilight" blue as the sun can't ?have been far from the horizon. To the north, the moon lit up the sky? brilliantly, meaning there was enough light that I could have spotted an iceberg; fortunately I? didn't! ?? The sky wasn't totally clear though, and there were a few ?40-knot snow squalls hanging around. It was fun to see my first snow of the? South, and with all the sail changing involved in keeping Roxy upright ?in variable conditions I didn't even notice the cold! S x”
At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 14th position, 854 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec-Virbac 2
sailing : PUMA LEADS AS VOLVO OCEAN RACE LEG THREE GETS UNDERWAY
Cochin in India, bid farewell to the Volvo Ocean Race fleet today at 1530 local time (1000 GMT) after the eight teams spent a sensational past two weeks in India, the first time the race has visited this area.
In a light sea breeze of around five to six knots, Green Dragon (Ian Walker/GBR) led the fleet across the line in a downwind start as the crews unfurled their big gennakers.
Team Russia (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT) had problems unfurling their gennaker after what looked like a good starting position, and were quickly hundreds of metres back.
Telefónica Blue (Bouwe Bekking/NED) made a move well out to the right along with PUMA (Ken Read/USA), and Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA), while Green Dragon remained closer to the coast and watched the others surge ahead. As this leading bunch started to curl in towards the shore, making the most of the northwesterly sea breeze, which will fade in the next two hours as daylight fails, it was PUMA who led the leading pack.
This 1950 nautical mile leg to Sentosa Island, Singapore is expected to take the fleet around eight days to complete, but first the fleet has to negotiate the southern tip of both India and Sri Lanka. Conditions are expected to be light and fluky for the entire trip and very tricky for the navigators, not only in interpreting the weather, but also in dealing with very congested shipping lanes and lots of fishing fleets. It will be mentally taxing, with the heat and humidity an added endurance factor.
There are no turning marks at the start of the leg and the next mark of the course will be the scoring gate set off Pulau We, near the northern tip of Sumatra. Here the fleet will be faced with an important decision – whether to sail north or south of the rhumb line. Race Meteorologist, Jennifer Lilly, says sailing north of the rhumb line, the fleet is likely to face moderate northeast to east-northeast upwind conditions. But, says Jennifer, if they sail south of the rhumb line, the winds could back to become more westerly and with more favourable downwind angles. However, wind speeds are generally lighter and there tends to be more rainsqualls. How to attack this split breeze could make for some interesting tactics to the scoring gate.
Earlier today, when the gates opened to the Race Village, spectators came in their thousands to see the fleet leave the dock. Some two hours later, the queues to get into the race village were still snaking for hundreds of metres down the road and, when the time came for the sailors to parade through the crowds and down to the pontoons, it made for one of the most spectacular departure ceremonies this event has ever seen.
The Indian people, while unfamiliar with this race and its history, have shown incredible enthusiasm on this first visit to Asia. They pressed deep into the passage walked by the sailors and, with arms waving and voices coarse, mobbed the crews and took pictures of them as they walked one-by-one to their boats.
What should have been a quick 200-metre walk took most crews seven or eight minutes. No one seemed to mind. “Unbelievable,” Bouwe Bekking said to Jonathan Swain as Telefónica Blue escaped the gauntlet. The welcome was not just reserved for the front-runners. For each sailor, be it Team Russia’s Wouter Verbraak, who only arrived in the country in the last 36 hours because of visa issues, or runaway leader Torben Grael, the reception was incredible.
At 1110 GMT today, two miles separated the fleet from first to last and the whole fleet was just four miles off the coast. Closest inshore was Team Russia and furthest offshore was Delta Lloyd (Roberto Bermudez/ESP).The order was:
Puma (Ken Read/USA)
Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA)
Telefónica Blue (Bouwe Bekking/NED)
Ericsson 3 (Anders Lewander/SWE)
Telefónica Black (Fernando Echávarri/ESP)
Delta Lloyd (Roberto Bermudez/ESP)
Green Dragon (Ian Walker/GBR)
Team Russia (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT)
In a light sea breeze of around five to six knots, Green Dragon (Ian Walker/GBR) led the fleet across the line in a downwind start as the crews unfurled their big gennakers.
Team Russia (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT) had problems unfurling their gennaker after what looked like a good starting position, and were quickly hundreds of metres back.
Telefónica Blue (Bouwe Bekking/NED) made a move well out to the right along with PUMA (Ken Read/USA), and Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA), while Green Dragon remained closer to the coast and watched the others surge ahead. As this leading bunch started to curl in towards the shore, making the most of the northwesterly sea breeze, which will fade in the next two hours as daylight fails, it was PUMA who led the leading pack.
This 1950 nautical mile leg to Sentosa Island, Singapore is expected to take the fleet around eight days to complete, but first the fleet has to negotiate the southern tip of both India and Sri Lanka. Conditions are expected to be light and fluky for the entire trip and very tricky for the navigators, not only in interpreting the weather, but also in dealing with very congested shipping lanes and lots of fishing fleets. It will be mentally taxing, with the heat and humidity an added endurance factor.
