Sailing News & Views
$500,000 Study
of Great Lakes Navigation System Approved
A U.S. Senate panel has appropriated $500,000, half the cost of a proposed $1 million study of the commercial navigation system on the Great Lakes. The allocation was included in the Senate's fiscal year 2001 Energy and Water Appropriations bill and would be administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if it is included in the final bill. State and local interests have committed to matching funds.
An estimated 200 million tons of commerce worth $12 billion moves throughout the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system. The study would address ways of improving the system. According to Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-MI), a sponsor of the study, the study is necessary to ensure the economic vitality of the Great Lakes maritime industry. “We need to look forward to determine where and when repairs and improvements to Great Lakes locks, ports, channels and other parts of the infrastructure of this system are going to be necessary,” he said.
The study is being characterized as one of the most important long-term studies of the system since the Seaway was completed in 1959.
Wisconsin’s Flagship,
S/V Denis Sullivan, announces its inaugural winter season
Feel the magic of Tall Ships
Scheduled for completion this fall, the S/V Denis Sullivan, the re-creation of a 19th century Great Lakes schooner and the first tall ship to be built in the State of Wisconsin in over 100 years, has announced its Inaugural Season winter sail schedule. She will spend her first winter in the Bahamas in the warm waters of the Caribbean and in Florida off the coast of Key West and Fort Lauderdale where five and three-night sail training voyages will be offered.
It will be more than a vacation, though. Guests are part of the crew! These sails offer the ultimate travel adventure and learning experience as passengers are invited to strike a sail, haul a line, or stand a watch. No experience is necessary; the Sullivan’s professional crew will show you the ropes. If crewing is not your fancy, and you would rather hold out for sunning, snorkeling and just plain sailing, there will be plenty of time for that too.
A sail aboard the Sullivan will be an incomparable learning experience. While aboard, guests learn navigation, marine science, the ecology of our waters and about our history as seafarers. The crew will hold informal educational sessions, too. Besides learning about the traditional method of sailing and the basic operation of the boat, we may do water testing and passengers will learn about the major eco-systems of the area, too. They will be able to do some weather forecasting for our journey as well. You participate as much as you want.
There are eight trips scheduled. The first sail begins December 3, very soon after the Sullivan has competed her long journey south from the Great Lakes, and the final trip ends on January 24.
For more information, contact the Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association at 414-276-7700 or
www.wis-schooner.org.
Cocon Arkel changes name to illbruck during Sail 2000
During Sail 2000, one of the world's largest nautical events in Amsterdam, Cocon Arkel, specializing in Sealant Systems, will announce that its name changes to illbruck Netherlands. Since 1994 Cocon was a member of the illbruck group. The group has some 3,200 employees in 15 countries and customers in more than 50 countries.
Almost a year later the Volvo Ocean Race will start with the illbruck Round The World Challenge as one of the hot contestants. This longest and toughest ocean race was better known as the Whitbread Round the World Race and will end nine months later in Kiel, after sailing more than 32,000 sea miles round the globe, through treacherous waters. This legendary race is well known in Holland as it was won twice by Dutchman Cornelis van Rietschoten in 1978 and in 1982. The preparations of the carefully selected crew of the illbruck Challenge are in full swing for almost two years already and values that are vital to the company, like top performance, team spirit, flexibility, high tech are evenly important to this sailing team.
Sail 2000, one of the biggest nautical events in the world, attracts more than one million visitors, making it the ideal event to announce the name change and introduce illbruck's Round the World Challenge to the company's clients and corporate guests. Hundreds of classical yachts and many of the world's largest Tall Ships will visit Sail 2000. These classic beauties still sail the seven seas but are indeed ancient compared to the illbruck high tech Volvo Ocean Racer that is alongside the docks at illbruck's VIP hospitality area. This boat has been used for training and testing together with the sister ship that is on its way to Fremantle (Western Australia). The team will start training in the Southern Ocean in October. Meanwhile the illbruck Challenge is designing and building a brand new Volvo Ocean racer, in which they will sail next year's race. The boat will be built at the company's plant in Leverkusen, Germany.
