The “C” class championship starts today in Switzerland. Dubbed the “Little America’s Cup” Far more interesting than it’s big brother. This continues to be a favorite class of mine. Click on the link to go to the site and see what I mean. Steve Clark probably saved the class a few years ago and has fostered it ever since.
Thanks to Sailing Anarchy. This is just too cool
This is thanks to Sailing Anarchy.
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| harbour court 8 27 10 |
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| “Invictus” airbus team |
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| match race, “canaan” “orion” |
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| tug of war |
A morning northerly and sunshine greeted everyone. It seemed to reflect the spirits ashore. The top two boats were paired in match racing, “Canaan” is so fast, even if Glen Ashby and James Spithill won the start they were hard pressed to keep control.
A little to windward of the start two tugs gave meaning to the words “tug of war” as they pulled against one another with force; to what end was unclear.
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| guy gurney, bob fisher, dan nerney, b. hovey |
It seems more and more likely that the next America’s Cup will be sailed in 72 foot catamarans, in Valencia, Spain.
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| harbour court august 26 2010 |
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| cogito rig in ruins |
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| the french-patient lady iv |
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| the start |
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| canaan (fred eaton/magnus clarke) |
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| alpha (glenn ashby/james spithill) |
Yesterday saw the destruction of “Cogito’s” rig. The French capsized on the way out to the start today and towed back to the dock missing all the races today. “Canaan” won the three races, followed by “Alpha”
This regatta has attracted a lot of attention. Most of the designers and project managers for the potential America’s Cup syndicates have come to look. In 2004 the last time this event was on Narragansett Bay it was a lonely site.
Steve Killing who designed three of the boats here(Canaan,Alpha,Orion) should feel proud; his boats are showing great form.
This is truly a developmental platform that is exciting; the possibilities for exploring speed are almost limitless.
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| Harbour court today |
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| wings under the tent |
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| Dave Hubbard and Duncan Maclean |
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| “Cogito” at speed |
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| Duncan and Steve Clark |
The big low that has been almost stationary over our area, brought an abrupt end to the heat of summer. It also brought plenty of wind and rain. The “C” class competitors who have travelled far to race against one another have been grounded for the last two days. Tomorrow should bring lower winds followed by sun.
These boats have long been at the fringe of the yachting world. It is the recent America’s Cup and the use of a wing mast by Oracle that has brought them out of the shadows.
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| wings in the mule barn |
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| duncan measuring |
It is raining, the rigs are in the mule barn at Ft. Adams being measured by none other than Duncan MacLean.
Racing starts tomorrow, weather permitting. Unfortunately the forecast may not be what anyone hoped for; that’s sailboat racing. It does not diminish the excitement of having these boats assembled in one place.
Paul Larsen and Helena Darvilia are here with “Invictus” the Airbus entry. Steve Clark with his new boat and old rig having had teething problems with the new one. Steve Killing’s design, the defender, is here. The French have chartered “Patient Lady IV”.
No three people have done more for the sport of sailing and speed than Dave Hubbard, Duncan MacLane, and Steve Clark. You probably don’t know who they are or what they have done.They just did it; and very well, genuinely interested in moving the sport of sailing forward. I am amazed that more is not made of their accomplishments.