There are no turning marks at the start of the leg and the next mark of the course will be the scoring gate set off Pulau We, near the northern tip of Sumatra. Here the fleet will be faced with an important decision – whether to sail north or south of the rhumb line. Race Meteorologist, Jennifer Lilly, says sailing north of the rhumb line, the fleet is likely to face moderate northeast to east-northeast upwind conditions. But, says Jennifer, if they sail south of the rhumb line, the winds could back to become more westerly and with more favourable downwind angles. However, wind speeds are generally lighter and there tends to be more rainsqualls. How to attack this split breeze could make for some interesting tactics to the scoring gate.
Earlier today, when the gates opened to the Race Village, spectators came in their thousands to see the fleet leave the dock. Some two hours later, the queues to get into the race village were still snaking for hundreds of metres down the road and, when the time came for the sailors to parade through the crowds and down to the pontoons, it made for one of the most spectacular departure ceremonies this event has ever seen.
The Indian people, while unfamiliar with this race and its history, have shown incredible enthusiasm on this first visit to Asia. They pressed deep into the passage walked by the sailors and, with arms waving and voices coarse, mobbed the crews and took pictures of them as they walked one-by-one to their boats.
What should have been a quick 200-metre walk took most crews seven or eight minutes. No one seemed to mind. “Unbelievable,” Bouwe Bekking said to Jonathan Swain as Telefónica Blue escaped the gauntlet. The welcome was not just reserved for the front-runners. For each sailor, be it Team Russia’s Wouter Verbraak, who only arrived in the country in the last 36 hours because of visa issues, or runaway leader Torben Grael, the reception was incredible.
At 1110 GMT today, two miles separated the fleet from first to last and the whole fleet was just four miles off the coast. Closest inshore was Team Russia and furthest offshore was Delta Lloyd (Roberto Bermudez/ESP).The order was:
Puma (Ken Read/USA)
Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA)
Telefónica Blue (Bouwe Bekking/NED)
Ericsson 3 (Anders Lewander/SWE)
Telefónica Black (Fernando Echávarri/ESP)
Delta Lloyd (Roberto Bermudez/ESP)
Green Dragon (Ian Walker/GBR)
Team Russia (Andreas Hanakamp/AUT)
Tennis : WEST END CUP HEATS UP
The weather wasn't the only thing heating up at the West End Cup NZMT4 in association with Configure Express with all top seeds taking the court . There were some expected wins but also some upsets along the way.
Top seed Kairangi Vano had a tough three setter against former pro Pavlina Nola taking over two hours before advancing. Fourth seed Dianne Hollands and second seed Leanne Baker had straight set wins in their quarterfinals. Junior Tanya Samodelok continued her strong run taking out number three seed Shona Lee 7/5 7/6.
In the men's quarterfinals third seed James Shortall went down to James Meredith 6/2 6/4. Second seed Mark Nielsen and fourth seed Matt Prentice had straight set wins over former Davis Cup team member Robert Cheyne and eighth seed Jackson Bodle. Top seed Adam Thompson had a shaky start in his quarters losing the first set 6/1, but then went on to beat Steven Downs in three.
Quarterfinal Results
(2) Mark Nielsen d. (6) Robert Cheyne 6-3;6-2
James Meredith d. (3) James Shortall 6-3;6-4
(4) Matthew Prentice d. (8) Jackson Bodle 6-2;6-2
(1) Adam Thompson d. (7) Steven Downs 1-6 6-4 6-2
(2) Leanne Baker d. (8) Alice Laing 6-1;6-2
(6) Tanya Samodelok d. (3) Shona Lee 7-5;7-6;7-6(11-9)
(4) Dianne Hollands d. Taylor Douglas 6-2;6-0
(1) Kairangi Vano d. (5) Pavlina Nola 5-7;6-4;6-2
Full results http://tennisnz.infonetwork.com/tournaments/draws.asp?tid=5185881
Top seed Kairangi Vano had a tough three setter against former pro Pavlina Nola taking over two hours before advancing. Fourth seed Dianne Hollands and second seed Leanne Baker had straight set wins in their quarterfinals. Junior Tanya Samodelok continued her strong run taking out number three seed Shona Lee 7/5 7/6.
In the men's quarterfinals third seed James Shortall went down to James Meredith 6/2 6/4. Second seed Mark Nielsen and fourth seed Matt Prentice had straight set wins over former Davis Cup team member Robert Cheyne and eighth seed Jackson Bodle. Top seed Adam Thompson had a shaky start in his quarters losing the first set 6/1, but then went on to beat Steven Downs in three.
