Fast Track Sailing | News Feed

London Debut for Sebago Shoeboat

2011-02-01T00:00:00

Sebago, the footwear company that has delivered genuine hand crafted performance since 1946, celebrated the start of Christmas festivities with the London debut of their much loved ‘Sebago Shoeboat’.

The Shoeboat took part in the ‘free Shop West End VIP Weekend’ along Regent Street, home of the newly opened Sebago Flagship Store.

The Shoeboat was anchored opposite the Sebago Store at 78 Regent Street with festive giveaways including mince pies and balloons for the younger visitors. The boat is modelled on the ‘Dockside’, the iconic Sebago shoe that ‘started it all’, with genuine moccasin handsewn construction wrapping the foot in a single piece of leather.

The Shoeboat has a packed calendar for 2012 scheduled so it could be coming to a location near you soon, further details to be supplied in the New Year.

Entries Open for ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous in March 2012

2011-02-01T00:00:00

Nautor’s Swan is pleased to open entries for the annual ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous which will take place from 12 – 17 March 2012 in the British Virgin Islands.

A diverse range of Swan’s take part in the Rendezvous each spring; from the stunningly elegant Swan 100 slicing through the crystal waters to the cruising oriented Swan 66 fleet enjoying time anchored off Sandy Cay through to the smaller couple-sailed Swan 44, Swan 46 and Swan 48 members of the fleet.

The Rendezvous will begin at the Bitter End Yacht Club with registration followed by a Laser Regatta during the afternoon of Monday 12 March 2012. The Opening Cocktail Reception and dinner will follow. Tuesday morning starts with a short briefing from the now infamous Race Committee, Steve De Voe and Clem Napolitano from Jamestown Boat Yard. The 2012 edition will start with a downwind fun race from North Sound to Cooper Island where cocktail and canapés will be served to the participants while they recount the day’s highlights. Wednesday will feature the leg across to Jost van Dyke with an afternoon of beach games and after sailing refreshments set up on Sandy Cay. From Jost van Dyke the fleet will sail upwind to Marina Cay for the annual Hors d’Oeuvres contest due to take place alongside cocktails and canapés by sunset. The final day around the islands will take the fleet from Marina Cay back to North Sound and the Bitter End Yacht Club. Friday afternoon will be filled with the Hobie Regatta and the ClubSwan Open Day during which the Swan Owners Association representatives will visit each Swan within the fleet and determine the best presented Swan of the Rendezvous. Saturday features the one competitive race of the week with the ‘Round Virgin Gorda Race’ before the Final Prize Giving and Dinner at Almond Walk.

The ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous is a typically relaxed cruise through some of the world’s most stunning scenery in superb sailing conditions punctuated by social events that give participants the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with old friends while welcoming new friends to the fleet.

Barcolana Regatta Dubbed 'the World's Largest Regatta' Awards

2011-01-01T00:00:00

Over 800 guests gathered for the 43^rd Barcolana Prize Giving Ceremony in the Italian City of Trieste. Distinguished members included President of the Italian Sailing Federation, Carlo Croce. Nautor’s Swan representatives and competitors from the Swan contingent were part of the high profile guest list.

This annual ceremony celebrates the Barcolana Regatta which this year took place on October 9th in the waters of the Gulf Trieste. Nearly 2,000 boats entered providing a massive spectacle. The event is dubbed ‘the largest single-start regatta in the world and attracts not only the world’s sailors but over 300,000 spectators and hoards of media reporters.

The race course maneuvers through 16.5 miles providing a respectable challenge for Swan yachts to tackle. For 2011 on the water victory in the Swan Class was taken by the Italian, Swan 56, Vanish. Giorgio Passarella of Nautor’s Swan, Italy presented the Swan Trophy to owner, Alvise Zanetti who commented:

“I am very happy to receive the Swan Trophy this year and my aim now is to encourage more Swan owners to take part. Nautor’s Swan do an excellent job at promoting their annual calendar, but a lot of the Swan yachts in this region of Italy are orientated more towards cruising. I would like more owners to follow in my foot steps and participate in top quality racing events such as the Rolex Swan Cup next September in Porto Cervo”.

Live Event Tracking at the WPNSA

2011-01-01T00:00:00

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and TracTrac, the leaders in live sports tracking, are pleased to announce that they have signed a collaboration agreement and they will be working closely together. Event organisers at the WPNSA will now have the option to access pay as you go tracking infrastructure which will make the on-the-water action more accessible and more attractive to sailors, clubs, spectators, coaches and sponsors. The technology can be put in place to be used by major events, training days, small weekday events, youth activities or fun races.

TracTrac already tracks the excitement and action at most major sailing events, recently working closely with 2011 Skandia Sail for Gold to deliver a fantastic tracking experience both on the web and at venue via a 25 foot big screen. In addition to the WPNSA race management services on offer for race events on the site, this technology will now be available at an affordable rate within a fully managed operation.

TracTrac live tracking will present a number of benefits for event organisers using the WPNSA facilities. Participants and coaches will be able to analyse and replay the race, compare themselves against their competitors and visualise key moments of the race. TracTrac can assist race organisers in course setting, improve safety, support jury decisions and display results. And on top of all this spectators can live the excitement, understand the competition and feel close to the action.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented; “This experience no doubt will be extremely positive. The system will arouse excitement in being part of an event both among the sailors and the general public. The means of presenting the tracking whether it is via the big screen on the harbour or through an internet browser will prove very attractive for both sponsors and followers of the event.”

Adrian Whaley, TracTrac UK, said; “We are very excited that the leading sports tracking provider and the UK’s premier sailing venue are teaming up. Through our service we are able to bring the race excitement to spectators at the venue as well as a global audience who can watch the events online through our live race viewer.”

YACHTONUS.com Opens Gateway to Effective Online Boat Maintenance

2011-01-01T00:00:00

As the winter lay-up gets underway for 2011, the focus turns to annual boat maintenance which is elementary to a vessel’s up keep and ultimate safety for the subsequent year’s fun on the water. YACHTONUS.com has formulated an annual boat check list to run through in order to make sure all maintenance factors are accounted for in a comprehensive manner that will put boating enthusiasts’ minds at rest.

This is a key time of the year for identifying and planning work to be undertaken on your boat. YACHTONUS.com invites you to test your own boat against their ‘annual boat check’ available online for you to access information in the comfort of a warm house or for on the spot queries while at the yard.