Skipper John Kostecki, multiple world and Olympic champion, oversees the technical and sporting side of the campaign. In the 97-98 race he was skipper on ‘Chessie Racing’ for some legs. This very talented American selects his own crew that will have to prove to be good enough to be on the boat. One of them is Dutchman Dirk de Ridder. Recently he signed up as crew of this German team but is not certain of one of the exclusive 12 spots on the boat. De Ridder also competes in the Olympic Games with Team Heiner. Only after the 2000 Olympics he will join the team.
De Ridder is not an unfamiliar face in the round the world races. In the 97-98 race he was trimmer onboard Merit Cup, skippered by Grant Dalton. “Cheese”, as he was called, was one of the few non Kiwis on the boat. The team performed well and ended second, behind Paul Cayard on EF Language. De Ridder was born on 29 December 1972 in Oudewater and now officially lives in Waddinxveen, but he is hardly ever at home. At the moment De Ridder is in Sydney preparing for the Olympics 2000 in which they are one of the favorites for the Gold medal in the Soling class.
Ever since 1994 Cocon Arkel is part of the illbruck group, but the company offers high quality sealing systems for more than 25 years now. With the world turning in to one marketplace it seemed logical to integrate the marketing and R&D efforts even further and it was decided to change the name. Also taken in consideration the exposure illbruck will get as a result of the participation in the Volvo Ocean Race. According to Export Manager Lex Schaap the efficiency will increase but for the customer not a lot will change. Schaap said: “Behind the scenes we will have even more advantage of the group's strong brand name and R&D department. And eventually the client will profit of this as well.”
Mark van Loon, CEO of illbruck Netherlands is ambitious: “Our intention is to be the market leader in high performance sealant and installation systems. We will provide our customers with the means to easily install and seal prefabricated building components and materials. Our customers are guaranteed the highest possible standard when using our systems. Materials are developed and manufactured in our own production facilities.”
With an entry in the toughest and longest ocean race illbruck creates an ideal platform for corporate communications. The project is to inspire employees and customers alike while it establishes the illbruck brand name throughout the world. Sporting success in the Volvo Ocean Race stands at the forefront of illbruck's efforts.
For more information, see illbruck’s website: www.illbruck-pinta.com.
Free Online Maps & Charts for Land, Marine & Air
View, Print, E-mail Images
Maptech adds official aeronautical charts nationwide and high altitude marine navigation photographs to its free online MapServer at www.maptech.com. The Maptech MapServer is the largest online mapping resource for topographic maps and charts for land, marine, and air. Simply enter a place name, select the state and click “Go.” You can view, print and e-mail the online images for free. Whether you’re heading off-road or on the water check out the MapServer.
Let’s say you’re taking a trip to a new location along the U.S. coast. Visit the MapServer, enter the place and the state. What does the terrain look like? Click the “Topo Maps” button. Since you plan to hike and also do some fishing and kayaking around the same area, simply click “Nautical Charts” and view the official chart. By clicking “Navphoto” you’ll see aerial shots along the coastline for the same area. Or maybe you’re flying and want to locate the local airports—no problem, just click “Aero Charts.” Even the virtual traveler will find this entertaining and the real outdoor enthusiast will find it very cool and highly useful.
“We are constantly adding new mapping data and features to the MapServer,” explains Martin Fox from Maptech. “The images on the MapServer are based on Maptech’s CD-ROMs for land, marine and air navigation—probably the largest collection of its kind in the world available to the public. And now we are starting to offer the Map Server to select websites at no charge.”
There are major differences between Maptech’s CD-ROM products that are “for sale” and the “free” MapServer. The CD products come with powerful award-winning navigation software that includes GPS interface, elevation profiling, line of sight tools and more. For complete features and information, visit Maptech’s website or call 888-839-5551.
