COVID-19: COWES EVENTS CANCELLED

HOMENEWSCOVID-19COVID-19: COWES EVENTS CANCELLED

08 Jun 2020

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The 2020 Cowes Week and Cowes Classic Week have been cancelled Photo: CWL/Martin Allen

INDUSTRY DATABASE

COWES WEEK LIMITED

Two further iconic sailing events have been cancelled as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 editions of Cowes Classic Week organised by the Royal London and Yacht Club and Cowes Week, run by Cowes Week Ltd (CWL), will no longer go ahead, the organisers have confirmed.

Laurence Mead, Cowes Week regatta director, said that cancelling was a huge disappointment. “We waited for as long as we realistically could to see how the situation might develop on the basis that our competitors would want us to run the regatta if it were possible,” he said.

CWL has confirmed that competitors already entered will be invited to roll over their 2020 entry to the 2021 regatta.

Classic powerboats and cars

Royal London is now focusing on 2021 and will push ahead with plans for the new Cowes Classic Day, a display of more than 50 classic cars on The Parade alongside classic powerboats on the London Landing and RYS Yacht Haven.

“We all look forward to a fantastic regatta in 2021,” said Cowes Classic Week regatta chairman, David Gower. “Whilst we know many competitors will be disappointed, it has become clear that we could not deliver a successful regatta this year and the responsible decision is to cancel.”

via Boating Business | COVID-19: Cowes events cancelled.

EXPANSION FOR SUPERYACHT RIGGING COMPANY

HOMENEWSSUPERYACHTSEXPANSION FOR SUPERYACHT RIGGING COMPANY

03 Jun 2020

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Year-round support in Palma can now be provided by Marine Results International

INDUSTRY DATABASE

MARINE RESULTS INTERNATIONAL LTD

Marine Results International SL, based in Palma, Mallorca has increased its shop floor space with the addition of a double storey workshop.

The additional space has been acquired following the first successful year of the superyacht rigging company’s extension of its UK operation to include the new base in Mallorca. The new workshop complements the custom-built container that Marine Results has operated from at STP Shipyard for the past 12 months.

“We’ve always been aware of Palma as the heart of Mediterranean yachting, and whilst we have worked on large yacht projects there every winter since the company was formed, we were spending an increasing amount of our time there,” said Marine Results International head Ed Danby. “We therefore decided the time had come to provide year-round support rather than just seasonal support.”

Servicing

The new facility will house splicing and storage facilities as well as a component servicing area.

A dye-penetrant line, for non-destructive testing of mast and yacht structures and appendages, has also been installed which will be operated by Marine Results International’s partner company International NDT.

Marine Results International was founded in 2003 and is headed by Ed Danby and Jon Morris. In addition to rigging work the company has evolved advanced non-destructive testing techniques now used on superyachts.

In 2019, the directors set up International NDT headed by Giles Waterhouse.

Marine Results International continues to operate from the UK and the three companies together share mobile workshops in Carrara, Italy and La Ciotat France.

via Boating Business | Expansion for superyacht rigging company.

ITALY PLANS ‘GREAT OCTOBER OF SAILING’

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSITALY PLANS ‘GREAT OCTOBER OF SAILING’

04 Jun 2020

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The Genoa Boat Show and Barcolana are running back to back this year Photo: Wikimedia

The Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), sailing regatta Barcolana at Trieste and the Genoa Boat Show are working together to create an exceptional October for yachting and sailing.

At a meeting organised by the president of FIV, Francesco Ettore, in which the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic was noted, it was decided to focus on making the most of the similarities between the two events, capitalising on the fact that they will now take place back to back.

“For us the boat show and the Barcolana are two of the most important moments for the growth of our industry,” said Francesco. “It is important to capitalise on them by combining forces, accelerating the desire to begin again that we all have.”

Sharing knowledge

Key areas of discussion were promotion and communication and the search for potential economies of scales through joint work and shared initiatives between the events. In particular the exchange of know-how from technical and scientific experts will be promoted to find the best application of COVID-19 guidelines.

“The activities of the Boat Show and Barcolana are complementary,” said Dean Bassi, in charge of operations for Barcolana. “From this it is possible to reap benefits, to become in some way a single widespread event to amplify communications on the ‘Made in Italy’ of boating.”

via Boating Business | Italy plans ‘Great October of Sailing’.

THE VENDÉE GLOBE IS STILL GOING AHEAD

HOMENEWSCOVID-19THE VENDÉE GLOBE IS STILL GOING AHEAD

15 May 2020

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The Vendée Globe is still scheduled for a November start. Photo credit: Vincent Curutchet / DPPI / Vendée Globe

Plans are continuing to start the Vendée Globe round the world sailing race in November.

Organisers the Vendée Council and the SAEM Vendée say their goal is to maintain the start date of November 8 with nothing prevent the racing as long as national authorities allow that to be the case.