Quarterfinal Results
(2) Mark Nielsen d. (6) Robert Cheyne 6-3;6-2
James Meredith d. (3) James Shortall 6-3;6-4
(4) Matthew Prentice d. (8) Jackson Bodle 6-2;6-2
(1) Adam Thompson d. (7) Steven Downs 1-6 6-4 6-2
(2) Leanne Baker d. (8) Alice Laing 6-1;6-2
(6) Tanya Samodelok d. (3) Shona Lee 7-5;7-6;7-6(11-9)
(4) Dianne Hollands d. Taylor Douglas 6-2;6-0
(1) Kairangi Vano d. (5) Pavlina Nola 5-7;6-4;6-2
Full results http://tennisnz.infonetwork.com/tournaments/draws.asp?tid=5185881
Powerboats : Victory 1 Takes Pole As Dubai Team Clinches C1 Powerboat Title Hat-Trick
Dubai (UAE): After seven rounds of breathtaking competition, the Dubai Victory Team’s Nader Ben Hendi and Mohammed Al Marri yesterday (Friday) won the EDOX Pole Position World Championship – the pre-race speed trials for the Class 1 World Championship - by just five hundredths of second.
The Victory 1 crew set themselves up for first place on the grid for today’s (Saturday) Emirates and Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix with an average speed of 191.16kmh for a best lap time of 2m:37.29s compared to the 2m:37.34s of arch rivals Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani and Steve Curtis in Qatar 96.
“We couldn’t have scripted it better,” smiled Ben Hendi, after adding the Pole Position crown to the World and Middle East Championships clinched by the Victory 1 crew at last week’s Mina Seyahi Grand Prix. “We were lagging well behind early on but once again we’ve turned it around and produced the best time of the day. Thanks to our crew, we feel we can win every time.”
Ben Hendi and Al Marri went into the final round with a slim three-point lead over rivals Sheikh Hassan and Curtis knowing a win by the Qatar/UK crew would steal the title right at the death.
With Qatar 96 setting an early lap time over three seconds quicker than the Victory pilots, the title looked destined for Doha. But with 17 minutes of the session remaining, Victory 1 returned to the water to blast their rivals away with a time that ultimately guaranteed them their fourth Pole from seven starts despite a last-gasp effort by Qatar 96.
In the dying minutes of the session, spectators witnessed the remarkable sight of the two championship challengers racing just yards apart as the fight for Pole Position bragging rights went down to the last possible second – a fact not lost on Sheikh Hassan.
“I think it was dirty tactics on their part – they took away our chance of competing in clean water,” he said with a wry smile as Qatar’s last remaining title chance slipped into the night at Mina Seyahi.
Curtis – winner of the Pole Position world crown for the past seven seasons – was more philosophical. “Sure, Victory 1 came on to the course just as we were completing our final turn and you can’t help but change your racing line when that happens but these things are part of racing. Do I condemn it? Not at all.”
On hand to present the trophy to the winners was HH Sheikh Mayed bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, patron of the Sea Dubai watersports festival which draws to a close with the Emirates & Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix today (Saturday), eighth and final round of the Class 1 World Championship.
“It was a great honour to have HH Sheikh Mayed here to support us,” said Al Marri, who has completed a surprise racing comeback by winning two world titles some seven years after last lifting the Class 1 crown. “It’s been an unbelievable season for us and we’ll be aiming to end it in style tomorrow with another win, although we know it’s going to be very tough.”
Third on the grid for today’s race is Jotun 90, crewed by Jorn Tanberg and Inge Brigt Aarbakke of Norway, who also clinched third overall in the EDOX Pole Position World Championship. The scarlet boat is the only boat other than Victory 1 to win a race this season and Tanberg admitted he was excited by the prospect of putting on a show for the thousands expected to fill the grandstands at the Dubai International Marine Club.
“I think you can safely say we’re back in business,” smiled Tanberg, a winner in both Norway and Romania this year. “After we won the European Championship, we struggled for two races but now I think we are as good as we were when we won in the summer. Hopefully, we can carry that form into the final race of the year.”
The Emirates & Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix will get underway at Mina Seyahi at 2.30pm today (Saturday) with entrance free of charge.
-Ends-
Results – EDOX Pole Position Round Seven (Emirates/DDF GP)
1. Victory 1 – Ben Hendi/Al Marri (UAE) 2m:37.29s (191.16kmh)
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani/Curtis (Q/UK) 2m:37.34s (191.10kmh)
3. Jotun 90 – Aarbakke/Tandberg (Nor) 2m:38.92s (189.20kmh)
4. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti/Nicolini (Q/I) 2m:38.98s (189.13kmh)
5. Roscioli Hotels Roma – Carrasco/Carpitella (I)2m:41.50s (186.18kmh)
Final EDOX Pole Position World Championship
1. Victory 1 – Ben Hendi/Al Marri (UAE) 122pts
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani/Curtis (Q/UK) 114pts
3. Jotun 90 – Aarbakke/Tandberg (Nor) 82pts
4. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti/Nicolini (Q/I) 68pts
5. Victory 7 – Al Mehairbi/Sanchez (UAE) 50pts
The Victory 1 crew set themselves up for first place on the grid for today’s (Saturday) Emirates and Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix with an average speed of 191.16kmh for a best lap time of 2m:37.29s compared to the 2m:37.34s of arch rivals Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani and Steve Curtis in Qatar 96.