Prout Catamarans, Ltd., Joins Quest Marine Group
Quest Marine Group is happy to announce the acquisition of Prout Catamarans, Ltd. Prout’s managing director, Rob Underwood, will continue to direct the company from its offices and shipyard on Canvey Island, Essex, England.
Prout began building catamarans in 1952 and has delivered over 4,000 boats. The association with Quest will result in greatly expanded production of the highly successful Prout 38 & 46. Several of these new evolution designs are destined for Caribbean charter with VIP Sail & Power Yacht Charters in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, another Quest member.
Underwood concurrently announces the addition of a new 69-foot luxury catamaran to the Prout line. The new flagship of Prout’s sailing catamaran fleet is from the boards of well-known yacht designer, Bill Dixon. This state-of-the-art multi-hull will set new standards in comfort, accommodation and performance.
Jean Larroux, head of Quest, says, “Prout’s design and engineering production team is renowned for its attention to detail and quality. This philosophy of building has resulted in Prout commanding a loyal owner following and an extremely high resale value. Prout is a welcome addition to the Quest Marine Group.”
Yachting Key West Race Week
January 15 - 19, 2001
Sailing’s premier regatta in the United States returns for its 14th edition in January 2001. Yachting Key West Week’s reputation for outstanding racing continues to grow with another record-size fleet projected for 2001. In 2000 the fleet of 261 boats had skippers and crews representing 12 nations and 30 different states. Racers wage battle on the azure waters by day, and enjoy Key West’s unique ambiance and the post-race party tent by night.
This event consists of five days of racing for offshore One-Design, IMS, and PHRF classes. For up-to-date information see the website at www.Premiere-Racing.com or call 781-639-9545.
Inventor returns to Annapolis Sailboat Show to perform charitable “Hat Signings”
Annapolis is known for many things: the U.S. Naval Academy, as the capital of the United States for one year, and where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris. To avid sailors, it’s also the U.S. birthplace of the tough, durable Tilley Hat, a product launched in Annapolis 20 years ago.
In 1980, Alex Tilley was a self-employed art consultant and avid sailor who was tired of losing hats that would blow off his head and sink. So he created a hat that would stay on his head and float if, by chance, it fell in the water. A veritable Swiss Army knife of hats, it is packable, crushable, unshrinkable, machine washable, guaranteed for life against wear, and is insured against loss. It even comes with a four-page Owner’s Manual and has a secret pocket in the crown.
On October 5th through the 9, Alex returned to the 31st annual Annapolis Sailboat Show to autograph Tilley Hats—both old and new—on behalf of Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, Inc. (CRAB).
Annapolis was the first testing ground for selling this type of headgear. The success from Annapolis gave birth to Tilley Endurables which now does over $15 million (U.S. dollars) in worldwide sales. The hats are now available through over 1,300 retail locations in 14 countries: Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, St. Martin, Sweden, Turks & Caicos, the U.K. and the U.S. (where there are 700 stores).
Says Alex Tilley, “Sailing is what inspired the creation of the Tilley Hat. In fact, we built an entire business around it. I look forward to returning to where it all started and raising funds for CRAB to inspire all of those who wish to enjoy the thrill of sailing.”
For more information on CRAB, contact its president, Don Backe, at 410-224-4700. Tilley Endurables can be contacted at 800-363-8737 or the website: www.tilley.com.
America's Cup 2003
Farr Yacht Design is giving it another go for the America's Cup. Larry Ellison, the Chairman and CEO of Oracle, Corp. has signed FYD on as Principle Designer for his 2003 Challenge for the America's Cup.
Mr. Ellison's group recentrly purchased AmericaOne's IACC boats, USA-49 and USA-60. The Syndicate has already assembled a large group of talented people to work alongside FYD in Mr. Ellison's first bid for the America's Cup. We are very excited to be a part of this Cup effort.
