Sailing Magazine
30 January 2014
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J22 Jiggery Pokery
There is a huge desire for this mess to be put to bed, something I agree with. Unfortunately there are rumblings out there along the lines of “it’s not over yet”. I assume it’s from someone disgruntled and with blurred vision about what is right and wrong! The right thing to do is to simply drop the matter – NOW.
ISAF recently released an updated version of The Case Book. Two cases have some relevance to the J22 saga, and are documented at the end of this blog. The Case Book is well worth downloading by the way.
4 World Championships for SA This Year
I bet that few of you knew that this country would host 4 world sailing championships this year. I must admit I had not consciously picked it up. The classes are:
Teras; Mirrors; J22 and Darts.
What is quite staggering is that some of those classes have simply not responded to requests for information. How sad as we, as a sailing community should be embracing these events and ensuring their success.
Hobie 16 Worlds – SA Has A Strong Team
South African sailors have a rich heritage of success in Hobie 16 World Championships. The 2014 event starts on Saturday in Australia, so let’s see if our teams can add to this impressive list of podium finishes, listed below, at the 20th Hobie 16 World Championships.
When looking at this list, which shows 11 World Championship titles belonging to South African sailors, I believe that there is a case for sports’ highest accolades to be awarded in recognition of these multiple World Championship titles. Do the President’s National Sports Awards still exist?
SAILING Gybeset will be posting info on the event as often as we receive it – so follow the racing at: www.sailing.co.za/gybeset
The event is being sailed 139 Kilometres south of Sydney in the small tourist town of Huskisson which nestles at the entrance of Currambene Creek on the edge of the pristine waters of magnificent Jervis Bay. The spectacular regatta location is the white sandy Huskisson Beach.
This year’s event will see over 500 competitors from 27 different nations competing from Saturday 1 February until Saturday 15 February, and may well be the largest Hobie 16 Worlds in history.
The race schedule is:
Hobie Masters 1 – 4 February
Grand Masters, Women & Youth 5 – 7 February
Open 8 – 10 February
Semi Finals 11 – 13 February
Finals 14 – 15 February
South Africans competing are:
Grand Masters
Blaine Dodds
Master Class
William & Lucinda Edwards
Blaine & Roxanne Dodds
Open Class
William & Lucinda Edwards
Douglas & Pippy Edwards
Blaine & Roxanne Dodds
South African Podium Results in Hobie 16 Worlds
1978 2nd Hobie 16 Worlds, South Padre Island, TX
1st Mick Whitehead/Colin Whitehead-RSA
1980 3rd Hobie 16 Worlds, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
2nd Blaine Dodds/Shaun Ferry-RSA
1982 4th Hobie 16 Worlds, Papeete, Tahiti
2nd Blaine Dodds/Shaun Ferry-RSA
1991 8th Hobie 16 Worlds, Langebaan, South Africa
1st David Kruyt/ M van der Merwe-RSA
2nd Blaine Dodds/Steve Arnold-RSA
1993 9th Hobie 16 Worlds, Guadeloupe FWI
1st Shaun Ferry/Shelly Polson-RSA
1994 IYRU World Sailing Championship H-16,La Rochelle FRA
2nd Blaine Dodds/Steve Arnold-RSA
3rd Shaun Ferry/Alison Lewis-RSA
1994 IYRU World Sailing Championship Women’s H-16, La Rochelle FRA
2nd Belinda Klaase/Margot Brache-RSA
3rd Lisa Holman/Judith Herald-RSA
1995 10th Hobie 16 Worlds, Huatulco, Mexico
3rd Shaun Ferry/Alison Lewis-RSA
1996 11th Hobie 16 Worlds, Dubai UAE
2nd William/Lucinda Edwards-RSA
1996 Hobie 16 Masters Int’l Cup, Dubai UAE
1st Eric Cook/Jason Whitehouse- RSA
1996 Hobie 16 Women’s Worlds, Dubai UAE
3rd Inge Schabort/Gillian Ansley-RSA
1997 Hobie 16 Masters Int’l Cup, Sotogrande, Spain
1st Eric Cook/Julie Cook-RSA
1998 ISAF World Sailing Championships H-16, Dubai UAE
1st Shaun Ferry/Alison Lewis-RSA
1998 ISAF World Sailing Championships, Women’s H-16, Dubai UAE
1st Inge Schabort/Gillian Anley-RSA
1998 13th Hobie 16 Worlds, Airlie Beach, Australia
1st Blaine Dodds/Steve Arnold-RSA
1998 Hobie 16 Masters Int’l Cup, Airlie Beach, Australia
2nd Eric Cook/Robert Eduard-Betsy-RSA
