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November 2008
November 18, 2008
November 17, 2008
November 14, 2008
Howth Autumn League 2008
Photo from Howth YC
Corby 3307 'Rockabill V' 1st and 3304 'Contango' 2nd in class 1 with 2601 'Ruthless' 3rd in class 2.
November 13, 2008
Sydney Hobart Race 2008, Corby 49 vs Corby 49
This year the two Corby 49s are meeting for the first time, will the old built and designed by John Corby, (and later updated by Rob Humphreys) beat the all new turbo charged design by John Corby?
More information at http://rolexsydneyhobart.com/default.asp
November 05, 2008
Ericsson 3 Replace Keel
Wednesday 05 November 2008 12:30 GMT
Ericsson 3 took a large step towards achieving their potential by replacing their non-compliant keel today.
The team were penalised to the tune of one point per in-port race, one for each scoring gate and two for every leg finish as a result of a pre-race verdict by the International Jury, who ruled in Alicante that the team’s keel fin did not meet race rules.
It has so far cost the team four points – meaning they occupy sixth on the leaderboard with five points instead of fifth – but now that bill will stop growing.
“It’s good that this team can now start getting full points,” said Richard Brisius, Ericsson Racing Team's managing director. “They are a very good team and can do well in this race.”
In Alicante Brisius suggested the keel would be fitted in either Cape Town or India, but a quick turnaround at the manufacturer’s base in northern Italy has seen the task completed well ahead of schedule.
"We knew it was going to be produced in this stopover, but we didn't think we would get it until four days before the start,” Aksel Magdahl, the team navigator, revealed. “They have done a great job to get it here."
The keel arrived in Cape Town on Sunday, one day before the team crossed the finish line in third place. Skipper Anders Lewander and his team only heard the news when Brisius informed them moments after the boat arrived.
The team’s shore manager Herve LeQuillec said that the Nordic team had not sustained any major damage on the 6,500-nautical mile first leg from Spain and the boat will be back on the water next Tuesday or Wednesday.
“The biggest job is to fit the keel and then there is just housekeeping on the boat,” he said. “Both Ericsson 3 and 4 are in good shape.”
© Volvo Ocean Race 2008
November 03, 2008
North Sails Sweden Fastest in the World!
602 North powered Miles!
24-hour record is set again, Ericsson4 has trimmed the numbers 602 Nm over 24 hours. Which means an average speed of 25.11 knots.
How is it possible?
Integrity, confidence, preparation and training of the VOR context left no stone unturned. Where it is possible to influence has control and take it to its utmost. The crew know they can rely on their equipment, each other, they have the experience needed and is in the right place. They are cruel motivated and hungry for speed and to be first in goals!
North Sails Sweden is a supplier to the sails of the two Ericsson boats. It is good to see that confidence in our sails there on the boats.
Read Anders Lewanders letter from 28th October.
Dear Colleagues,
Day 14, we strive down along the coast of Brazil to get on the inside of a very extremely widespread high pressure back that stretches from Africa. I stand there at the mast to make a daily sail check, simply walk around and look at the craftsmanship and detail wear, abrasion, etc. This is especially important now that the approaching heavy weather running in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
I will only be impressed by all the fine details, then I get incredibly proud and secure. It is amazing what you have built in Kevlar cuben and spectra. These strong materials in combination is the basis for daring to sail down to the Southern Ocean with thin scrim sails. How is it possible, yes with the advanced knowledge of fiber strength, yarn layout of 3DL and see this exemplary craftsmanship will be a chance that never before existed.
I got the stern to my little corner after guard, at storskotspedistalen (though I usually is 90% below deck) so I can see the shape and strength of the design. I am not surprised that it takes a year of tests to come to a sail-choice concepts that fill all holes in the wind angles and wind strengths and most importantly the knowledge of knowing how quickly we sail with each combination.
None of this would be possible unless you have all made such an awesome job. You have all worked incredibly heard in all areas to create the possibility of a perfect delivery. I am again proud and grateful for these efforts and struggle to live up to the possible results thanks to all the good work!
Hug for you all my dear colleagues, sailmakers at the top of absolutely world class!
Anders