However, they say the event belongs to the local people and the presence of the public is important.

The race starts from Les Sables d’Olonne with past British competitors including Dame Ellen MacArthur, Pete Goss and Mike Golding.

A preparatory ten-day solo race taking the sailors up past Iceland and into the Arctic Circle and then down to the Azores, was initially scheduled for June but this has been postponed until July.

Organisers now say they are studying every possible situation to be able to welcome the public at an event like this in the economic and public health context, the evolution of which is hard to predict.

via Boating Business | The Vendée Globe is still going ahead.

NEW CEO AT WORLD SAILING

HOMENEWSPEOPLENEW CEO AT WORLD SAILING

07 May 2020

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David Graham is the newly appointed CEO of World Sailing

David Graham has been appointed CEO of World Sailing. He will take up his post on July 13 2020.

David has more than 20 years’ sailing experience with previous career roles including sales, events, coaching and sponsorship, including CEO and MD posts.

His most recent role was CEO at Oman Sail, a national initiative that uses sport to contribute to the development of the Omani people.

Prior to his tenure at Oman Sail, David managed a sailing school before spending more than a decade in senior positions at dinghy manufacturers.

David has been an active sailor throughout his life, first dinghy sailing and has also been involved in major big boat series and races onboard both monohulls and multihulls. He has recently taking up kiteboarding.

“As World Sailing looks to the future and the next phase of growth, we are confident that with David’s combined background in management and sailing that he is the right leader to help restructure and provide a strong direction for the operations of our organisation,” said Kim Andersen, World Sailing president.

via Boating Business | New CEO at World Sailing.

ENGLISH BOATERS CAN RETURNHOMENEWSCOVID-19ENGLISH BOATERS CAN RETURN11 May 2020EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintMDL is now allowing berth holders to carry out work on their boatsINDUSTRY DATABASEROYAL YACHTING ASSOCIATIONBoaters in England can return to the water from Wednesday, according to the RYA’s interpretation of the Government’s latest announcement stating unlimited outdoor activity is now allowed following the coronavirus lockdown.However, confusion remains with many marina operators still not allowing their berth holders to access the water.In an email to berth holders, Michael Glanville, MD of MDL that operates 18 marinas and 13 boatyards in the UK, said while boaters can now carry out work on their craft, it is still not permitted for them to get out onto the water.The RYA that has been lobbying the Government for the resumption of boating saying it can be resumed safely.“From Wednesday, 13 May unlimited outdoor activity will be permitted in England and we understand that this will include all forms of boating,” said the RYA in a statement.“Any activity will still need to be alone or with members of a single household and social distancing must be followed at all times.”Port authoritiesIn his email, Michael said MDL is waiting for any leisure boating changes from the port authorities.He continued: “We have social distancing measures in place and look forward to welcoming people coming to perform maintenance and security checks on their boats.“And while we understand the reasoning behind the government’s decision to ease lock down rules, in the way it has, we share your frustration about not being able to get out onto the water just yet.”And he said contractors have been able to continue to access MDL’s sites for essential maintenance during the lock down.Following the latest Government announcement, more tenant businesses will now be able to use their offices with staff working on site.In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the return to boating has not yet been confirmed and it is not yet known when clubs and training centres will be able to reopen their doors.

via Boating Business | English boaters can return.

PLANS TO LIFT LOCKDOWN FOR BOATING

HOMENEWSCOVID-19PLANS TO LIFT LOCKDOWN FOR BOATING

04 May 2020

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Private boating is now allowed around Guernsey

Guernsey and Ireland are making tentative preparations to lift the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Irish Taoiseach has issued a five point plan to re-open the country in a phased way whilst Guernsey has issued guidance to recreational boat owners.

The five point plan in Ireland has been broadly welcomed by the sailing community although clarity is needed. From 18 May, outdoor spaces and tourism sites in Ireland can re-open, a move which has largely been seen by marinas as allowing them also to re-open. Phase 2 from 8 June will put boats back on the water for sailing and training and Phase 3 beginning on 29 June might allow racing to restart. Phase 4 on 20 July will see sports competitions resume with limitations on spectator numbers whilst phase 5 on 10 August sees a further relaxation with gyms re-opening and close physical contact sports and festivals resuming, again with caveats such as regular cleaning and social distancing.

Guernsey

Recreational boat owners in Guernsey will now be able to use their boats in local waters provided the latest weather forecast has been obtained, the vessel inspected before use and all surfaces and objects frequently cleaned. Social distancing must be followed with skippers only accompanied by members of their own household or, where the boat is large enough to allow social distancing, one other person from a different household.

Landing on Alderney, Sark and Herm is not currently permitted and skippers and crew are advised that they must self-isolate for 14 days if they make landfall outside of the Bailiwick’s waters.

via Boating Business | Plans to lift lockdown for boating.