2005-Hobie 16-17th Open World Championships
1Shaun Ferry/Michele le Sueur- RSA
2 Blaine Dodds/Roxanne Dodds- RSA
2005-Hobie 16 Grand Masters International Cup
3 Eric Cook/Robert Edouard-Betsy – RSA
2005-Hobie 16 Masters International Cup
1 Blaine Dodds/Roxanne Dodds – RSA
2005-Hobie 16- Women’s World Championships
2 Belinda Hayward/Kim Wilkinson-Davies – RSA
2007-Hobie 16 Masters International Cup
1 Blaine Dodds/Roxanne Dodds – RSA
2007-Hobie 16- Women’s World Championships
2 Belinda Hayward/Janine Kruyt – RSA
2010-Hobie 16 Masters International Cup
2 William Edwards/Lucinda Edwards – RSA
Cape to Rio Race
It was such a pity that the South Atlantic High literally shut the door on the rest of the fleet after Maserati finished in record time. It simply made the race a procession with the balance of the fleet really only competing for the minor positions. This took the edge off the race and interest really waned – except for those who had loved ones aboard the boats at sea.
I thought that the small M34 Iskareen sailed an incredibly good race – and by crossing the line in 5th spot she was able to secure 3rd place overall on handicap. For the smallest boat in the fleet this was a fine performance.
There were so many blogs being written that it was simply too time consuming to follow them all – as one needed a few spare hours every day. But what these did was give loved ones at home, friends and followers a first-hand view as to what life was like at sea. It brought the race alive for so many.
I believe that the following has been absolutely phenomenal on the social media site – which is all well and good, but the daily news media certainly did not do the race justice – a pity as there are lots of people out there who simply ‘don’t do’ social media.
This is something I believe should be looked at very carefully for the next race.
The question being asked is this: “Can the record set by Maserati ever be broken”. Records are there to be broken, so the simple answer is yes. When is impossible to answer as the last record was set 14 years ago by Zephyrus IV.
The South Atlantic High Scuppers Record Attempt
It was announced last evening that French skipper Thomas Coville and the 101-foot trimaran Sodebo have aborted their attempt to beat the solo around the world record of 57 days, 13 hours and 34 minutes set by Francis Joyon aboard IDEC in January 2008.
Colville was slowed by the St. Helena High in the South Atlantic. He was concerned that weather conditions ahead would direct his routing to 60 degrees south, which is about 300 miles north of Antarctica.
“I have a great boat, but the files confirm that even sailing deep into the South Indian Ocean, we are slower than Francis (Joyon),” explained Coville. “We would have needed to go beyond the limits we set for ourselves in terms of safety. The routing needed me to slalom between the ice south of Kerguelen Islands, which would risk putting myself in danger and also involve other people in case something goes wrong.”
Some Humour
After making reference to GANDALF in the last “Talking Sailing” – how about FIGJAM!
We all know a FIGJAM – F*** I’m Good, Just Ask Me!
And no, there will be no honours board in each issue of “Talking Sailing” with names!
Dinghy Sailing
Below is an interesting view of our sport in response to improving the lot of dinghy sailing locally. Like it or not, the contributor whom I have purposely kept anonymous, is entitled to his view – and he is a yachtie. But, he is prepared to express his view and add some grist to the mill for us all to chew on. The subject is complex and there are no easy answers, and if just one positive can be gained from his views, the sport will be better. So here goes:
On the issue of dinghies and sailing in SA, we have many challenges to address. The main one is MONEY, MONEY and MONEY. With inflation as it is and the declining Rand, we just can’t compete. Without money to throw at the matter there will be no improvement. I don’t believe time is a factor as in my experience, which includes the business world, and on a personal front, people make time for the thing they want to no matter how busy they are.
