Coast Guard Sailing Gets J/70s

(New London, CT)- Imagine for a minute what it might be like to attend one of the coolest colleges on Planet Earth and be a member of its sailing team.  One that has a unique educational, leadership and professional development program that teaches university-level students to devote themselves to selfless service to their nation and to humanity. One that has a mission to help protect people who use the sea as well as protect the sea itself for humanity.

It’s a noble undertaking to ensure the environment we live in is around for future generations to enjoy.  Remember the words of one famous sailor, as American President John F. Kennedy once remarked during the 1962 America’s Cup summer in Newport at the Australian Ambassador's dinner, “I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it's because we all came from the sea. And it’s an interesting biological fact that all of us have, in our veins, the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came."

Located on the beautiful tree-laden banks of the Thames River in New London, CT, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is the smallest of the American service academies.  Despite its size, its impact on the world is far greater than anyone can imagine.  The young men and women that ultimately lead the US Coast Guard after graduation are those who look after the tens of thousands of miles of America’s coastline (which include the Atlantic, Pacific, the Great Lakes and associated major rivers).

As part of learning that mission, all cadets spend part of their first summer aboard sailboats experiencing Kennedy’s prophetic words about “committing to the sea”, to appreciate both its raw power and extraordinary beauty and why people feel so “tied to the ocean”.  In addition to their fleet of college dinghies that sail spring and fall, the Academy has a tradition of offshore keelboat sailing and racing.  Cadets have the opportunity to sail “college keelboats” around the buoys spring and fall and larger “big boats” offshore in the summer (like sailing their J/44 on the Bermuda Race, Block Island Race Week and New York YC Race Week).

Since becoming the first US service academy to adopt J/24s as their small keelboat trainer back in 1982, the Academy has continued to be a leader in college one-design keelboat racing.  This past summer, the leadership of the USCGA Sailing Team chose the International J/70 to become their newest college keelboat trainer.

Having just started sailing their first J/70s delivered in November, the Offshore Team and their coaches are excited about the prospects for sailing team development.  Both women and men sailing team members are looking forward to participating in regional J/70 one-design and national-level events-- like Key West or in Newport.  On a local basis, the Offshore Team plans to be sailing with J/70 Fleet #16 on Fishers Island Sound.

The “Bears” will be on a fast learning curve with their J/70s.  Expect to see Doug Clark (Director of Sailing), along with Jack Neades (Offshore Coach) and Brian Swingly (Intercollegiate Coach) encouraging both college dinghy and offshore sailing team members to participate in major J/70 events.  The men and women’s teams certainly have great coaching to help get them there.  Coach Clark himself was a College All-American sailor and coached the Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy to several national titles, producing numerous All-American sailors and three College Sailor-of-the-Year winners.  Recently, Coach Swingly was voted NEISA (New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association) Coach of the Year.  For more US Coast Guard Academy information   For more US Coast Guard Academy Sailing Team information

Sailors, Middies and “What Does the Fox Say”?!

(Annapolis, MD)- So, who is it to say that talent can’t be developed from the most remarkably goofy and crazy places amongst our friends and families around the world?  OK, well not exactly AMERICAN IDOL, this crew at the US Naval Academy (along with help from their USNA Sailing Team) certainly have sufficient creative and innovative production capabilities to pull off one of the better take-offs from the wildly popular, remarkably viral, “music video” known worldwide as “What does the fox say”.  For your weekend amusement, you have to see the original and the US Naval Academy “derivative” music video— perhaps one of the best “take-offs” ever (other than an F-18 catapult off a US Navy nuclear aircraft carrier!!).   The original Finland production of “What Does the Fox Say”?  The US Naval Academy Un-Official Sailor Middies Production   (Editor’s Note- we do not know anyone in this video).

LA SUPERBA Repeats J/24 TAN Regatta Win

(Livorno, Italy)-  The Trofeo Accademia Navale (TAN) is more and more a sailing festival for everyone, the  only sailing event in Italy that unites world-class athletes, thousands of lovers of the sea, the disabled and people in need, together in their passion for the sea and for solidarity with one another.  Included within the event is "The Regatta of Solidarity", organized by the Naval Academy and Retedeldono-- it's a charity fundraiser for the "Italian Union of Sailing Solidarity" (an organization founded in 2003 with 27 associations that has enabled over 20,000 people with disabilities to go sailing in the past ten years!).