“We couldn’t have scripted it better,” smiled Ben Hendi, after adding the Pole Position crown to the World and Middle East Championships clinched by the Victory 1 crew at last week’s Mina Seyahi Grand Prix. “We were lagging well behind early on but once again we’ve turned it around and produced the best time of the day. Thanks to our crew, we feel we can win every time.”
Ben Hendi and Al Marri went into the final round with a slim three-point lead over rivals Sheikh Hassan and Curtis knowing a win by the Qatar/UK crew would steal the title right at the death.
With Qatar 96 setting an early lap time over three seconds quicker than the Victory pilots, the title looked destined for Doha. But with 17 minutes of the session remaining, Victory 1 returned to the water to blast their rivals away with a time that ultimately guaranteed them their fourth Pole from seven starts despite a last-gasp effort by Qatar 96.
In the dying minutes of the session, spectators witnessed the remarkable sight of the two championship challengers racing just yards apart as the fight for Pole Position bragging rights went down to the last possible second – a fact not lost on Sheikh Hassan.
“I think it was dirty tactics on their part – they took away our chance of competing in clean water,” he said with a wry smile as Qatar’s last remaining title chance slipped into the night at Mina Seyahi.
Curtis – winner of the Pole Position world crown for the past seven seasons – was more philosophical. “Sure, Victory 1 came on to the course just as we were completing our final turn and you can’t help but change your racing line when that happens but these things are part of racing. Do I condemn it? Not at all.”
On hand to present the trophy to the winners was HH Sheikh Mayed bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, patron of the Sea Dubai watersports festival which draws to a close with the Emirates & Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix today (Saturday), eighth and final round of the Class 1 World Championship.
“It was a great honour to have HH Sheikh Mayed here to support us,” said Al Marri, who has completed a surprise racing comeback by winning two world titles some seven years after last lifting the Class 1 crown. “It’s been an unbelievable season for us and we’ll be aiming to end it in style tomorrow with another win, although we know it’s going to be very tough.”
Third on the grid for today’s race is Jotun 90, crewed by Jorn Tanberg and Inge Brigt Aarbakke of Norway, who also clinched third overall in the EDOX Pole Position World Championship. The scarlet boat is the only boat other than Victory 1 to win a race this season and Tanberg admitted he was excited by the prospect of putting on a show for the thousands expected to fill the grandstands at the Dubai International Marine Club.
“I think you can safely say we’re back in business,” smiled Tanberg, a winner in both Norway and Romania this year. “After we won the European Championship, we struggled for two races but now I think we are as good as we were when we won in the summer. Hopefully, we can carry that form into the final race of the year.”
The Emirates & Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix will get underway at Mina Seyahi at 2.30pm today (Saturday) with entrance free of charge.
-Ends-
Results – EDOX Pole Position Round Seven (Emirates/DDF GP)
1. Victory 1 – Ben Hendi/Al Marri (UAE) 2m:37.29s (191.16kmh)
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani/Curtis (Q/UK) 2m:37.34s (191.10kmh)
3. Jotun 90 – Aarbakke/Tandberg (Nor) 2m:38.92s (189.20kmh)
4. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti/Nicolini (Q/I) 2m:38.98s (189.13kmh)
5. Roscioli Hotels Roma – Carrasco/Carpitella (I)2m:41.50s (186.18kmh)
Final EDOX Pole Position World Championship
1. Victory 1 – Ben Hendi/Al Marri (UAE) 122pts
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani/Curtis (Q/UK) 114pts
3. Jotun 90 – Aarbakke/Tandberg (Nor) 82pts
4. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti/Nicolini (Q/I) 68pts
5. Victory 7 – Al Mehairbi/Sanchez (UAE) 50pts
General : Beyond Sport Awards 2009 Open For Entries
BARCLAYS SPACES FOR SPORTS BECOMES BEYOND SPORT SPONSOR
Beyond Sport – the global initiative backed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which seeks to unearth, celebrate and support the world’s most inspirational sports projects, people and organisations that drive positive change through sport – has announced that its inaugural Beyond Sport Awards are now open for entries.
There are 11 Award categories covering the entire sporting spectrum of corporate and social responsibility, change and philanthropy. A shortlist of entries will go before the Beyond Sport Judging Panel of Ambassadors, chaired by Tony Blair, who will choose the winner of each category.
The winners in eight categories will receive funding and long-term support to help them to become fully sustainable. All winners will be announced at the inaugural Beyond Sport Summit to be held in London on 8-9 July 2009.
Groups and individuals from across the globe can enter their social change projects in the Beyond Sport Awards via www.beyondsport.org, the initiative’s community-driven website where social entrepreneurs in sport can also share their ideas and insights with each other.