I’m sure the list below is just the tip of the iceberg but these are a few things I see as a few of the stumbling blocks growth in sailing.
1) WIIFM’S
2) Salaries not keeping pace with inflation
3) Limited access to facilities
4) Lack of support from the marine industry
5) No way of being able to change or upgrade the boat without giving your arm, leg or spleen etc…. in terms of cost.
6) Sailing is not a spectator sport
7) Sailing is actually a very antisocial sport
8) Sailing does not make sense to the lay person and seems to be too complicated to learn.
9) Sailing / Yachting has the reputation of being elitist and expensive.
Point 1
Today’s generation is a generation of “wiifm’s”, which is “What’s In It For Me”. The youth are not interested in self pride and doing something because they just enjoy it. I haven’t sailed a regatta yet where there is decent prize money or a decent prize. I’m OK with that, but the generation of today aren’t interested. They want something back, selfish I know, but that’s how things are. Society is now very materialistic.
Point 2
Unfortunately the cost of living is going up and up and up due to inflation and the declining rand so people are forced to prioritise their expenses and sailing is coming at the bottom of the pile. The costs are as follows:
a) Cost of buying a boat
b) The maintenance cost that go into keeping a boat
c) The costs incurred each time you want to enter a regatta
d) The cost of travelling to the sailing venue
e) The cost of staying at a sailing venue
f) The cost of being a member of a club
g) Insurance
h) unforeseen expenses, Try replacing a motor after a catastrophic failure. Or clubs that put a levy through for something that they need to do because the subs don’t cover it. My club has just done this.
I) Sailing is a want not a need
Every year these costs increase and our salaries don’t keep pace. Heaven help the person who has kids as the schooling fees are skyrocketing. In the last couple of years his fees alone cost enough to buy a reasonable keel boat.
Point 3
Access to sailing facilities is also limited as there are very few areas from where you can sail from that allows the clubless regular joe to just go and sail. Firstly he generally doesn’t have a boat and secondly the clubs are member only facilities, on the whole and heaven help the poor soul who tries to venture in there and ask questions. Let alone ask to go and sail a boat. That’s a big No No. The poor few who do, usually don’t find a positive response. If they do find a positive response they generally feel useless as they seem like they have two left feet, if someone takes them for a sail.
Point 4
In the USA motor racing is huge and the motor companies sponsor huge amounts into the sport and in turn the spin off is that people replace and spend money on their cars. Our marine industry spends next to nothing on sailing and in turn gets back next to nothing. A vicious circle, but there it is. It takes money to make money.
Point 5
As mentioned earlier the costs of a yacht are going through the roof and most of the new dinghies from over seas cost more than a small car. There is no market to trade in your boat on another one as there is not a great resale value for second hand boats, hence people in SA are forced to buy old boats and then they keep them as it is too expensive to change the boat. People in SA would rather replace a car than buy a new boat.
Point 6
Due to the boats having to be so far away from land due to depth, wind and size of course factors, sailing can be a spectator sport. Heaven forbid there is TV Coverage of sailing. I saw a programme on the Lipton Cup a few years ago and it was pathetic. I saw more about the sailors and very little of the sailing. Enough said.
Point 7
Not everybody wants to be a sailor in a family, so they can’t enjoy it from the shores whilst you do your thing. It is really boring waiting around for someone so those don’t come with to the sailing venue and stay at home or do something else. Not good for relationships, especially if you have a regatta over a couple of days. Even golfing widows see their husbands, kids etc at the end of the day.
Point 8
Sailing is confusing to the lay person.
a) The course is never the same size or direction from one day to the next.
b) This is the one and only sport where the boats are all going in different directions to reach the same point.
c) There is no way of really seeing this unless you are out there.
d) There is nobody who explains this to those who do try to watch
e) I have heard people say they would rather watch the grass grow
Point 9
Our class, had a boat on a stand, at the boat show when it was held at the Dome a few years back and you could see that just the size of the boat intimidated the public and they automatically assumed it cost 3 to 4 hundred thousand for a 23′ keel boat as they compared it to the power boats that were there. This meant that the people thought that only the very rich snobs got into sailing. Also because access to places to sail and boats is limited the public feel that we are very elitist and unapproachable. Anybody, can run, kick a soccer ball or go and swing a golf club at a driving range, but even golf is seen as elitist as well.
