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Push for new America’s Cup framework

28 Jul 2016

Land Rover BAR takes the win at Portsmouth Photo courtesy of Ricardo Pinto

Not only does Ben Ainslie want to ‘bring the America’s Cup home’ but he – and the majority of the other teams – are also on a mission to transform the event.

Sir Ben has revealed that the current teams are in talks to put a framework in place, one that would be agreed before racing in Bermuda takes place next summer to hold the event every two years instead of four.

The plans would agree the boats to be used – there is talk about continuing with the AC45s currently used in the America’s Cup World Series in an attempt to cut costs – and the schedule.

“Traditionally, the America’s Cup has really struggled from lack of continuity,” he said. “The way the Cup was won in San Francisco raised global attention and then not a lot happened for 18 months after that.

“Everyone has realised that, but now we have a lot of likeminded teams so we are discussing a framework agreement where whoever wins the Cup, plans will be in place.”

He added: “It would be a biennial event and, if possible, the same design as the World Series, creating continuity for teams, fan base, partnerships, TV agreements. Then we can tap into the potential.”

If the plans do come to fruition, they will provide certainties for both the teams and their sponsors and hopefully do away with the cycles of courtroom dramas.

GB win

Sir Ben and the Land Rover BAR team moved a step closer to their goal in front of a packed home crowd watching from Southsea common by winning the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth event.

This year the full race schedule was completed, unlike 2015 when the last day of racing was cancelled due to weather conditions.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge presented the awards in front of a packed home crowd having watched the second day of racing from a Land Rover BAR support boat.

“The Duchess is Patron of our 1851 Trust and it means a lot to have them here. We are very proud of our British heritage and to have them here is very special,” explained Sir Ben.

The win puts the British team into first place on the overall Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series leaderboard, overtaking Emirates Team New Zealand who drop to third with ORACLE TEAM USA in second, Softbank Team Japan in fourth, Artemis Racing fifth and Groupama Team France in sixth.

“We’re up at the top of the leaderboard, but we have a lot of work to do before Bermuda next year, but we’re performing well and our goal is to bring the Cup home. It may take us a while but when we do, it will be the most amazing event right here in Portsmouth,” added Sir Ben.

The America’s Cup World Series action now moves on to Toulon France in September and Fukuoka, Japan in November before the final of the America’s Cup in Bermuda next year.

via Boating Business | Push for new America’s Cup framework.

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Comanche smashes Transatlantic record

28 Jul 2016

The Transatlantic record is smashed

A new transatlantic monohull record has been set, breaking the old record by more than a day.

The 2,880 nautical miles west to east crossing by Comanche took five days, 14 hours, 21 minutes 25 seconds, beating the record set by Mari Cha IV in 2003 of six days, 17 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds.

The average speed from New York to the Lizard in Cornwall was 21.44 knots.

Comanche is owned by Jim and Kristy Clark who were delighted with the crossing.

“Comanche was built to break ocean records and the guys have once again powered our fantastic fat-bottomed girl to another title,” said Mr Clark. “I am so proud of the entire team and everyone involved in the entire program from top to bottom, the best in world, getting the best out of Comanche. Perfect harmony and Kristy and I are over the moon.”

The boat had been on standby for several weeks prior to the record attempt, with a fluid rota of more than 30 sailors ready to set sail.

Skipper Ken Read was unable to take part as he was committed to TV commentating at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth but praised the crew and boat.

“This is the culmination of six years of hard work and a huge team of experts offshore and onshore all working as one,” he said.

“I never had any doubt this crew would deliver the goods – the boat was in perfect condition and the only thing that would scupper the record would be Mother Nature.

“Luckily she didn’t throw a spanner in the works and this team have once again proven why they are some of the best in the business.”

Navigator Stan Honey added: “There are only about two weather windows a year where a monohull can make it all the way across the Atlantic in one system, and we found one of them.

“Beating this record by more than a day is above my expectations and I am delighted.”

via Boating Business | Comanche smashes Transatlantic record.

Email Print Veteran crew arrive in Falmouth01 Aug 2016Some of the veterans who took part in the Turn to Starboard Round Britain ChallengeThey’ve battled strong winds, rough seas and undertaken complex repairs when their engine gave up on them.But the team of Veteran adventurers taking part in the International Paint sponsored, Turn to Starboard challenge have conquered the epic feat and are now celebrating after crossing the finish line of their 2,000 mile journey.The crews set sail from Falmouth on board the Spirit of Falmouth, a 92ft long tall ship and two support yachts on the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge on June 1. After spending two months sailing in an anti-clockwise direction around the British Isles, the team of military veterans sailed into Falmouth in Cornwall on July 31.The expedition was organised by Turn to Starboard founder and former RAF squadron leader, Shaun Pascoe with the aim of helping participants gain new skills while raising awareness of the challenges some veterans face after leaving the military.He said: “The aim of the Round Britain Challenge is to help participants re-engage, reintegrate and gain new skills. Our incredible crew has overcome significant challenges along the route and has shown resilience in every situation.“Many have gained valuable sailing miles as part of their training for Yachtmaster qualifications, whereas others set themselves a personal challenge as they battle with their own issues after service life.“We are excited to have arrived back home in Falmouth and look forward to a well-earned rest.”A team of 38 veterans – many with little or no sailing experience – took part in the voyage.Most completed short sections but 14 completed the whole voyage, along with beneficiaries of the Prince’s Trust and a documentary film crew.“This has been a fantastic challenge for such a worthy charity and we are delighted to have been supporting the team throughout the journey,” added Stuart Melville, global marketing support specialist at International Paint. “Our team has been offering advice and support along the way to ensure the boat is in top condition and the team have had all they need to conquer the challenge. It was great to welcome them home as they completed the challenge.”Donations can still be made by buying a mile of the expedition for £10 at turntostarboard.co.uk/round-britain-challenge-2016/

via Boating Business | Veteran crew arrive in Falmouth.