The announcement comes in the wake of the 1999 North American Sailing Industry Study that reported significant growth in the popularity of sailing in the U.S., including small sailboats. U.S. production of sailboats under 11 feet rose 62 percent in 1999, while production of sailboats under 20 feet was up 18 percent. The study predicted that sailboat production in the U.S. would rise 34 percent this year.
For information on the Pico, contact Andy Sauer at 203-469-6900, ext. 127, or e-mail andy@mascola.com.
PlayStation Gets
New Meteorologist
Skipper Steve Fossett announced that legendary weather router Bob Rice has been named chief meteorologist for PlayStation. Rice began working with onboard navigator Stan Honey on PlayStation record attempts beginning with the New York to United Kingdom TransAtlantic run in July.
Rice has a long list of achievements, including 17 around-the-world record attempts, three of which set records: American Promise (1985/6), Enza (1994), Sport Elec (1997). Rice was also meteorologist for the last two winning America’s Cups with Team New Zealand. He is president of Bob Rice Weather Consulting Inc., based in Wolfeboro, NH.
Boater Survey Results Favor BIYC
Last month all boaters who dock at the Barkers Island Marina were sent a Barkers Island Interest Survey along with their marina statement and newsletter. The survey was prepared by two 1998 Duluth/Superior members of the Club: J. Laundergan, owner of J-Fore (D dock) and John Bower, owner of Indigo (E dock).
The survey was sent to determine if there is any boater interest in having and active Barkers Island Yacht Club in 2000. [The BIYC was inactive last year.]
There were 38 surveys returned—12 boaters said NO and 26 said YES! The ratio was over 2 to 2 in favor of the BIYC so we plan to re-establish the club.
Reaching a point about midway in the boating season with only two months left before boaters start thinking about winter storage, BIYC proposed three events for the remainder of the season. The are: two races “round the buoys” in the Bay and one Raft Up and Potluck inside the Superior entrance.
For more information about Barkers Island Yacht Club, please contact J. Laundergan at 218-722-7660 or jlaunder@d.umd.edu. Your comments and ideas are welcome!
AT&T Tall Ships Chicago Drops Anchor Labor Day Weekend 2000
Five Days of Family Fun
and Entertainment
This Labor Day weekend, Navy Pier, Chicago’s most popular year-round tourist and entertainment attraction, will host AT&T Tall Ships® Chicago, presented by AT&T Wireless Services. Expected to draw more than 700,000 visitors to the Pier and downtown Chicago, the five day festival will celebrate the city’s rich maritime heritage with tall ships from the United States, Canada and the British Virgin Islands and also will feature a variety of family entertainment throughout the Pier. This is the second major tall ships festival for the city of Chicago. The first, held in 1998, drew a record crowd exceeding 550,000 visitors and was the largest event at Navy Pier since its re-opening in 1995.
Participating tall ships include:
Windy, the Pier’s 150-foot long resident tall ship, completed in 1996.
The Niña, built in 1989 by the Spanish government. A 72' three-masted caravel based in the British Virgin Islands.
S.T.V. Fair Jeanne, based in Kingston, Ontario, has logged more than 150,000 nautical miles since her maiden voyage.
Highlander, a 103' schooner based in Nova Scotia, used for sail training and a marine career awareness vessel.
H.M.S. Tecumseth, a replica of the original British vessel built in the 1800’s.
Picton Castle, a 180' three-masted barque, dedicated to sailing around the world, built in 1928.
True North, based in Toronto, a 115' topsail schooner.
For more information on this and other events at Navy Pier, call: 312-595-5032 / 595-5031 or see their website: www.navypier.com.
Laser Great Lakes
Championship
Chicago Yacht Club
Belmont Harbor
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2000
chicagoyachtclub.com
Please join Chicago’s Vanguard 15 Fleet #15 and Midwest Laser District Fleet #20 for a weekend of great racing and super parties. This weekend often offers some of the best racing conditions of the year. Parties will be held jointly ashore. Housing is available on a first-come basis.
See the website listed above for rules, directions and registration information.