The check list lends itself to maintenance points which are ordinarily carried out once the boat is on hard standing for the winter including;

Checking hull for anti-fouling, anodes and general condition for damage
Rudder inspection
Removing all water from the boat
Filling the diesel tank to avoid moisture
Removing the sails and examining for damage
Bringing anti-freeze into the engine water cooling system
Developing the winter maintenance plan

YACHTONUS.com also provides full facility for you to allow a certified marine expert to both set up and undertake your total boat maintenance plan. There is already a growing global network of service suppliers registered and using YACHTONUS.com.

Julian Smith, Hamble Marine Surveys (Members of the International Institute of Marine Surveying):

“Working within the industry of marine surveying for over 20 years we have identified our principal role in protecting clients by providing them with information on the condition of the vessel in question. A complete list of recommended items to consider during the winter lay-up is of course boat dependent however; there are simple guidelines which are essential to a professional check list and YACHTONUS.com covers these within their verified online list, it is a must for safe boating.”

Special Trophy Awards for Swans at RORC Prize Giving

2011-01-01T00:00:00

The Swan racing contingent has been honoured at the recent Royal Ocean Racing Club Prize Giving, being awarded a number of special trophies after a stunning summer of sailing.

Presented by Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Andrew McIrvine, three Swan yachts from the global fraternity were invited to this prestigious annual event which celebrates some of the highest profile racing on the international circuit to date.

Mark Devereux who campaigned an offshore racing programme this year with his Club Swan 42, Brevity, was presented with the ‘Arambalza Swan Cup’. Brevity was the best Swan overall in IRC for the whole RORC 2011 season.

British owner Alastair Evans aboard Alvine XV, his Swan 37, also had a good end to the year’s racing winning the Red Funnel Prix d’Elegance.

The Swan 62 Uxorious IV had significant success during the race season, taking a momentous overall fleet victory in the Cowes – Dinard – St. Malo Race. Colin Buffin was awarded an Assuage Tankard, recounting his experience afloat this summer Buffin commented.

“The start was electric, with a jib top and a staysail, the boat really lit up! We have only recently started racing the Swan 62 and I am absolutely delighted with the performance, she handled the heavy weather without any problems at all”.

Live Greyhound Racing Returns to TV Screens

2011-01-01T00:00:00

Live greyhound racing returns to TV screens across the UK and Ireland from mid-December, with the launch of a brand new three-times-a-week programme – Racing Post Greyhound TV. This exciting new development comes about as a result of a joint venture between The Racing Post, Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill, bet365 and Betfair.

Live evening racing will be shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, free-to-air on Channel 231 and with a webcast presence on each of the partners’ websites.

It is hoped that this latest project will be a substantial benefit to the sport. Greyhound racing will not only benefit from the regular exposure on free-to-air TV, but also from its percentage of the betting turnover generated that will be donated by the participants to the British Greyhound Racing Fund.

Charles Russell advised the six joint venture partners on this innovative project. The team was led by Ian Lynam, Partner in Charles Russell’s market leading Sports & Media Group.

Kevan Moretti, Racing Post’s Head of B2B services and Executive Producer, Racing Post Greyhound TV, said; “This project was an interesting and complex challenge to put together and we really appreciate Charles Russell’s expertise in guiding us all through to a successful conclusion.”

Ian Lynam, Partner, Sports & Media Group at Charles Russell, commented; “We greatly enjoyed working for the six partners in getting this project over the line. This deal demonstrates Charles Russell’s growing expertise in broadcast rights deals in sport. Our strength in this area has been greatly increased by our new joiners Vanessa Barnett, who joined as a Partner from Berwin Leighton Paisner, and Simon Johnson, who joined as a Consultant from the FA.”

Hydro Foil Catamaran Sea Trials at the WPNSA

2011-01-01T00:00:00

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) was the chosen venue for an intensive two week sea trials for the innovative new hydro-foil sailing catamaran, known as C-FLY. This is a 26ft catamaran created out of fifteen years of development by a team of aerospace engineers.

Chris Edwards, one of the C-FLY design team and who is leading the way in a new dimension of high speed sailing, explained his reasoning for selecting the venue which is hosting the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

‘C-FLY can reach up to 40 knots in the right conditions and therefore we require a very large expanse of water to conduct our trials. We recognised the WPNSA as having one of the most extensive and sheltered harbours in the UK that is available for sailing. This gave us confidence that we could complete the trials in a controlled environment.’

‘Launching from the Academy gave our team direct access to the test area using the extensive slip ways. We could also head out on the water at any time of day due to the slipways being accessible at all states of tide and wind, which ultimately gave us excellent flexibility for our testing.’

After crossing Portland Harbour at speeds above 25 to 30 knots, the trials were continued outside the harbour in Weymouth Bay. This provided conditions for open sea trials in the English Channel, a real test for any craft. Encountering waves of 1.5 metres, C-FLY demonstrated her exceptional sea-keeping and ability to continue hydro-foiling safely at speed, a clear aim of this project that seeks to solve the difficulties of sailing at very high speeds both safely and in comfort.

For your chance to view the sea trials of the C-FLY in Portland Harbour please visit:

http://youtu.be/MHhWQ64Uqt8

Sail Training fleet to race to Weymouth and Portland

2011-01-01T00:00:00

A large fleet of Sail Training vessels will race to Portland in the summer of 2012. On the second weekend in June, 300 young people from Dorset and London will gather in West India Docks to prepare for the London to Portland Small Ships Race. 25 vessels ranging from 100 year old pilot cutters to modern ocean racing yachts are due to take part in an offshore race from London to Portland, and each boat will be crewed by young people from 12 years upwards.

The charities running the vessels use Sail Training to provide life changing opportunities for young and disabled people from across the UK. Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is working together with the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) to organise this spectacular youth event.

The ships will depart London on 11^th June, 2012 and race to Weymouth and Portland, arriving on 15^th June, 2012. On the 16^th June, HM The Queen’s representative in Dorset, the Lord Lieutenant, Val Pitt-Rivers will start another race within Weymouth Bay by firing a cannon from the Nothe Fort. The races will be followed with a prize-giving at the Academy in the evening of the 16th.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, commented, “This is a first class opportunity to link young people from Dorset with London in such a positive youth adventure. The sailing will be just a small part of the overall experience; the young people involved will also gain valuable life-skills to benefit them for a long time afterwards. It’s a very exciting project and one we’re very pleased to be on board with.

The event has been strongly supported not only by the Sailing Academy working closely with ASTO; we have also received enormous help from Portland Marina and Portland Harbour Authority.

