KENNY READ SPEAKS HIS MIND

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/stephenl/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 388

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/stephenl/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 394

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/stephenl/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 400

ECLIPSE ENVY

Envy is one of the seven deadly sins. It’s definition connotes unhealthy, unhappy feelings. I am envious of a group of friends that went to Bryce Canyon to photograph the eclipse. Yet I mean this with no ill feeling towards them in any way. On the contrary, I am happy that they were able to go. My feelings are the antonym of the word envy, but I cannot find a word that seems suitable.

Here are some photos of the Eclipse posted on CNN. By clicking on Bryce canyon you can see photos taken there.

SNOW LION’S FIRST SAIL

Video by Kevin Tongue. Snow Lion’s first sail of 2012.

Of course one cannot overlook that yesterday there was a solar eclipse

485702_10150824267016088_624981087_9898544_665074852_n — ECLIPSE SHOT FROM BRYCE CANYON, UT BY MICHAELA

THE HURRICANE FORECAST FOR 2012

Spring came early and the winter was relatively mild.The ocean had had plenty of time to start warming.Tropical storm Alberto is moving up the East Coast. We expect to have a drought here in the Northeast. My conclusion would be that this would be an active Hurricane season. It seems I am wrong.

THE NEW SNOW LION

Snow Lion, a Jason Ker design, based on “Aera” has now been revised. Over the winter “Snow Lion” underwent a facelift, botox if you like. Today, we will go sailing to tune the rig and make certain everything is working. The Block Island race starts next friday, and the Bermuda race on June 15.

I will have more to report at the end of the day.

bob sharkey’s photo of the finished boat

The new “Belle Mente” was built at New England Boatworks while “Snow Lion” was being altered.

AMERICA’S CUP IN VENICE

MY NEW WEB SITE

I have been working feverishly on a new web site for my photographs. Click HERE to visit. My previous site on which I had worked for almost a year developed a problem; I believe after I ran an update to the site.

Here is a sample of photographs available on the site. I have an archive of over 100,000 images spanning almost everything you see around you in the world.

NEWS OF THE DAY AND OTHER THINGS

THE ATLANTIC CUP COMES TO NEWPORT

I have seen the fireworks at cowes week and they are indeed the best I have ever seen.

Following the news that Aberdeen Asset Management has extended its sponsorship of the world-famous regatta, Cowes Week, until 2015, the financial services company has also extended its support to include a significant proportion of the necessary funding to safeguard the traditional event fireworks display.

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “The fireworks display on the final Friday of Cowes Week is one of the regatta’s great traditions. Aberdeen Asset Management, in partnership with a range of financial groups and other organisations is proud to be playing a key role.”

The other organisations to have come forward with financial support for the fireworks so far include: Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, City AM newspaper, Artemis Investment Management, JLT Specialty Limited, the Island Sailing Club, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Royal London Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, GKN, Red Funnel Ferries, Blue Funnel Ferries, and Solent and Wightline Cruises. Other donations are anticipated following pledges of support.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeen Asset Management and the other organisations involved in creating a solution for the fireworks. We are pleased to confirm that Cowes Week Limited is pledging to match any donations received from members of the public over the coming months”. Donations can be made here.

The fireworks display will be held on the final Friday of this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, Friday 17th August.

Q&A’s

Does this now mean that there is a long-term solution in place to support the funding of the fireworks display?

A new body has been established to secure funds for the iconic fireworks display in the long term – Cowes Fireworks Committee. Although the display is financially secure for 2012, it is not guaranteedin future years although, with the creation of the new committee, there is a long-term plan in place for securing funds.

Who is the “Cowes Fireworks Committee”?

The founding members of the newly-formed Cowes Fireworks Committee are Cowes Town Waterfront Trust (a charitable organisation whose prime objective is to rejuvenate Cowes Waterfront), regatta organisers Cowes Week Limited, and the Isle of Wight Council. The chosen fireworks company will also be co-opted onto the Committee.

Do people still need to donate?

Yes. Donations from individuals and organisations who enjoy or benefit from the display are strongly encouraged, particularly from those who have previously pledged their support. Donations can be made securely online with paypal here or in person at the Regatta Centre in Cowes.

What if more money is raised than is needed?

Any surplus funds will provide a head-start for the 2013 display – this will be an important aspect of sustaining the display in the long-term.

I continue to have a soft spot in my heart for the Finn.

APPLE LIKES THE AMERICA’S CUP

Now available from iTunes. Who would have imagined?

CupExperience mobile real-time race tracker

– in cooperation with Seahorse, produced by Enthuse

Be the first to comment

May 10, 2012 By: JACK GRIFFIN

UPDATE Tuesday 15 May 2012: Now you have the streaming again, at the end of this page! Please register as a beta tester, even if you don’t have an iPhone – that will let me keep you informed about changes. Thanks! -Jack

LiveLine data, real-time on your iPhone / iPad!

In cooperation with Seahorse Magazine, CupExperience has teamed withEnthuse, a hot startup in San Francisco, to bring LiveLine data to your smartphone. Now fans can watch from shore and follow the race in real time. Of course, it works in your living room, too – wherever you are during ACWS regattas.

During our testing, you have a chance to get a sneak preview (see below for details) of the Cup Experience Real Time Race Tracker for the iPhone and iPad. (Android coming – we’ll let you know when we have a date). We plan to have the Tracker live for the Venice ACWS races, including match races, and beginning with the practice races on Tuesday 15 May.

Real Time Race Tracker San Diego Windward Gate

Real Time Race Tracker – Venice Course

Zoom in to see the Venice harbor

Be a beta tester!

Try out the real time race tracker. Help us find the bugs. Make suggestions for improvement. This is your chance to get a sneak preview of the Cup Experience Real Time Race Tracker for the iPhone and iPad.

You will receive an email with instructions on getting the App and configuring it as soon as we receive your completed sign up form.

NATIONAL SAILING HALL OF FAME

Ok, the National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis Maryland, will evidently induct 10 deserving sailors this year. It is still a new organization, but I am surprised that the Nye family of “Carina” have not made it into the final rounds. In the end election to any organization is a popularity contest I suppose. Read the rules for election: HERE

I should add that there is a book now available on the “Carina” story: “Home is the Sailor”