Rolex Induction Ceremony for the America’s Cup
Hall of Fame
September 17, 2000
The eighth annual Rolex Induction Ceremony for the America’s Cup Hall of Fame will be held on Sunday, September 17 at the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, R.I. The three legendary America’s Cup sportsmen to be inducted are: New Zealander Tom Schnackenberg and Americans Edward du Moulin (Whitley Hills, NY) and Edwin D. Morgan (Sands Point, NY). For more information on this event, contact the Herreshoff Marine Museum at 401-253-5001.
“NOTHIN’S FINER”
Than to be in Carolina!
MC Scow Regatta
Lake Norman, NC
October 21 - 26, 2000
Fleet #50, Lake Norman Yacht Club invites you to enjoy Southern hospitality and the opportunity to participate in the Fall and Winter SE regatta season.
Located just north of Charlotte, North Carolina, Lake Norman offers the best in inland sailing. Camping on the grounds is available with showers. Race and registration information will be available on the MC Scow web page: www.MCscow.org or contact Ken Dols: ScowDoc@aol.com.
40th International
Boat Show
Genoa, Italy
From Chicago, Oct. 13-22, 2000
The Italian American Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at the 40th International Boat Show in Genoa, Italy. The Trade Mission leaves Chicago on October 13, and is scheduled to visit Genoa, Venice, Lago di Garda, Verona, Milan and Lake Como.
This world-class event covers all activities related to pleasure craft and navigation. The exhibition is held at two spectacular marinas, devoted respectively to sail and power boats.
Space is still available for this tour, developed in co-operation with Friends of the Marine Community. For information, call Leonora or Cornelia at 312-553-9137.
Schooner Days
Milwaukee, WI
September 9-10, 2000
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee will be sponsoring Schooner Days, a Tall Ships event at the Milwaukee Municipal Pier. It features the Denis Sullivan, a 137' three-masted replica of a traditional Great Lakes schooner. It operates as a floating, traveling classroom as well as a goodwill ambassador for the State of Wisconsin.
Three other tall ships will be on display for this event: True North, Windy, and Niña.
For more information visit The Wisconsin Lake Schooner Association at www.wisschooner.org or call 414-276-7700.
The Dahl Cup Is Unveiled for
Most Improved Disabled Sailor
CHICAGO -- The late Gerry Dahl, a physically handicapped sailor who taught sailing and won sailing competitions, has been memorialized by the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation (JGASF) with an achievement award named after him. JGASF, chief sponsor of a Chicago-area program that teaches physically disabled people how to sail, unveiled the Dahl Cup during the Independence Cup championships for disabled sailors in August. The Dahl Cup will be presented annually to "most improved sailor" in the Custom Sail
Program, which is operated by the Chicago Park District.
Dahl was a contractor and gardener before diabetes forced the amputation of both of his feet. He enrolled in the JGASF program in 1992, where learned to sail and became the program's first handicapped instructor a year later. He also became an avid competitor and went on to win the national disabled sailing championship, the Independence Cup, in 1998 and 1999 with his sailing partner, John Kostanecki. Dahl died in January of complications related to diabetes. He was 52 when he died.
Peter Goldman, president of the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, described Dahl as a "very energetic and enthusiastic" sailor. "Gerry started out with no sailing experience at all and became an instructor and a great competitor," Goldman said. "He put a lot of his time and effort into the program because he thought a lot of it. He got many other people involved our program."
The Dahl Cup will be awarded at the end of each sailing season to the most improved sailor in the Custom Sailing Program. The first award is expected to be made in September.
The Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation was established in 1990 to raise funds in support of a program providing both classroom and on-the-water sailing instruction for 1,000 physically handicapped people each year. The foundation's efforts have provided the sailing program with a fleet of sailboats that includes six Freedom 20s and three Sonars. The JGASF has hosted the Independence Cup since 1993.
The foundation was named in memory of Judd Goldman, a well-known sailor who became a distinguished racer in spite of his disability.