The spectacle provided by these remarkable vessels will be a great opportunity for people in Weymouth and Portland to come and enjoy – and start to build excitement for the very special sailing events taking place a few weeks later.”

There are 60 places available for young people from Dorset to take part in this adventure. Schools are being contacted about this opportunity, but anyone interested in taking part should contact ASTO on 02392 503 222. To find out more about Sail Training, take a look at www.uksailtraining.org.

YACHTNOUS.com to Exhibit at the Marine Equipment Trade Show 2011

YACHTONUS.com is pleased to announce its debut at the annual METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) show in Amsterdam between 15^th and 17^th November 2011.

The new free yacht maintenance website will be available for viewing and demonstrations on the stand located at 9.710A, together with Managing Director, Alex Dowdalls. Don’t miss your opportunity to obtain an exclusive view of YACHTONUS.com and understand how the computer software system works to maintain boat configuration, equipment level and state of repair, documentation and the maintenance plan.

YACHTONUS.com was launched in May this year and has already built a considerable following with more than 200 boats, 250 users and 35 businesses already registered. In a short amount of time, YACHTONUS.com can boast amongst its users two premium brand yacht builders (one racing (USA) and one cruising (Europe)), 15 marina operators and boat yards, yacht experts and surveyors and equipment manufacturers. YACHTONUS.com already operates on a global scale and the benefit is extended to the business users who can share information and deliver a service to the boat owner.

As METS is quite simply the world’s best showcase event for marine equipment manufacturers and suppliers, it is the ideal opportunity for YACHTONUS.com to display its service to more boat manufacturers at the show as a software solution for their use in the documentation and maintenance management field, and, enhance further its global reach.

Alex Dowdalls, Managing Director, YACHTONUS.com, commented; “I am delighted to be a first time exhibitor at METS. YACHTONUS.com is a world class product that has relevance to marine manufacturers and suppliers all over the world. Although I already have some prominent users, I am looking forward to meeting boating businesses who would like to offer online boat management to their customers.”

Third TP52 World Title for Sebago Sponsored Quantum Racing

The Sebago sponsored Quantum Racing Team have continued their victory role for 2011 picking up the internationally coveted TP52 World Championships crown in Porto Cervo, Italy this October. The team are unbeatable having only a few weeks ago dominated the Audi MedCup final season racing event and securing an overall win for the 2011 Circuit.

This is now the third world title for Quantum Racing out of four challenges and is also the second ‘double win’ for this acclaimed team, having won both the Audi MedCup Circuit as well as the World Championships back in 2008. Sebago are delighted to be the exclusive supplier of apparel and footwear to the Quantum Team. This international crew fly the Sebago flag and annually take the medal haul at some of the world’s most sought after, elite yacht racing destinations.

Standing four points clear of their rival Container, in second place and an impressive seven points in front of third and fourth placed; Gladiator and Paramount Park Murcia respectively, Quantum Racing won after taking a second and first on the final day of racing, finishing on 17 points.

Tactician Adrian Stead (GBR) combined with new navigator Francesco Mongelli (ITA) at Porto Cervo to produce consistent performances across an extreme array of wind conditions. Light sub 10 knots for three of the days and then the strong morning Mistral later in the week pushed them up to fourth overall. The perfectly executed final push for the world title took place in a moderate 7 to 11 knots.

Adrian Stead noted it as a ‘splendid win’ for Quantum Racing.

‘It is a great way to finish the season. We have been really pleased with the way we have sailed here against boats which have been in their conditions in the form of Gladiator and Paramount Park. Everyone has been pushing pretty hard’.

Three different race boats lead this year’s World Championships over different days, but Quantum Racing were on solid form in the light to moderate conditions. On the final day the breeze was shifting up to 30 degrees with big changes in wind pressure. Although the wind did show signs of establishing itself towards the afternoon, it proved far too unsettled to run a third race, finalising Quantum’s world domination.

Ed Reynolds, Project Manager at Quantum Racing, summed up the team’s style.

‘Each of these world titles has been a quintessential team performance, with two different teams of different characteristics and styles. Everyone on the team was very good. No one position stood out over the rest of the team. It was truly a collective team effort.”

Libel Win for Susan Boyle Manager Ossie Kilkenny

The libel action brought against the Daily Mail by Ossie Kilkenny, formerly one of Susan Boyle’s management team, ended successfully this morning before Mr Justice Tugendhat.

The Court heard that the newspaper had agreed to pay substantial damages to Mr Kilkenny, and his legal costs. It apologised for publishing false allegations about him in an article in March 2010.

As well as his management role for Susan Boyle, Mr Kilkenny is well-known for his advice in the music industry, notably to U2. He is also a former Chair of the Irish Sports Council, and is on the International Board of Directors of Special Olympics.

Nicholas Armstrong, Ossie Kilkenny’s solicitor and a Partner in the Sports & Media Group at Charles Russell LLP, appeared before Mr Justice Tugendhat this morning, and afterwards commented: “I am delighted to have been able to help Ossie Kilkenny achieve this important vindication, after unfounded allegations were made which cast an unwarranted slur over his brilliant career in the music industry.”

ArbDB Marks Launch with Drinks Reception

On 11^th October, in London, senior industry and legal figures celebrated the establishment of the first multidisciplinary international arbitration and dispute board chambers, the launch of which reinforces London’s position as a key international centre for arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution.

Solicitors, judges, mediators, arbitrators and other members of the legal and other professions attended the official launch event at Lutyens, Fleet Street, London EC4, hosted by founding members John Wright, Tony Marks, Michael Cover and COO, Ian Duggan.

Based in Fleet Street, London EC4, ArbDB’s intention is to create a first class centre of expertise for arbitration, adjudication, mediation and dispute boards, so that ArbDB can become the first port of call for lawyers or, by way of direct access, for clients wishing to obtain the services of third party neutrals, whether as an arbitrator, adjudicator, mediator or dispute board member. ArbDB provides more specialist ADR professionals from a variety of differing professional backgrounds than has hitherto been available.

Since opening its doors in London, ArbDB has expanded quickly, welcoming a number of new members to the Chambers. ArbDB can, in a short amount of time, already count amongst its members some of the highest profile third party neutrals operating in the commercial field. New members include Murray Armes, Giovanni Di Folco, Arthur Marriott QC, Sir Jonathan Parker, John Redmond, Jonathan Tecks and Heather Thomas. Each of them have an expertise in a wealth of different specialisms including major infrastructure projects, construction, engineering, energy, banking and financial services, IP, international trade, dry shipping, shipbuilding contracts, commodities, LME trading, futures and options and financial derivatives.