"The idea that the sea is for the few, for the elite, has challenged the boating world; instead we have taken a road that will open the doors of the sea for all. It will be beneficial to the whole society and the boating industry." This is the message that comes from the rally being held in Livorno at the Tuttovela village to celebrate the 30th TAN. "The sea is not a luxury or a privilege for the few, but a resource for the whole society, a means to educate young people, to be inclusive, to tackle social disadvantage and disability."

The rally ended with Don Antonio Mazzi speaking about the importance and value of the sea, stating that: "Saint Peter was a fisherman, Noah made the Ark and saved the world, and Jesus on the Sea of ​​Galilee said to his disciples on the Ark: 'Do not be afraid I'm there on the Ark with you.' The sea is infinite, its power is its beauty: we must enjoy with our family and children and we will return home a better person."

Taking up the challenge to help others and educate them on the beauty and power of the sea was an entire flotilla of J/24s participating in the event to honor the "sailing solidarity" theme.  As they did last year, the team of Ignazio Bonanno and crew on LA SUPERBA sailed a good series to repeat their win in this 30th anniversary event, winning four of the races along the way.  Second was the top German team, Shade Frithjof sailing JJ-ONE to one of their best regatta performances in Italian waters.  Third was Fabio Delicati sailing DJKE, fourth was Pietro Diamanti on JAMAICA and fifth was Nicola Giovannini on OTTOBRE ROSSO.  For more TAN sailing information

"Naples Navy" Blitzes J/24 Trofeo Academia Navale

(Livorno, Italy)-  The script could not have worked out better for the Naples J/24 sailing team representing the Italian Navy for their region.  In what turned out to be a demanding few days of sailing, from big winds, sunny days and driving torrential rains and breeze to conclude the regatta, the Italian Navy's Naples team sailing LA SUPERBA led by skipper Ignazio Bonanno sailed to a flawless victory to win the J/24 Class with four first places, two seconds and a ninth (tossing the 9th).

The Trofeo Academia Navale has become one of the "must do" spring events for Italian (and European) sailors in the spring sailing calendar.  After all, the city of Livorno and the Italian Naval Academy put out the "red carpet" and throw a fabulous show for all participants, all welcome from all parts of the world.  In the "what's not to like about this" regatta category, it may not be a bad idea to put this on your "bucket list" of regattas to sail-- lots of fun, with extraordinary pageantry and style, and few do it as well as the Italians.  This year's 29th TAN, as they call it, was no exception.

On the Opening Day, "It was the day of the embrace between Livorno and the world. Along Via Grande, decorated with the colors of the city and the 29th Trofeo Accademia Navale of Livorno and the City, are paraded the flags of the 20 marine-fairing nations from all over the world participating in the races of TAN."  Indeed, it was an impressive site. Ninety-five athletes (men & women) from naval academies of Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and Turkey. Also present was a Chief Naval Officer from Qatar who was sent as an observer-- he was so enraptured and fascinated by the atmosphere that he announced that next year, for the first time in thirty years, Qatar will be among the participants.  Where were the Americans and the famous US Naval Academy sailing team?  Or, their friendly Russian Navy Sailing Team?  Maybe next year?

From the steps of City Hall, the Mayor of Livorno, Alessandro Cosimi, gave the foreign sailors welcome on behalf of the entire city.  The applause and the enthusiasm of Livorno's citizens and elementary school children accompanied the parade along the way. It was quite a display of passion for the event and their embrace of this significant sailing event.  At the end, a parade of local historical "tall ships" participated in the festivities, including "Capricia", "Corsair II" and "Ursa Major".  Some people even won rides to sail and sleep aboard the sailing ships (count me in, too!).  To cap it all off, a significant cultural attraction was the collaboration between the TAN and the "Fondazione Teatro Goldoni," which presents the concert of "Tchaikovsky's Trio" in the picturesque scenery of the Goldoni Theatre in Livorno-- a breathtaking visual extravaganza.