Discover Sailing
Many of the past issues of “Talking Sailing” have mentioned the issue of getting new people involved in our sport, and various initiatives around the world. I was reminded that I have heard nothing from any local club prepared to address this issue – yet the rest of the world does it regularly, as the following I received from a Queensland Club in Australia shows how simple it really is:
The Discover Sailing Day is aimed at increasing public awareness in sailing, especially amongst children, promoting the message: Sailing is for Everyone – it can be cheap, simple, safe and fun!
The event is open to everyone, with children and adults given the opportunity to ‘go for a sail’, under the guidance of qualified instructors. Buoyancy vests and all sailing equipment is provided. Attendees will need to bring swimmers, hat, sun screen, towel, old sand shoes and a desire to have fun!
Mum and Dad can relax under the Clubhouse patio whilst watching the kids sailing. Breakfast and coffees will be available from the Club’s Waterfront café from 07h30.
The Discover Sailing Day commences at 09h00 and concludes at 13h00.
Which local Club is going to lead the way?
Yachties Are Tourists Too
A reader is very concerned as he does not believe that our Government truly understands the true value of cruisers who visit our country.
Cruisers are people whose transport is simply their boat – and home too. Yet Customs and Immigration facilities in most ports are far from where yachts moor, yet people are shoved from pillar to post by uncaring people without consideration for the fact that our visitors have no transport.
One guy was told at immigration that his credit cards were unacceptable as a proof of wealth. So she demanded that he produce R5 000 cash on her desk. He had no option but to trudge off to the bank, returning to find the place closed at 14h00. He returned the next day and had an unsympathetic official count the cash on her desk and in front of everyone. Surprisingly he was not mugged and robbed.
The bottom line is that this entire process took 3 days. How unfriendly.
Our cruisers also spend a lot of money as they tour beautiful country, and maintain their vessels.
This is an on-going matter which I am glad to say is being handled well by Vanessa Davidson of MIASA who is engaging with officialdom. Strength to your arm Vanessa.
SAILING Gybeset portal
The SAILING Gybeset portal (www.sailing.co.za/gybeset) is fully operational with daily updates about sailing events locally and internationally. The emphasis is on promoting our sport locally, although interesting international news items are covered too.
Support has been exceptionally strong and encouraging, so check out the site and make it your ‘go to’ site for sailing info.
The only way for SAILING Gybeset to be successful and to be able to disseminate information that covers all aspects of our sport is for Clubs, Class Associations, event organisers and individual sailors to ensure that information and pictures flow our way timeously – so send your material to: sailing@iafrica.com
SAILING Gybeset carries news items, club and class info, and an event calendar – so check it out and please send your contributions. The electronic media is an incredibly quick way of getting your news out to a very broad base of people – so use this portal to your advantage and share your sport with the thousands of others who have not yet given it a try, but are waiting in the wings.
ISAF. The Case Book – Interpretations of the Racing Rules
Case 130 and 131 have special interest. I suggest that EVERYONE who races downloads this important document.
The Case Book details interpretations of The Racing Rules of Sailing. It has been published by the International Sailing Federation for over 40 years and is available to download online or purchase from the ISAF Secretariat. (http://www.sailing.org/documents/caseandcall/case-book.php)
The Case Book complements The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), providing details on the application of the RRS to around 100 scenarios. The principal aims of the Cases are to clarify an important meaning in a rule or to increase the understanding of a complex rule.
A revised edition of the Case Book is published every four years to coincide with the publication of The Racing Rules of Sailing. Then, in each of the following three years a supplement to the Case Book is published.
CASE 130
Rule 43.1, Competitor Clothing and Equipment
Rule 60.2, Right to Protest; Right to Request Redress or Rule 69 Action
Rule 78.3, Compliance with Class Rules; Certificates
A person appointed to serve as an equipment inspector or event measurer is a member of the race committee only if appointed by that committee. Such a person must always make a report when one is required by rule 43.1© or rule 78.3. He may protest a boat under rule 60.2’s last sentence only if the race committee delegates the responsibility for such protests to him.