Michael Cover, Director of ArbDB, commented; “We were delighted to mark the opening of our new Chambers with a drinks reception for London’s professional and business community. This event was extremely well supported and we are very much looking forward to welcoming further new Members in the future.”

Sebago RBIC Commences from the WPNSA

2011-03-01T00:00:00

The first start of the 2011 Sebago Round Britain and Ireland Challenge (RBIC) held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) kicked off yesterday, March 27. Forty sailors travelled from all over the UK to take their place on the start line with the stunning Jurassic coast as the backdrop and soaring spring temperatures. The RBIC provides opportunities for people from all walks of life to race round Great Britain and Ireland or join for a single leg. Crews from all over the UK have been training over weekends since February from the WPNSA so as to prepare themselves for the 2,500 mile passage which is predicted to take 28 days to complete.

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) has formed a new long term partnership with the RBIC supporting this latest yacht racing challenge through hosting training events and providing race management, being the start and finish port for all circumnavigations in the series as well as the chosen final prize giving ceremony location.

Chris Knight, Business Manager, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy commented, “It is very inspiring to see the first RBIC underway this month, the preparation and training for this race start since the beginning of the year at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been tireless. The WPNSA yacht racing facilities have really been highlighted over this period and we are very much looking forward to being the official start and finish venue of this fresh new big boat racing challenge for the foreseeable future”.

The RBIC also celebrated a new agreement with Sebago, the high quality marine footwear and clothing manufacturer, the morning of the first race start. The challenge is now formally known as ‘the Sebago Round Britain and Ireland Challenge’.

Charlie Walker, Managing Director of RBI Challenge Ltd said, “this new relationship showcases just how far the RBIC brand has come in around a year. We are thrilled to be working with such a prestigious brand as Sebago and we look forward working together to continue to give our customers yet more superb sailing experiences”.

The RBIC fleet are now hoping for wind speeds to increase as they head towards their first stopover. This is the first of three Sebago Round Britain and Ireland Challenges booked for 2011 that will be taking in nine official stopovers.

WPNSA Raises Funds for Comic Relief's £74 Million

2011-03-01T00:00:00

SailLaser hosted a Red Nose Day event on March 19 raising funds for the national BBC Comic Relief Charity. The water based event held on the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy site helped add to the £74 million that will assist charities across the UK and Africa.

With stunning Spring conditions sailors dressed in red fancy dress clothes over wetsuits taking to the water to mirror the charity’s colour theme, some even brought a friend to try sailing for free. The Onboard Club and Race Club members as well as Weymouth College students sailed in the full range of LaserPerformance dinghies available year round from SailLaser on site at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Participants were challenged to collect letters from each of the racing marks in Portland Harbour as they sailed round a fixed course with the aim of making a word on return to shore at the 2012 sailing venue. The sailor with the longest word was the winner.

Jed Gravelle and Tommy O’Sullivan were officially the top fundraisers at SailLaser Weymouth collecting over £70. Hannah Burywood, SailLaser Weymouth, commented, ‘it’s been great to see our regular sailors teaching their friends to sail, we hope to welcome them back to SailLaser Weymouth again soon’.

Money is still coming in from SailLaser Weymouth charity events which also included a cake sale at Weymouth and Portland, the current total is just over £1,500 and is set to climb.

WPNSA Marks 500 Days to the Games

2011-03-01T00:00:00

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is marking 500 Days to the Games today, March 15. This key turning point in the journey to the ultimate sporting event on Earth is pulling the ‘eyes of the world’ to the shores of Weymouth and Portland.

As the venue for the sailing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been transformed into a world class sports destination that will host the top water sports athletes from across the globe next summer. Through the development of this award winning Dorset venue and the Games being hosted on UK waters there is already a tangible rise in the numbers of young people inspired to try marine based sports.

It is this ‘sporting flavour’ that the Academy is helping to promote both locally, nationally and internationally providing as many children as possible with the opportunity to experience water sports. Be this through taster sessions, training as part of a team or competing seriously. The Games is an important vehicle in the long road to sparking an interest with youths from a young age and stimulating them in a safe and fun environment to take up sport.

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy annually hosts local schools events, national selections and championships as well as international youth regattas. The SailLaser School on site is constantly busy teaching youths from across Britain and PGL as well as the Official Test Centre regularly run general watersports courses and windsurfer training / tuition during the warmer months. The Academy in association with the Chesil Trust has also incorporated the successful ‘Sail for a Fiver’ into their core programme of events which to date has helped over 6,000 children try sailing for just £5 and is set to deliver a strong legacy with 1,600 children benefiting per year.

Ben Ainslie, CBE, WPNSA Director and Triple Gold Medalist, who grew up sailing on Dorset waters, is a supporter of legacy post the Games, ‘a Sail for a Fiver child today may be a medal winner by 2016 and it is our job at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy to ensure this opportunity is given to young people’.

It is through the sheer enjoyment of children on site at the WPNSA that form the foundations to ensure sustainable opportunities are provided for following generations. The sheltered aspect of Portland Harbour is the ideal platform in which to develop water based skills within an area that is recognised as having some of the best boating waters on the planet.

Children come to the venue in order to enjoy their chosen sport including; sailing, windsurfing, dragon boating, raft building and windsurfing, or to watch their parents train and compete or work on site as well as through organised school visits and local community events. It is the overall aim of the WPNSA to cultivate this welcoming atmosphere for young people in order that they can savour the taste of fun in sport for years to come.

The UK currently has the worst obesity rate in Europe and with childhood obesity becoming a reality rather than a risk during this decade there is ample requirement to spearhead any sports venue that attracts the attention of the younger generation. In fact 1 in 7 European children are either overweight or obese and only 1 in 5 children exercise regularly. The Games cannot come at a better time for these young people; it will contribute in propelling them to make healthy choices early on and getting active with their friends. The children of today will remember the significance of the Games coming to the UK with life long memories generated from the ‘summer of sport’ that will influence their overall life time involvement with sport.

John Tweed, Chief Executive of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, is proud to see the 500 days to the Games turning point at the venue, ‘the WPNSA is very much a venue primed to host the Games next summer and the work that has ensured the Games will be a success has really stimulated a strong youth interest that I feel will continue in the long term through satisfying this highly influential sector of the sporting population.’