Tony Blair, Chairman of the Beyond Sport Ambassadors, stated: “I’m delighted to be able to announce that the Beyond Sport Awards are now open for entries. This is the first step towards our goal of recognising and supporting the most inspirational projects that use sport to drive a positive message. We look forward to receiving submissions from all corners of the world providing real working examples of sport’s unparalleled power as an instigator of social change.”
The announcement of the opening of the entry process coincides with the unveiling of a new Official Partner for the initiative in the form of Barclays Spaces for Sports. Barclays Spaces for Sports has already opened 200 sustainable sports sites across the UK, benefiting more than half a million people. Following its success to date it has now expanded globally.
The programme has operated in the UK via a successful partnership between Barclays, the Football Foundation and Groundwork.
Rachael Barber, Head of Global Community Investment at Barclays, said: “Barclays Spaces for Sports recognises the power of sport to deliver substantial social change. This is a view shared by the Beyond Sport initiative which makes the association between the two organisations such a natural partnership. Together we will strive to demonstrate how much of a positive impact sport can have on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.”
If you are involved with or know of a project that you think deserves to be considered for the Awards, please visit www.beyondsport.org
Beyond Sport – the global initiative backed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which seeks to unearth, celebrate and support the world’s most inspirational sports projects, people and organisations that drive positive change through sport – has announced that its inaugural Beyond Sport Awards are now open for entries.
There are 11 Award categories covering the entire sporting spectrum of corporate and social responsibility, change and philanthropy. A shortlist of entries will go before the Beyond Sport Judging Panel of Ambassadors, chaired by Tony Blair, who will choose the winner of each category.
The winners in eight categories will receive funding and long-term support to help them to become fully sustainable. All winners will be announced at the inaugural Beyond Sport Summit to be held in London on 8-9 July 2009.
Groups and individuals from across the globe can enter their social change projects in the Beyond Sport Awards via www.beyondsport.org, the initiative’s community-driven website where social entrepreneurs in sport can also share their ideas and insights with each other.
Tony Blair, Chairman of the Beyond Sport Ambassadors, stated: “I’m delighted to be able to announce that the Beyond Sport Awards are now open for entries. This is the first step towards our goal of recognising and supporting the most inspirational projects that use sport to drive a positive message. We look forward to receiving submissions from all corners of the world providing real working examples of sport’s unparalleled power as an instigator of social change.”
The announcement of the opening of the entry process coincides with the unveiling of a new Official Partner for the initiative in the form of Barclays Spaces for Sports. Barclays Spaces for Sports has already opened 200 sustainable sports sites across the UK, benefiting more than half a million people. Following its success to date it has now expanded globally.
The programme has operated in the UK via a successful partnership between Barclays, the Football Foundation and Groundwork.
Rachael Barber, Head of Global Community Investment at Barclays, said: “Barclays Spaces for Sports recognises the power of sport to deliver substantial social change. This is a view shared by the Beyond Sport initiative which makes the association between the two organisations such a natural partnership. Together we will strive to demonstrate how much of a positive impact sport can have on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.”
If you are involved with or know of a project that you think deserves to be considered for the Awards, please visit www.beyondsport.org
Football : Tottenham Hotspur Release Spurs A-Z DVD
Spurs A-Z DVD Out Now
Released on DVD this week Spurs A-Z gives fans a chance to get inside the world of Tottenham Hotspur with this action packed, football crazy programme that will uncover everything you need to know about Spurs.
A light hearted look at the clubs history, the DVD is aimed at younger fans but has plenty for adults, taking a look back at some of the greatest players and achievements from past and present. With a newfound knowledge on everything Tottenham Hotspur fans will get to grips with the stats, facts, and secrets about the club, getting the lowdown on players like David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas, and Ledley King as viewers are taken behind the scenes of White Hart Lane.
Fans will step back in time and revisit action from legends such as Glenn Hoddle, and Jimmy Greaves and as the programme delves a little deeper viewers will get to know some of the greatest ever Spurs sides, including the double winning team of the 1960’s.
True entertainment for the whole family, fans will be treated to a ‘Pythonesque’ appearance by Jurgen Klinsmann, as well as a section on some of the funniest quotes to come from the mouths of commentators, managers and players.
“Spurs A-Z” will be released into Tottenham club Stores and www.tottenhamhotspur.com RRP £17.99. Release date 12th December.
Spurs A-Z
A is for Aaron Lennon N is for Bill Nicholson
B is for David Bentley O is for Overseas Players
C is for Cockerel P is for Premier League
D is for Derby Q is for Quotes
E is for European Adventures R is for Records
F is for Free Kicks S is for Showmanship
G is for David Ginola T is for Titles
H is for Hat Tricks U is for Unstoppable
I is for Internationals V is for Victorious
J is for Jermaine Jenas W is for White Hart Lane
K is for Jurgen Klinsmann X is for Xtra Time
L is for Last Minute Drama Y is for Young Guns
M is for Midfield Heroes Z is for GaZZa
Boating : Fiji to become more superyacht friendly
Two positive moves have been announced by the Fiji Island government that will made it a more friendly destination for superyachts and other boats to visit.