Question 1
Is an equipment inspector or measurer for an event a member of the race committee for that event?
Answer 1
An equipment inspector or event measurer is responsible for checking that the boats or the personal equipment used by competitors comply with the rules. The race committee includes any person performing a race committee function (see Terminology in the Introduction). The race committee’s responsibilities, which determine its functions, are stated in many racing rules (see, for example, rules 85, 90, 60.2 and other rules, particularly those in Part 3). No racing rule makes the race committee responsible for checking that boats or personal equipment comply with the rules. However, if a person is appointed by the race committee to serve as an equipment inspector or event measurer, then that person is a member of the race committee.
Question 2
Do the rules permit a protest under rule 60.2’s last sentence by an equipment inspector or event measurer who is a member of the race committee and who decides that a boat or personal equipment does not comply with the class rules or believes that a competitor may have broken rule 43.1(a) or 43.1(b)? Is it necessary for such an equipment inspector or event measurer to make a written report required by rule 43.1© ) or rule 78.3?
Answer 2
Such an equipment inspector or event measurer may protest a boat under rule 60.2’s last sentence only if the race committee delegates the responsibility for such protests to him. A written report required by rule 43.1© ) or rule 78.3 must be made unless a sailing instruction changes rule 78.3 so that the report required by that rule is not required.
CASE 131
Rule 60.2, Right to Protest; Right to Request Redress or Rule 69 Action
Rule 78.2, Compliance with Class Rules; Certificates
Rule A5, Scores Determined by the Race Committee
When a boat breaks rule 78.2, the race committee cannot disqualify her without a protest.
Assumed Facts
A rule in the sailing instructions for an event requires that a certificate be produced or its existence verified before a boat races. One boat does not comply with this requirement, but before the first race she provides the race committee with a statement signed by the person in charge that the boat has a valid certificate. At the end of the event, the certificate has neither been produced nor verified.
Question
Rule 78.2 requires that the boat be disqualified from all races of the event.
Is the race committee permitted to score the boat ‘DSQ’ for all races without a hearing?
Answer
No. Rule A5 lists the scoring actions the race committee may take without a hearing. An action under rule 78.2 is not in that list. Rule A5 also states that ‘only the protest committee may take other actions that worsen a boat’s score.’ Therefore, the boat cannot be penalized for breaking rule 78.2 unless she is protested. The race committee may protest the boat (see rule 60.2(a)). In exercising its discretion to protest or not, the race committee ought to consider that other boats may not be aware that the boat has failed to produce her certificate or verify that it exists. If the boat is protested and the protest committee finds that she broke rule 78.2, her penalty is disqualification from all races of the event.
Some Selected Responses to “Talking Sailing”
● Thanks for the interesting “Talking Sailing”. I started sailing almost 60 years ago when I sailed my first race at the age on 8 in my dad’s wooden Thesens Finn at Hartbeestpoort Dam. (Never much wind there so you can send your 8 year old out in your Finn!). I think I’m on my 8th Finn now. At school I built my own Andy in the 60’s. I owned a Goodrich Spearhead – Rebel # SA 1.
I currently still also sail a Hobie16 which has been much travelled as I have been to Malawi twice, Zambia umpteen times, Durban, Plett, Buffels Bay, Cape Town etc etc.
I have also sailed on a J27, a Dufour 36 in the Med and a McGregor & a 40′ Cat in the Seychelles.
Once a yachtie always a yachtie.
● Many thanks for continuing to send this really interesting newsletter. It does keep me up to date as to what is happening in RSA – needless to say I was appalled at the death of Rob Meek. What a senseless waste of a wonderful person. Looking forward to the next issue.
● You wrote in ‘Talking Sailing 11’: “This does not make it right, but what I do firmly believe is that as nearly all our coastal night races have died, many crew simply do not have as much experience now as they should. As a result, I would think that a qualifying race or passage should be mandatory for the next race to Rio.”
In response – the excerpt below is from the 2014 Cape-to-Rio NOR:
5.1.5. Each boat must, by not less than five days before the boat’s start date, have sailed a total of at least 500 nautical miles and the onus shall be on the owner to satisfy the Race Committee thereof.