500 days to go also marks the moment that the application process for London 2012 Olympic Games tickets opens. Tickets are available across 26 sports and 645 sessions and people can apply for tickets for the Games between March 15 and April 26 at www.tickets.london2012.com. It is not a first come, first served system so applications can be made at any point during the period. Prices start at £20 for adults and there are special prices for young people under 16 and those over 60 at over 200 sessions. The London Organising Committee is currently undertaking the formal pre-planning consultation to seek the views of Weymouth and Portland residents with a view to offering a ticketed spectator experience in the Nothe Gardens, Weymouth for the duration of the London 2012 Olympic sailing competition. The consultation period will run until 31 March 2011.

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy will continue to engage as many people as possible with the world of water sports and commit to continuing this thrust into active sport for generations to come.

Weymouth Gears Up for Comin Relief

2011-03-01T00:00:00

On Saturday 19^th March, SailLaser will be hosting a special event at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) in an effort to raise money for the charity Comic Relief, which aims to help transform the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people across the United Kingdom and Africa.

As part of the Red Nose fundraising activities all sailors in the Dorset area are encouraged to bring someone who has never sailed before and introduce them to the thrill of the water. After a short introduction they will compete in a treasure hunt race on the 2012 waters.

The participants who will be sailing in ‘red’ fancy dress will be faced with the challenge of collecting as many letters off the buoys on the water as possible within one hour. The children will be aged between 7 and 15 with varying experience and hopefully lots of new sailors from the local community.

John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy commented, “We are delighted to support SailLaser and the RYA OnBoard Club with the fundraising for the charity Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. The facilities here at the Academy lend themselves excellently to the event with the slipway providing direct access to some of the best small boat sailing waters on the planet, including the sheltered waters of Portland Harbour making it perfect for new sailors or sailors with disabilities.”

For more information please contact Hannah Burywood at SailLaser Weymouth on +44 (0)845 337 3214 or Hannah.burywood@sail-laser.com.

Charles Russell Advises on Sale of Hawk-Eye to Sony

2011-03-01T00:00:00

On 7th March, Sony announced that it had acquired Hawk-Eye, a global leader in live sports tracking solutions, a deal in which Hawk-Eye and the sellers were advised by city law firm Charles Russell LLP.

Hawk-Eye is a globally recognised, UK based company, which has developed an outstanding reputation for providing technology enabling resolution of close calls in critical sporting situations, especially in cricket and tennis.

Charles Russell LLP provided advice from a multi-disciplinary team to the owners of Hawk-Eye illustrating their market-leading expertise in both the Technology & Communications and Sports and Media sectors.

The Charles Russell team was led by Hamish Perry, supported by Mark Moncreiffe and Glafkos Tombolis and assisted by Tom Smitham and Natalie Elsborg amongst others. Baker & McKenzie advised Sony Europe Limited.

Hamish Perry, Associate at Charles Russell commented, "The team’s work on this sale is further evidence of Charles Russell’s expertise across the TMT sector, including its market leading position in advising on cricket-related matters. Other notable work in the sport includes advising some of the same clients on the sale of Wisden and Cricinfo, advising the IPL on doping matters, advising on the formation of the Royals 2020 global franchise and a variety of work for its other cricket clients including the MCC, IMG, Hampshire CCC, Lancashire CCC, Yorkshire CCC, Nottinghamshire CCC and Kookaburra."

2011 ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous Springs into Cruise Mode

2011-03-01T00:00:00

Nautor’s Swan is heralding the coming of Spring this year with the 8^th annual edition of the highly popular cruising calendar event, ‘the ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous’. With nearly 100 participations for 2011 there will be a strong cruising contingent from the Swan fraternity congregating in the British Virgin Islands from March 14 - 19.

Over 20 yachts are heading to the Caribbean to enjoy a week long structured cruise between some of the world’s most idyllic islands. The Bitter End Yacht Club will be their first port of call before embarking on a number of passages. Crews will be offered ample opportunities to drop anchor in nature’s paradise and relax in sheltered luxury moorings.

Nautor’s Swan has a strong cruising angle now established with the annual programme. The Rendezvous concept of cruising in the comfort of the Swan family as well as the option of enjoying some traditional friendly competition is the perfect balance for a growing segment of Swan yacht owners.

Many of the crews are a mix of friends and family as well as some groups new to the Spirit of Swan opting to charter.

The Rendezvous programme will take in four of the famous British Virgin Islands. Crews will be able to focus on the sailing and leave all logistics to Swan management providing pre-arranged cruise configurations and all social functions. This includes; live music, cocktail receptions, a lobster dinner and St Patrick’s Day celebrations to extend enjoyment into the evenings.

The cruising flotilla will also be involved in a floating Open Day where owners and sailors alike will all be able to view the cross spectrum of the Swan line at their leisure.

Issues in Sports Hospitality Associated with the Bribery Act

2011-03-01T00:00:00

Whether it’s a box at Twickenham in the 6 Nations or a walk down the starting grid at Silverstone, corporate hospitality at sporting events has become an accepted and legitimate business practice. As a means of entertaining clients and contacts, inducing new clients or as part payment for goods or services in a mixed cash / value-in-kind deal, it plays a central role for many businesses.

However this practice could be in doubt. Sporting hospitality packages could be viewed as ‘currency of bribery’ under the new legislation. This is of particular interest as details of hospitality packages and tickets for London 2012 are released, which will form an integral part of many businesses planned entertainment strategies.

The Government has recently stalled in its implementation of the Act in the face of strong criticism from lawyers and business leaders alike. The legislation had been due to come into force in April, however this has been put back until three months after the Ministry of Justice publishes further guidance on the ‘adequate procedures’ defence.

For Jonathan Walters, a solicitor in the corporate department at Charles Russell LLP, the most crucial question remained unanswered: “At what point does corporate hospitality become illegal bribery? In their preparatory work on the subject, the Law Commission tried to distinguish between what hospitality was acceptable and what was not. The results were confusing and clumsy and were not taken forward into the legislation. Ultimately, comments coming from the corridors of power will do little to reassure hospitality providers that their businesses will survive under the new regime.”

It is hoped that the updated Government guidance will shed some light on this increasingly murky area. However, even with such guidance, this is still a grey area and it will be some time before businesses will feel comfortable with the new law. It seems unlikely the concept of bribery will ever be fully crystallised. Indeed, a gesture to say ‘thank you’ could well be a ‘please’ for the future.

There is a defence available if an organisation can show that it has adequate procedures in place for the prevention of bribery. The government has recently published six ‘principles’ designed to assist organisations in constructing these procedures: risk assessment, top level commitment, due diligence, clear, practical and accessible policies and procedures, effective implementation, and monitoring and review. It is relevant to note, however, that these principles have been drafted as a ‘flexible guide’ only and as such do not put in place any specific procedures that can be followed by organisations. Instead, the principles are to serve as generally applicable good practice.