Firstly the period that a visiting yacht can stay in these Pacific islands has been returned to 18 months from the nine months limit that was introduced by the previous government. The current interim government states that the reduced period was hindering the county's vital tourist trade. The revised regulation starts on January 1, 2009.
The change was announced by the Interim Prime Minister and acting Finance Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. He added that the re-entry rule of nine months would also be removed.
In a second move he indicated that the government would support the superyacht industry in Fiji by establishing a national yacht charter policy. This will also be implemented from January 1, 2009 and to devise it a working committee of relevant government and other agencies chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Trade has been set up. Among the agencies are the Departments of Immigration, Quarantine, Fijian Affairs Board (FAB), police, Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA), Ministry of Finance and others.
www.ibi.com
Firstly the period that a visiting yacht can stay in these Pacific islands has been returned to 18 months from the nine months limit that was introduced by the previous government. The current interim government states that the reduced period was hindering the county's vital tourist trade. The revised regulation starts on January 1, 2009.
The change was announced by the Interim Prime Minister and acting Finance Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. He added that the re-entry rule of nine months would also be removed.
In a second move he indicated that the government would support the superyacht industry in Fiji by establishing a national yacht charter policy. This will also be implemented from January 1, 2009 and to devise it a working committee of relevant government and other agencies chaired by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Trade has been set up. Among the agencies are the Departments of Immigration, Quarantine, Fijian Affairs Board (FAB), police, Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA), Ministry of Finance and others.
www.ibi.com
Sailing : VOLVO OCEAN RACE LEG THREE PREVIEW:
SAILING INTO THE UNKNOWN
The Volvo Ocean Race fleet is set to sail into the unknown on Saturday when leg three starts from Cochin, India. The finish line is off Singapore, and the fleet is expected to take just over a week to get there.
Following the first ever stopover for the race in Asia, the eight teams are preparing to tackle what is expected to be a light, fluky, upwind leg, with plenty of potential pitfalls along the way.
Leg three is the shortest so far in the race – at 1,950 nautical miles – and takes the fleet around the southern tip of India and west into the Straits of Malacca, which ranks amongst the busiest shipping channels in the world. As much of the route straddles the equator, light, changeable conditions are expected for much of the leg.
“It’s going to be a tough leg, with more upwind than in previous legs, and a lot of hazards along the way, so I think it will be quite exciting,” said Torben Grael, the skipper of the race leading Ericsson 4. “There will be a lot of challenges and it could be decided by luck or a cloud.”
“I have a feeling that we really don’t have any idea as to what might happen,” agreed Ian Walker, the skipper of Green Dragon. “I wouldn’t make any predictions on this leg; we just have to get on it.”
In addition to the commercial shipping hazard, large fishing fleets made up of small, local boats could prove difficult to avoid, while piracy remains a threat on this leg as well. Conditions on board will be extremely uncomfortable, as the equatorial heat and humidity takes its toll on the crews.
For all that, at the skippers’ press conference on Friday, many of the sailors spoke of how much they have enjoyed their brief time in Cochin, a place that few professional sailors expected to encounter in their careers.
“It’s clear that India has taken in this race with open arms and the race has taken India in with open arms,” enthused PUMA skipper Ken Read. “It’s been a wonderful experience here. I think we were all looking forward to it on the one hand but felt slight trepidation on the other hand because we’re venturing into the unknown. But so far, it’s proved to all involved that this could be one of the best decisions ever made in boat racing to bring the race to this part of the world.”
The race start for leg three is scheduled for 1530 local time in Cochin (1000 GMT) and will follow a Parade of Sail as well as a ‘Ceremonial Start’ (at 1400 local) which will take place in the channel alongside the Race Village. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the river banks and in the Race Village itself to send the fleet off to Singapore.
The Volvo Ocean Race fleet is set to sail into the unknown on Saturday when leg three starts from Cochin, India. The finish line is off Singapore, and the fleet is expected to take just over a week to get there.
Following the first ever stopover for the race in Asia, the eight teams are preparing to tackle what is expected to be a light, fluky, upwind leg, with plenty of potential pitfalls along the way.
Leg three is the shortest so far in the race – at 1,950 nautical miles – and takes the fleet around the southern tip of India and west into the Straits of Malacca, which ranks amongst the busiest shipping channels in the world. As much of the route straddles the equator, light, changeable conditions are expected for much of the leg.
“It’s going to be a tough leg, with more upwind than in previous legs, and a lot of hazards along the way, so I think it will be quite exciting,” said Torben Grael, the skipper of the race leading Ericsson 4. “There will be a lot of challenges and it could be decided by luck or a cloud.”
“I have a feeling that we really don’t have any idea as to what might happen,” agreed Ian Walker, the skipper of Green Dragon. “I wouldn’t make any predictions on this leg; we just have to get on it.”
