Author: ws lirakis

a sailor who carries a camera

Election Night, America’s Cup,Route du Rhum and Paris

Still to early to know what the outcome of the elections will be. Most already have a suspicion.

The Route du Rhum has developed into a tactical race. This should be no surprise. The Skipper of Eric Taberly’s old multihull has been evacuated because of health reasons.

Since yesterday there have been 4 entries for the America’s Cup, including the defender and challenger of record. So really 2 new entries ( the ante at this piont is $25,000, so it is not a huge risk.)  The photo below is of the crowd watching the start of the Route du Rhum. Could this ever happen in America?

this is why the America's Cup should be in Europe.

We visited the Musee de la vie Romantique to see an exhibition of Russian painters never before seen in the west.

musee de la vie romantique

This was the house of Ary Scheffer. He and his family led an interesting life, entertaining all the intellectuals and artists of the era.

Finishing our day at an exhibition of Serge Ferat (1881-1958) at the Gallerie Beres. I will not pretend to know much about art, and even less about Serge Ferat; which was the point of going to see the exhibit.

Madame Beres in her Gallery

When asked why she decided to do this Exhibit; the response was simple: “Why do an exhibit of an artist that everyone already knows?” “Where is the surprise? What does one learn?”

The Route Du Rhum is Off

When one sees the attention sailing is afforded here; as example the Route du Rhum. Thomas Coville aboard “Sodebo” a 105′ trimaran is in the lead, which should be no surprise.

It makes me wonder how the America’s Cup could be anywhere but in Europe. The statistics would surely show that the public in Europe is much more interested in sailing.

Halloween and Pere Lachaise

A beautiful gentle fall day. Not to cold, low humidity, wonderful light; the light you can only find here in Paris. ( most of my life I would look at the impressionist paintings and I just did not “get” it; not until I first came to Europe, and realized how different the light is).

It is Halloween, All Saint’s Eve; tomorrow is All Saint’s Day. Today is the day people in France clean the tombs and headstones of their families

The cemetery of Pere Lachaise is probably best know to Americans because of Jim Morrisson who is buried here. More significantly are the many notable generals, inventors, creators and other famous people are interred  here. It was interesting to note that the tomb of Chopin had much more attention than that of Jim Morrison.

I had never been to Pere Lachaise. It is a marvel. Perhaps an allegory for the city of Paris, historically and architecturally rich, with wide cobbled  boulevards, and narrow streets that twist and wind, that mount and descend. Beautiful trees and flowers.

NEW SPEED RECORD 55+ KNOTS

Rod Douglas set a new unofficial speed record in the Namibia trench. Charlotte Consorti of France set the women’s speed record at 50.43 knots. Also the first woman over 50 knots.  I am talking about kite boards of course. The argument will rage on I am certain over whether or not they should qualify as a boat and therefore be included in the WSSC records.

Whatever the outcome of this discussion. They are pushing the envelope.

“FROM THE FLINTSTONE GENERATION TO THE FACEBOOK GENERATION”

Russell Coutts got everyone’s attention with this remark. My generation is mildly insulted and the next wholly amused; since they probably think it is time we moved over and made room for them.

He is not without his critics; but they may be a bit premature as no one can yet know what the outcome of the bold changes Russell is bringing to sailing and the America’s Cup.  I admit(perhaps showing the flintstone side of me) that I am unsure of what to make of the “new” face of the America’s Cup. But the Cup has always been about change.

At the recent 12 meter era reunion much was made of the remark. Honestly, we were probably the group to which he was referring. I will add the the 12 meters are not only a suitable, slow boat, but so very elegant to watch.

WHAT ARE THE PARAMETERS?

The following link is to a review of a book about Joshua Slocum.  It is interesting on a number of levels. The story, the judgment,

It led me to reflect on The America’s Cup Hall of Fame. There are stated parameters, but how do we interpret them? Is suitability judged on merits, ability and contributions to the America’s Cup Alone? Is there more  and is it subjective?

The obvious example is Pete Rose. It seems he will never be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, despite his accomplishments. I do not follow baseball and only know this story from it’s newsworthyness (a word?) If the criteria is solely on the merits of his accomplishments in baseball it seems a foregone conclusion.

Back to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame; Alan Bond was inducted despite several stints in prison. If he was judged solely on his accomplishments in the America’s Cup, he was indeed deserving.  Simon Daubney accused and banned from sailing and subsequently reinstated, all for supposed drug use.

A number of people chose not to attend Simon Daubney’s induction, remaining unconvinced of his innocence. I do not have an opinion, I don’t know enough.

What I do question, however, Is that I can think of a number of people, who, in my opinion, merit induction, and to date have not been considered. So, what are the parameters?

Getting dialed in for next season

We went sailing today aboard “Snow Lion” larry Huntington’s 50′ Ker design. The biggest news is the replacement mainsail for the one that was torn at the start of the Bermuda Race. ( see June posts). The next big race for “Snow Lion” will be the transatlantic race leaving Newport in June, 2011

The big boats have finished the Middle Sea Race in 2 days and 6 hours. Tghe next finisher should be Alegre, but she is a ways back.

Weymouth Speed Week finished last friday, as always an interesting group of boats and people.

Continuing the thread of the America’s Cup. The prospect of solid wing sails is a given. Sailmaking as we know it is at a nexus. I do not believe that wing sails will be on ocean racing yachts any time soon. At least I believe that; but no different the changes to carbon as a common boatbuilding material, carbon rigging, it is here and will not go away.

What does this mean for the sailmaker and sail designer?

24 prospective teams?

Twenty-four prospective teams met in Paris to hear about the next America’s Cup. I am not sure anyone expected that many teams. Of Course no one knows how many teams will show up in the end. Given how many teams are European, it seems ever more difficult to see how San Francisco will be the venue. The audience is in Europe.

Esimit Europa 2 has rounded Lampedusa comfortably ahead of Leopard of London  (both boats are older reichel pugh designs) heading for Malta