In the meantime, there are a number of practical steps to follow to put your business in the best position to satisfy the ‘adequate procedures’ defence:

· Keep accurate records of all corporate hospitality events your business hosts or takes part in. These should include who attended, what the event was and the reason for your involvement.

· Where possible, document the legitimate reasons for entertaining a client or contact – for example, as an expression of gratitude for previous business (not an inducement for future work). A regular review or ‘audit’ of hospitality on a monthly or quarterly basis, for example at monthly team meetings, will show a hands-on approach to monitoring activity.

· Appoint a senior figure within your business to monitor and maintain the records. The Government have stressed the importance of ‘top level commitment’ in the prevention of bribery.

· Although difficult at this stage, try to draw up a broad corporate hospitality policy for your business setting out what is acceptable and the legitimate business aims the business hopes to achieve through its corporate hospitality programme.

· Finally, keep your eyes and ears open! This area of law is developing quickly and with no definitive timetable, so keep up to date with any further developments and ensure you are in a position to act upon any guidance published by the Government.

The advice in this release is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for taking your own independent legal advice. Charles Russell LLP accepts no responsibility for your reliance on the contents of this release.

Contractual Protection for Major Global Sports Events

2011-03-01T00:00:00

The ongoing civil unrest in Bahrain and the cancellation of the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix highlight the importance of including appropriate contractual protection against unforeseen events. Before the protests in North Africa, it is unlikely that the events in Bahrain which have led to the race being called off were high on many observers' risk lists. However, the contract appointing Bahrain as the venue will almost certainly have contained a 'force majeure' clause releasing the host country from liability for events outside its control.

Civil commotion or unrest is a classic example of a force majeure event and, given the scale of the uprisings in this case, there would seem to be little room for argument as to it being sufficiently serious to qualify. Of course, a contract can provide otherwise and can exclude specific circumstances from the force majeure clause, but it would be surprising if this was the case here.

In future, rights holders should consider the wording of force majeure clauses more closely and consider whether the risk of certain events such as political unrest should be pushed back on the hosts, rather than excusing them from liability. Both organisers and hosts can limit wasted costs and expenses with careful planning during contractual negotiation. Jonathan Walters, a solicitor in the Sports Group at Charles Russell LLP, comments, ‘in my experience, the desire to host events of the prestige of an F1 Grand Prix gives the rights holder a significant advantage in negotiations and encourages hosts to take risks which might not normally be acceptable’.

Events outside of the hosts’ or organisers’ control have further hit the news with the recent destructive earthquake in New Zealand. This is a devastating natural disaster which could have implications for the Rugby World Cup later this year.

Sarah Brown Visits the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy

2011-03-01T00:00:00

Sarah Brown, the wife of ex-Prime minister Gordon Brown, visited the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy last weekend to lend support to the South Dorset Labour Party’s annual dinner.

Academy Chief Executive John Tweed welcomed guest speaker Mrs. Brown along with her two young sons, together with her mother and stepfather who are local to Dorset and who helped campaign in support of Jim Knight during the last general election.

After dinner, Mrs. Brown, who has recently completed work on a book entitled ‘Behind the Black Door,’ recounting her life at No 10 Downing Street, addressed more than 100 Labour campaigners, members and supporters in attendance. During her talk, Mrs. Brown emphasised the affection she and her husband have for Dorset recalling how, in the summer of 2007 it was in Dorset that the Browns would take their only break of the year.

Guests were also updated on the Brown’s life since leaving Downing Street last May, in particular about Mrs. Brown’s work for charity. She is well known for her work to raise awareness about maternal mortality rates in the developing world with the UN, as well as her work with the charity she founded, Piggy-Bank Kids, which works with disadvantaged children.

Attendees at the award-winning venue enjoyed the night while taking in the stunning water side views out across Portland Harbour towards Weymouth Bay framed by the Jurassic coastline. The Academy’s flexibility, quality and fantastic value make it the perfect venue for all occasions from parties to conferences.

The WPNSA Hosts Round Britain & Ireland Challenge Boat Blessing

2011-02-01T00:00:00

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) hosted the Bishop of Sherborne yesterday for the official boat blessing of the Round Britain and Ireland Challenge Dehler Varianta 44 Fleet. The Academy has formed a partnership with this brand new yacht race which provides opportunities for people to race around Great Britain and Ireland or join for a single leg. The race will run three times a year, starting and finishing at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which will also be the base for training.

The Round Britain and Ireland Challenge fleet has brought a significant big boat racing element to the Academy’s grounds as they prepare for the first of the 2011 race starts on March 27 at Weymouth and Portland. There will then be two subsequent races during the summer and early autumn all starting and finishing from the WPNSA.

The ‘blessing of the fleet’ conducted by the Bishop of Sherborne, dressed in beautiful robes, officially welcomed the racing fleet to the 2012 sailing venue as well as evoking traditional sea faring ceremonies when blessings asked for safety to mariners, good harvests from the sea, clean waters and good will and peace amongst people of the world. The blessing was followed by Charlie Walker’s children pouring champagne onto one of the boats within the fleet.

Charlie Walker, Managing Director, Round Britain and Ireland Challenge, is now preparing for the start of race one at the end of March, ‘we are now in full preparation at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy for the start of race one. The boat blessing was a time to reflect on all of the team’s hard work in setting up such a popular event that will see three 2,500 mile circumnavigations during 2011 alone’.

RORC Caribbean 600 Race Preparation Begins in Antigua

2011-02-01T00:00:00

One of the ‘must do’ offshore yacht races in the international racing calendar, the RORC Caribbean 600, now in its third year kicks off later this month on February 21^st. The racing based around 11 islands in the central Caribbean will provide special conditions with intricate courses and warm breezes both day and night backed up by big waves.

A group of Swan yachts are currently headed to the starting line at Fort Charlotte, Antigua. For 2011 this includes Richard Balding’s Swan 60, Fenix, the Swan 51, Northern Child skippered by Christian Reynolds and Swan 80, Selene. The teams are preparing for a high adrenaline 600 mile offshore in one of the best sailing areas of the world. The entries will be up against some of the highest profile international racing yachts travelling from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cayman Islands, France, Germany, UK, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and the US.

Swan crews enjoy the action of this race, skipper of Swan 51, Star Chaser, commented on his past experience, ‘lots of wind, no wind, big seas, flat seas, rain and sunshine. Our crew on Star Chaser have enjoyed every part of it and we worked very hard to keep the boat racing as fast as we could. When doing 8.5 almost 10 knots going to windward, you forget about getting soaked on the foredeck and just enjoy the ride!’