In addition to the commercial shipping hazard, large fishing fleets made up of small, local boats could prove difficult to avoid, while piracy remains a threat on this leg as well. Conditions on board will be extremely uncomfortable, as the equatorial heat and humidity takes its toll on the crews.
For all that, at the skippers’ press conference on Friday, many of the sailors spoke of how much they have enjoyed their brief time in Cochin, a place that few professional sailors expected to encounter in their careers.
“It’s clear that India has taken in this race with open arms and the race has taken India in with open arms,” enthused PUMA skipper Ken Read. “It’s been a wonderful experience here. I think we were all looking forward to it on the one hand but felt slight trepidation on the other hand because we’re venturing into the unknown. But so far, it’s proved to all involved that this could be one of the best decisions ever made in boat racing to bring the race to this part of the world.”
The race start for leg three is scheduled for 1530 local time in Cochin (1000 GMT) and will follow a Parade of Sail as well as a ‘Ceremonial Start’ (at 1400 local) which will take place in the channel alongside the Race Village. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the river banks and in the Race Village itself to send the fleet off to Singapore.
Sailing : VOLVO OCEAN RACE GREEN DRAGON CREW LIST CORRECTION
GREEN DRAGON
1. Ian Walker/GBR - skipper
2. Steve Hayles/GBR - navigator
3. Guo Chuan/CHN - MCM
4. Damian Foxall/IRL – watch captain
5. Neal McDonald/GBR – watch captain
6. Anthony Merrington/AUS – helmsman/trimmer
7. Phil Harmer/AUS – helmsman/trimmer
8. James Carroll/AUS – pitman/trimmer
9. Andrew Mclean/NZL – pitman/trimmer
10.Freddie Shanks/GBR - bowman
11.Justin Slattery/IRL – bowman
ON: Steve Hayles/GBR – navigator
James Carroll/IRL – pitman
OFF: Ian Moore/IRL – navigator OFF
Tom Braidwood/AUS – pitman/trimmer
1. Ian Walker/GBR - skipper
2. Steve Hayles/GBR - navigator
3. Guo Chuan/CHN - MCM
4. Damian Foxall/IRL – watch captain
5. Neal McDonald/GBR – watch captain
6. Anthony Merrington/AUS – helmsman/trimmer
7. Phil Harmer/AUS – helmsman/trimmer
8. James Carroll/AUS – pitman/trimmer
9. Andrew Mclean/NZL – pitman/trimmer
10.Freddie Shanks/GBR - bowman
11.Justin Slattery/IRL – bowman
ON: Steve Hayles/GBR – navigator
James Carroll/IRL – pitman
OFF: Ian Moore/IRL – navigator OFF
Tom Braidwood/AUS – pitman/trimmer
Sailing : Day 33 onboard Roxy in the Vendée Globe
Sam Davies’ daily log Sam’ll Fix It!
“Hello everyone from a rough and windy Southern Ocean! The last 24 hours have been really busy. I eventually managed to get a good trim for my Code 0 and managed a few extra miles thanks to that sail, until the wind increased too much. The change to Solent and dropping of the gennaker was really full on – to be on the bow of Roxy as we surfed the big swell at 20 knots was quite impressive. I seemed to be either 6m in the air (as we took off) or under water (as we landed!). It was good exercise, but there is no room for the smallest of errors out here. It seems that Roxy likes it windy. With that extra few knots we managed to more or less match the speed of Brian and Bernard, who are in newer boats just ahead of me, so we were both happy! However, Roxy was craving attention yesterday, and in the evening she decided to give me some technical challenges. The first was one of my alternators failing to start up. I have two, plus other ways of charging, but down here with the pilot on high gain settings (to cope with the waves), we are using quite a lot of electricity and working alternators are imperative. Luckily, after chasing cables I found the loose connection and the repair was an easy one. Obviously, Roxy was not happy that I had fixed her so efficiently, so problem number 2 quickly arrived. I had just changed down to staysail as there was 35-40 knots of wind, and when I went to cant the keel back up...nothing happened! Again, I have a back-up manual pump on my keel system, but it takes all day pumping to move the keel just a tiny way (or so it seems), so that is not really an option. So, in the dark, with my head-torch, volt-meter and tools, I found myself head first in the batteries and keel hydraulics as Roxy hurtled down the huge waves at break-neck speeds! I would have much preferred to be in bed, but in this race, a problem must be fixed immediately to ensure it does not get worse. Luckily, again, I singled out a faulty solenoid and managed to re-cable the system to bypass the defective part. I was rewarded by the sweet whining of the hydraulics as my keel put itself back to max cant to Port! After all that, I managed to get into my sleeping bag for a few hours. I was interrupted twice by small wipe-outs down rather big waves, where I had to dash out and help the pilot get Roxy back in the right direction. Upon waking, I was happy to discover that the weather front was passing over us. The sky is blue, the sun is out and there are still 35 knots of wind, although I have changed back to Solent and Roxy is happy! The scenery out here is amazing, and a sunny sky over an angry sea is a beautiful sight; I try to take photos, but it is never as intense as in real life. Today’s photo is just to show you that, even with everything I have described going on, there is still girl-time on board Roxy. Yesterday I managed to give myself a manicure (needless to say, this lifestyle is not good for beautiful nails), albeit with my penknife!