TALL SHIPS DESIGNER DIES

HOMENEWSBOATBUILDINGBOATBUILDINGTALL SHIPS DESIGNER DIES

04 May 2020

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Colin Mudie RDI Photo: Advertiser & Times

Tributes are being paid to Colin Mudie RDI, yacht and tall ships designer, balloonist, author and inclusive-sailing advocate, who died in March aged 93.

Contemporary of Edmund Hilary and Donald Campbell, whom he knew, Colin forged his reputation as an adventurer, supporting sail-training and charities, particularly those dedicated to disabled sailors, whilst designing some of the world’s most memorable tall ships.

“He will be remembered by the international tall ships family with great fondness and his legacy will be with us for many decades to come,” said Paul Bishop, head of race directorate at Sail Training International.

Born in Edinburgh in 1926, Colin studied engineering at Southampton University before serving his design apprenticeship at the British Power Boat Company in Southampton. After working for designers Laurent Giles and Partners in Lymington, he set up his own firm.

Atlantic adventures

Colin successfully completed a 1952 Atlantic crossing in the 19ft Sopranino without radio or engine and in 1958 attempted to cross the Atlantic again, this time in a hydrogen balloon.

“After 94 hours the balloon crash landed but dad had designed the gondola as a boat and he took command and they sailed 1,500 miles to Barbardos, arriving two weeks later,” said his son, Max.

It was perhaps as a designer of tall ships that Colin was best known. In 1971 he won a Lloyd’s Register Award for Royalist, a 23m sailing training brig for the British Sea Cadet Corps and designed a number of other tall ships throughout the 1980s including the 43m barque STS Lord Nelson.

Colin’s charitable involvements included the RNLI, of which is was a life vice-president and part of his local crew in Lymington. He was also involved in the Jubilee Sailing Trust whose mission is to give everyone, regardless of ability, the chance to enjoy sailing.

via Boating Business | Tall Ships designer dies.

SAILGP 2020 IS SUSPENDED

HOMENEWSCOVID-19SAILGP 2020 IS SUSPENDED

04 May 2020

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No further SailGP racing will take place until 2021

INDUSTRY DATABASE

SAILGP

SailGP has suspended its racing for the remainder of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic – including the Cowes event due to take place in August.

SailGP season two events will now be rescheduled for 2021 with a minimum of seven worldwide events planned.

“The global nature of our league is one of our strongest characteristics, as we bring together top talent from all over the world to both organise and compete in a new form of professional racing,” said SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts. “As we face this health emergency, our geographic diversity unfortunately becomes a potential liability both to ourselves and those around us.”

Initiatives

And he explained how the coming months will see the focus shift to initiatives to make both the racing and broadcast more attractive with further development of the F50 catamarans.

“I’m confident that our rescheduled second season will go beyond what we would have been able to deliver this year and we’re extremely fortunate to have the ongoing support of partners including Rolex, Oracle, ROCKWOOL and our many broadcasters to help us get there,” added Sir Russell.

British team leader Sir Ben Ainslie added: “I got my first taste of SailGP in Sydney a couple months ago. Racing these boats is a privilege and I know we’ll have that moment again. In the meantime, I’ll be looking to find ways to be even better when we are up and racing again next year.”

SailGP is a newly established global sports championship featuring inshore racing in identical catamarans capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots.

via Boating Business | SailGP 2020 is suspended.

TALL SHIPS RACES POSTPONED

HOMENEWSCOVID-19TALL SHIPS RACES POSTPONED

27 Apr 2020

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The Tall Ships Races will not take place during 2020. Photo credit Sail Training International – Valery Vasilevskiy

Sail Training International has postponed the Tall Ships Races 2020 until next year due to the coronavirus epidemic – the first time this has happened since the event was first held in 1956.

The race attracted more than 4,000 young people from 59 nations in 2019 and attracted nearly six million visitors in the six different race stopover ports.

This year’s event had been scheduled to start in Lisbon on July 2 and finish in Dunkerque on August 9, visiting Cadiz and A Coruna en route.

“It’s a great sadness to us and this year’s host ports to have to postpone the event until next year, but we all agree that a public gathering of this size is out of the question in the midst of a pandemic,” said Jonathan Cheshire, chair of Sail Training International, the UK-based charity that coordinates worldwide sail training. We feel for all the young people who will be disappointed by the decision, but public health and safety must take priority. The financial impact on the charity will be serious, but survivable.”

Prior to the outbreak, Sail Training International had begun a search for new sponsorship to put the event on a more secure long-term footing.

The event received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for its work in bringing together large numbers of young people from both sides of the Iron Curtain during the Cold War years.

via Boating Business | Tall Ships Races postponed.