The racing is a new style offshore yachting, designed to test speed, agility and guile: more like a Formula One racetrack than a traditional windward leeward course. RORC Chief Executive, Eddie Warden Owen explained the aim of this course style, ‘the course is designed to provide an exciting and inspiring race that compliments modern yacht design’.

The Swan yachts will all be fitted with RORC trackers for land based fans to follow the racing live via http://caribbean600.rorc.org/

Sport Industry Award 2011 Shortlist for the Weymouth and Portland

2011-02-01T00:00:00

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) has added yet another sporting stellar achievement to their 2011 wall of honour. The Academy is now shortlisted for the 2011 Sport Industry Award in the category ‘Sport Participation Event of the Year’. This highlights the WPNSA yet again as a major player in the national sports business spectrum by adding sustainable elements to this industry that are recognised by the sporting world’s star studded judging panel.

The Academy has continually used the 2012 sailing venue facilities as a source for international excellence which not only benefits the world’s elite water sports athletes but also offers exemplar opportunities for everyone to experience the wonderful world of water. Over the last decade that the Sport Industry Awards have been in existence the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been shortlisted twice as well as winning the ‘Environmental Concern in Sport’ category.

The WPNSA is shortlisted with some of the UK’s highest profile sporting events including; Deloitte Ride Across Britain, Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run, Bupa 30^th Great North Run, The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon and The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile. The Academy was nominated on its youth event involving a large number of Optimist dinghies which received a Guinness World Record for ‘largest parade of boats’.

John Tweed, Chief Executive of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, explains the significance of such a serious sporting shortlist, ‘our wall of awards builds year on year adding to global awareness of what a truly unique environment we cultivate at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and how we always aim to include so many different sporting enthusiasts within the activities offered. It is particularly pleasing that, in addition to our work with the elite sailors, an event involving young people participating in the sport has been recognised. The Sport Participation Event of the Year is a very high achieving category to have been shortlisted in and for our hard working team at the Academy a very much deserved recognition for the consistent hard work they put in year round to generate such satisfying results’.

Perfect Practice for Paralympic Hopeful

2011-02-01T00:00:00

The weekend saw the close of an exciting week of racing across the waters in the USA. The Rolex Miami OCR brought together the world’s top sailors for elite-level competition in the classes selected for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Established in 1990, the annual week-long event attracts foreign teams through the traditionally tough competition offered. Held on the picturesque Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, Fla., this prestigious event is the second stop on the International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) Sailing World Cup 2010-2011 circuit.

From all over the world, there were athletes who are either already on their national teams or aspiring to be named on them. With 716 Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls from 53 countries, all fleets were extremely deep with talent. The 2.4mR was one of three Paralympic classes in which British hopeful and Hampshire based Helena Lucas was sailing. Unlike the SKUD and SONAR classes which are restricted to disabled sailors only, the 2.4mR is not just restricted to the Paralympic sailors. This ensures a good turn out and a high level of competition. This year saw 30 boats of which half were able bodies. With numerous medallists competing, the top 10 in this highly contested class was too close to call.

The 2.4mR is hugely popular with medallists because of its compact size – about 14 feet long – and the fact that it requires little physical exertion to sail. Its skipper remains seated, facing forward at all times with the majority of his body below the waterline, and has the choice of steering it by foot pedal or by tiller, making it an equal platform for sailors with varying physical restrictions. Helena opted to ship her old boat to the States, wanting to use her new boat, purchased for her by her sponsor Charles Russell LLP, in Palma for training and the European regattas. At 7 years old, her old boat was starting to show her age and making some unnerving creaks and bangs in the waves.

Helena’s main goal for the regatta was to test the new sails her team had developed but she was also hoping for a good result. And she certainly delivered, coming in an impressive 7^th overall and posting a 2^nd and 1^st in races on day 4. Despite a snapped vectran strop on the first day which hindered her results, a 7^th place is a great start to 2011. Keir Gordon, Partner at Charles Russell LLP, commented, “Not only did Helena finish in the top 10 which is brilliant but the five days of racing against the world’s best would have provided Helena with the practice to help her in her run for a spot on the Skandia Team GBR.”

Swan 57 to Race with Volvo Ocean Race Legends

2011-02-01T00:00:00

Swan 57, Berge Viking, from Norway will be marking her 30^th anniversary since competing in the Whitbread Round the World Race by taking part in the Volvo Ocean Race Legends Reunion Regatta during November this year in Alicante.

The original skipper and former Olympic gold medallist, Peder Lunde, jr, will be bringing a large group of supporters to the event as well as his crew, ‘we want to tell the story of our red, white and blue Swan and meet and unite with other famous round the world yachtsmen’.

This extremely talented sailor led a fully amateur crew finding the support to build the Swan 57 and represent the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club in the Whitbread Round the World Race 1981-82. The Swan 57’s best result was from Portsmouth to Cape Town in leg one where she finished in 4^th place. The team also went on to win the seamanship prize for best log book, the prize for best communication with the organisers and also a prize for the best maintained yacht in extreme conditions in spite of 180 knock down to the Swan.

Berge Viking was then donated to the Norwegian Sailing School where she was used to train youths in the skill of coastal and blue water sailing for 5 years, after which she was purchased by current owner Morten Sig. Bergesen. She then returned to the Nautor’s Swan yard for a major re-fit in order to be used privately by the owner.

The Swan 57 has since made passages to the Shetland Islands, Spitsbergen and the Antarctic. In fact since her initial delivery back in 1979 she has travelled over 200,000 nautical miles and apparently the ‘Old Lady’ is still ready to see more of the world.

‘We will be proud to bring her to Alicante and show what a yacht that has circumnavigated the world several times can look like’, commented Peder on the Swan racing yacht pedigree.

A Destination for Marine Excellence

2011-01-01T00:00:00

Today, 7 January 2011, the London Boat Show provided the ideal location for respected speakers to provide an education on new developments in big boat racing and cruising opportunities in Weymouth and Portland. The press were invited to a Q&A session with key speakers Simon Williams, General Manager of Regeneration and Sustainability at the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and Charlie Walker, Managing Director of the Round Britain and Ireland Challenge and Vendée Globe Sailor Steve White. A number of private and public sector agencies in Dorset are working together to provide the best quality marine leisure opportunities for the UK and visitors from overseas and these speakers talked through what they have achieved and what they are planning long term to ensure Weymouth and Portland continues to attract interest from the marine sector globally.