Have a good Friday!
S x”
At 1100 UK time, Sam Davies aboard Roxy was in 15th position, 735 miles from race leader Jean-Pierre Dick aboard Paprec-Virbac 2
Golf : FTI Announces Global Partnership with Padraig Harrington
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – December 12, 2008 – FTI Consulting (NYSE: FCN), the world’s leader in event driven consulting, today announced that it has entered into a multi-year global partnership to become a leading sponsor of Padraig Harrington, the leading international golfer and triple Major championship winner.
FTI’s partnership with Mr. Harrington, the winner of the last two British Open Golf Championships and the 2008 PGA Championship, includes FTI branding on the front of Mr. Harrington’s hat and agreed co-marketing initiatives around the world for the next number of years.
Mr. Harrington, whose latest recognition was to be named PGA European Tour’s Golfer of the Year, qualified as a certified accountant before becoming a professional golfer, mirroring the background of a number of FTI’s 3,600 professionals around the world.
He has earned praise and admiration all over the world in recent years for his consistency, drive, perseverance, reliability, determination and focus -- key brand attributes that best describe FTI as a company. FTI’s professionals are advising CEOs, board members, governments, law firms, banks and oversight committees on many of the most prominent crises, restructurings, litigation and related matters dominating the headlines throughout the world today.
“Our new partnership with Padraig Harrington represents the next stage in the evolution of the FTI brand and our Company’s presence all over the world,” said Declan Kelly, FTI’s Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer. “In 2009 we intend to maintain our strong growth strategy and that means expanding our presence and our brand awareness to as many corners of the world as possible, especially in the markets where we now have a physical operational presence.”
He added: “Through an integrated international marketing and business development program that encapsulates all of our diverse service offerings and segments, we intend to continue to put ourselves front and center for all key decision makers around the world who are in need of consulting advice, whether that be in corporate finance, forensic accounting, litigation consulting, strategic communications, economic consulting or e-discovery.
“We believe there is no other company that offers the range of solutions and advisory services that FTI provides today and we believe the next several years are going to be a period of great opportunity for our Company. Padraig has shown himself to have all the qualities required to be a world class athlete over a sustained period of time. He is a proven winner and we are very proud to be embarking on this new journey together.”
Commenting on the new sponsorship agreement, Padraig Harrington said: “FTI Consulting is one of the world’s finest and most admired companies and I am delighted to have them as a partner as I begin the next phase of my career.
“The last two seasons have been particularly memorable for me, winning three majors, and as I seek to add to that total in 2009 the partnership with FTI represents a perfect collaboration at the perfect time.”
FTI’s partnership with Mr. Harrington, the winner of the last two British Open Golf Championships and the 2008 PGA Championship, includes FTI branding on the front of Mr. Harrington’s hat and agreed co-marketing initiatives around the world for the next number of years.
Mr. Harrington, whose latest recognition was to be named PGA European Tour’s Golfer of the Year, qualified as a certified accountant before becoming a professional golfer, mirroring the background of a number of FTI’s 3,600 professionals around the world.
He has earned praise and admiration all over the world in recent years for his consistency, drive, perseverance, reliability, determination and focus -- key brand attributes that best describe FTI as a company. FTI’s professionals are advising CEOs, board members, governments, law firms, banks and oversight committees on many of the most prominent crises, restructurings, litigation and related matters dominating the headlines throughout the world today.
“Our new partnership with Padraig Harrington represents the next stage in the evolution of the FTI brand and our Company’s presence all over the world,” said Declan Kelly, FTI’s Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer. “In 2009 we intend to maintain our strong growth strategy and that means expanding our presence and our brand awareness to as many corners of the world as possible, especially in the markets where we now have a physical operational presence.”
He added: “Through an integrated international marketing and business development program that encapsulates all of our diverse service offerings and segments, we intend to continue to put ourselves front and center for all key decision makers around the world who are in need of consulting advice, whether that be in corporate finance, forensic accounting, litigation consulting, strategic communications, economic consulting or e-discovery.
“We believe there is no other company that offers the range of solutions and advisory services that FTI provides today and we believe the next several years are going to be a period of great opportunity for our Company. Padraig has shown himself to have all the qualities required to be a world class athlete over a sustained period of time. He is a proven winner and we are very proud to be embarking on this new journey together.”
Commenting on the new sponsorship agreement, Padraig Harrington said: “FTI Consulting is one of the world’s finest and most admired companies and I am delighted to have them as a partner as I begin the next phase of my career.
“The last two seasons have been particularly memorable for me, winning three majors, and as I seek to add to that total in 2009 the partnership with FTI represents a perfect collaboration at the perfect time.”
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