Personally I have had problems with the organisation of the Race Committee – I was looking to compete originally in a small yacht and made representations against the minimum LOA limit of 35′. The committee changed the requirement, but never once replied to or acknowledged my correspondence.
Many of the requirements are very onerous, but it seems to me that South African Sailing has devolved into a set of prescribed rules (many of which are at odds – eg. Vasco limit of 30′, Governors – no limit, SARS import duty on 10m, SAMSA safety rules kick in on 9m with little or no regard to good seamanship, experience or common sense – nor for uniformity.
Another example might be the requirement for my current boat, being greater than 9m (but not more than a big dinghy), to carry virtually everything imaginable, but to omit a requirement to carry a paddle. You see the SAMSA rules make no distinction between sports boats light enough to paddle and yachts of much larger displacement. To my mind the responsibility lies entirely with the skipper to provision and equip his boat and crew adequately to complete the passage. Fewer rules more prudence and common sense!
● Jet- skis are such a nuisance and interfere with sailing. Why do irresponsible people on jet-skis make it impossible for us to enjoy our kite-surfing, wind-surfing, kayaking and sailing?
● Just a point of correction from the remarks: I would like to know how SAMSA can have the right to regulate the VHF radio license if it is regulated by Telkom Maritime Services?
All Radio Licenses for operating a radio are controlled by Telkom. As far as I am concerned SAMSA have no say in the matter.
Telkom Maritime Services do not regulate VHF radio licenses. It is in fact SAMSA that does this since almost a year ago. It was previously always done by ICASA.
Ashwin Budhal
Manager: Telkom SA (CNFO)
Submarine Cable and Maritime Radio Operations
ED. Thanks for clarifying this Ashwin.
● Richard, keep up the excellent work, Gandalph’s like me really look forward to all your communications, up to date info and general interest articles no mater by what medium they are delivered.
● Just got back to Auckland. I’d like to endorse the view given about the Rio Race. It is the responsibility of the skipper to make any decision about sailing or continuing to race, not the race committee. In this case the low was clearly forecast at the weather briefing and was no surprise. The daily press “overstated” the severity of the conditions. At no time was the sea breaking dangerously. We mostly had 40-45 knots and only experienced 50 + knots for a relatively short period. The only reason we stopped racing was that one of our crew was injured and we had to get him to hospital. Angelo Lavranos.
● I recently pulled out my old Windsurfer One design and took it for a sail on Sandvlei, near Muizenberg in Cape Town, the wind was blowing 12/18 kts SE. Must say it was one of the best days sailing I have had in a long time, the equipment is old, but still in good shape, the sail is a bit knackered, and still bears the stickers from the ‘87/’88 Windsurfer World Championships in Plettenberg Bay.
The Windsurfer one design was definitely one of the most versatile sailboards ever designed, the board on its own is great for fishing, sun tanning, paddling and family outings and can be sailed in anything from 3 knots to 30 knots and is great fun offshore, both in the waves (not big ones!) and beyond the back line. Make no mistake, it’s a beast to handle in strong wind.
As a one-design racing class it was competitive and tremendously good for mind, body and soul, the families loved it and some of my fondest sailing memories are from the early days of Windsurfer One Design Class racing. When everyone has the same kit – when you win, you win. It’s a great feeling. Evidently in the US, Australia and Italy there are still good numbers turning out for races.
I can’t help think we over-technologised the sport with too much fine tuning and hi tech equipment, and perhaps we forgot the true spirit of Windsurfing and the pure sport that was born so long ago.
Anybody out there got some Windsurfer one-design kit – I want go sailing?
Connie Papageorge
c.papageorge@directreefer.com
The Bitter End
Pot Hunters. Those who only sail for prizes and not the pleasure our sport offers.
The ‘Bitter End’ is the inboard end of an anchor chain or rode which should be attached to the vessel so as not to be lost overboard in it’s entirety. In terms of “Talking Sailing” it’s things about our sport which get up peoples noses!
“Talking Sailing” is written by Richard Crockett, the Publisher & Editor of SAILING Magazine, South Africa’s monthly sailing mag.
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