With the hosting of the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Weymouth and Portland is progressively establishing itself as a Destination for Marine Excellence in the South West. The sailing events for the 2012 Games are allied to the marine enterprise expansion through significant investment at Osprey Quay and local infrastructure development have put Weymouth and Portland firmly on the international map for marine events and activities, but the session looked at how Weymouth and Portland can create a legacy beyond 2012.

“The Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Weymouth and Portland but the long term opportunities it provides to promote the World Heritage Coast as the perfect cruising and racing venue which sailors have been enjoying for generations is priceless,” added Simon Williams, General Manager of Regeneration and Sustainability at the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. “The World Heritage Coast of Dorset is the ultimate iconic backdrop for both racing and cruising and is ideal if you are local to the UK or from further afar. The berthing and marine facilities are of a superb quality with direct access to Weymouth Bay and the more challenging elements of the English Channel.”

The Academy has already hosted many big boat events including the Farr 45 National Championships for consecutive years and they are officially the location for the Artemis Offshore Academy which uses the WPNSA facilities for their UK excellence training programme. Starting this February they will also have the Round Britain and Ireland Challenge Series using the venue as a base for training and then racing from April onwards, including events for the very popular J109 and Sigma 38 classes.

The multi-purpose venue provides the perfect amenities to host such events as it has direct access to the deep waters of Weymouth Bay and into the English Channel within minutes of leaving the sheltered new 125 berth mini marina that is part of the state of the art 2012 sailing venue facilities. Steve White, Vendée Globe Sailor, comments on why he keeps his Open 60 in Portland Marina adjacent to the Academy, “I’m within minutes of open water in the harbour and 15 minutes from the English Channel which makes it excellent for big boats that need a lot of water. For me it’s a no brainer.”

On top of the fantastic infrastructure there are new hotels and other developments taking place and the Academy is now ready to host some very major events. Their facilities, together with those of the Portland Marina, give the opportunity to host fantastic sailing events for the larger boats in an ideal sailing environment.

The new partnership between the Academy and the Round Britain and Ireland Challenge is a very positive step for Weymouth and Portland and is an example of the bigger boat events now discovering the benefits of the area. When asked why the WPNSA was the choice venue, Charlie Walker, Managing Director at the Round the Britain and Ireland Series, replied, “We have partnered with the WPNSA as it places us at the heart of the sailing world in the run up to 2012, our customers will benefit from the use of the award winning world class facilities. We will be running all training from the Academy starting in February as well as it being the start and finish venue for all Challenges.”

One of the benefits will be the fleet of Dehler Varianta 44s which have been designed and built for this particular challenge with the view to long term charter work in Weymouth Bay. John Tweed, Chief Executive at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, highlighted another advantage, “Sailors and non sailors alike can take part in a leg of the RBIC which parallels nicely with the Academy’s totally inclusive approach to sailing so that if you are a person new to sailing, venturing on the water for the first time, up to an Olympic or budding round the World sailor, this is the venue for you.”

Swan European Regatta 2011 Entries Open

2010-02-01T00:00:00

As we look forward to a week of high energy Solent racing in testing tidal conditions for the 15^th edition of the Swan European Regatta Nautor’s Swan is delighted to publish the Notice of Race for the event. The Swan European Regatta will hit the UK shores of Cowes, Isle of Wight from July 9 – 15, 2011.

European relations in the international Nautor’s Swan family will be based out of West Cowes with their crews of all ages and experience, relishing a packed out regatta to incorporate close racing afloat and friendly nights ashore.

The Royal Yacht Squadron will again be hosting the fleet’s racing providing an elite polish to the race planning and logistics synonymous with this world class event.

The Swan European Regatta supports an intimate set of entries where owners are focused on getting the most out of their south coast UK racing. Over 30 prizes are due to be handed out for daily as well as overall placing which will be presented at a number of different evening prize giving events. Top of every Swan owner and race crew’s list will be claiming a Nautor’s Swan trophy as their own.

Some of the trophies that will be gleaming on the awards presentation tables for 2011 include ‘the Source Trophy’ where 2 boats team up for cross the fleet points, ‘the Highland Fling Trophy’ for the highest placed owner driver and the overall winners of the regatta will covet ‘the Swan European Regatta Trophy’.

The silver ware is not exclusively reserved for those at the top of the results board, Nautor’s Swan will also be seeking out the Smartest Crew, Youngest Crew, Farthest Travelled Boat and Most Distinguished Swan, providing a wealth of opportunities to all levels of talent.

The Owner’s Dinner will take place in the elegant atmosphere of the Royal Yacht Squadron where the individuals can relax and take in the Solent sunset. Crews will also be offered their night to enjoy the many old and new friendships that develop from so many years of Swan racing at the Crew Party.

The Notice of Race is available to download at http://www.nautorswan.com/ClubSwan/RacingCruising/SwanRegattas/tabid/109/Default.aspx

For further information and to register for the Swan European Regatta 2011, please contact the Swan Racing Office on racing-office@nautorswan.com T +44 (0)207 593 5265

2011 ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous Call Up

2010-01-01T00:00:00

Nautor’s Swan will be running their 8^th annual ‘ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous’ during the Spring of 2011. This highly popular cruising event will start and finish from the Bitter End Yacht Club, known for their seasoned experience in quality warm water yachting. The event will run next year from the 14 – 19 March with sailing planned for the ClubSwan flotilla through the enchanting British Virgin Islands.

Swan owners the world over are invited to bring families and friends to enjoy a week’s mixture of structured cruising and optional low key racing, interspersed with plenty of time to socialise on shore and meet fellow crews at activities and functions set on stunning beachside locations.

As well as the Rendezvous action guests will have time to take in the local hospitality and cuisine, hidden island views, snorkelling and scuba diving hot spots with luxury island resorts.

The programme is designed to fit comfortably within the Caribbean racing calendar, with the opportunity for Swan ARC competitors to be able race in the RORC Caribbean 600 during late February in Antigua as well as the Heineken Regatta at St. Maarten the beginning of March. The ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous will be a welcome week of cruising following these two race regattas before the build up to the end of season Antigua Sailing Week towards the end of April before embarking on longer passages back to home waters.

The Nautor’s Swan Rendezvous programme is growing providing all Swan yacht owners with the opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed approach to Swan racing through structured cruising events in beautiful tropical environments.

For further information and to register for the 2011 ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous, please contact the Swan Racing Office on racing-office@nautorswan.com T +44 (0)207 593 5265