Back to the sailing stuff.  The first day of racing was excellent, if not challenging.  The uncertain weather, rain in the morning and mostly cloudy skies for the day, did not affect the performance of the sailing competitions for the seven classes of racing.  After three races, Ignazio Bonanno's "Naples Navy" team on board LA SUPERBA was leading with a 1-2-1.  Second was Claudio Buiatti's JACK OF DIAMONDS with a 2-11-2 and third was Pietro Diamanti's JAMAICA NAVY with a 5-1-11.

Perhaps the most notable cultural/ sailing event of the day starred the famous Italian circumnavigator of Planet Earth- the Florentine sailor Amerigo Vespucci.  Captain Vespucci's 500th Anniversary was featured and was dedicated to his works at home in Tuscany and Livorno (his main port).

The next day of sailing saw a mix of "partly cloudy" conditions, really good wind, rain and clouds flying across the race course.  Nevertheless, despite the rain, the J/24 teams saw LA SUPERBA continue their dominance of the class.  Ignazio Bonanno's team finished the day with a three 1sts and two 2nds.  Spanking anyone?  Ouch.  Iganzio's team laid down the law and made sure no other team was going to beat them.  The German sailor Stefan Karsunine and Marco Vincenti, were in 2nd and 3rd overall, respectively.  They passed the Monaco team of Dennis Frederiksen.

The last day of sailing was almost anti-climactic for the J/24 teams.  After getting a good-ole-fashioned, military-like, "blitzkrieg" the J/24 competitors simply saw the "Naples Navy" on LA SUPERBA, led by skipper Ignazio Bonanno, walk off with a near flawless victory with four 1sts, two 2nds and a ninth. The silver medal was won by German Stefan Karsunine sailing MAX BAHR.  Bronze on the podium was taken by Marco Vincenti and Fabio Delicati of the POLIZIA PENITENZARIA.  Fourth was top J/24 Monaco Team sailor Dennis Frederiksen on YC MONACO and fifth was Litikey Farmas on NAVISCON from Hungary.

At the end of the day, here are some compelling facts.  Despite economic distress in various parts of Europe, indeed the world, this year's 29th edition of TAN saw record numbers with 16 classes of racing with 281 boats and 1,099 sailors from 20 nations.  Again, sailing, sports and the sea continue to prove to be sources of union among the peoples and cultures of the world!!

Interest in the TAN is also demonstrated by the approximately 100,000 visitors who visited the port of Tuttovela Medici during the event (just 3 days)-- and the J/24 class is the "premiere media sailing class" at the event.  Yes, that is an amazing figure.  Similar to what is seen in Newport, RI for "Tall Ships" events and far, far beyond anything ever touted (or ever seen) in the America's Cup!.  Italian sailing media are considered (alongside their French, German, Spanish and UK counterparts) to be amongst the best in the world-- TAN were accredited to more than 100 media professionals; Radio Flash Livorno broadcast live on TAN for five hours a day; and the agency ITALPRESS was print media partner for TAN-- collectively providing greater visibility and enormous "presence" to the event on radio, TV, print and Internet (social media).

As pointed out in the closing ceremony of the TAN from an Italian Navy Admiral, the success of the event is the result of the enthusiasm of the organizers and the synergies between all "actors" that participate in TAN-- institutions that range from military and civil associations, to government agencies, sailing clubs, sponsors and all those who still believe in the values ​​of sailing for the trophy. Trusting in the same enthusiasm and passion for the future, the event can look with optimism and ambition for the next edition of the TAN, the thirtieth.  Perhaps their American and the Russian counterparts might join, too?
Please visit the Trofeo Accademia Navale sailing website for more information

PUNTO J Wins J/24 Italian Open Championship

(Anzio, Italy)- Over the past weekend, the town of Anzio (south of Rome on the Mediterranean coastline) turned into a festival of sailing: one hundred and twenty sailors, sailing enthusiasts and many, many curious passers-by enjoyed the summer-like weather.

The competition was strong and the excellent turnout of twenty-two J/24s made for a lot of fun and many lead changes!  After seven races, it was clear that Ignazio Bonanno on PUNTO J sailing for Centro Velico Marina Militare won in a convincing fashion with a 2-1-2-1-2-5-4 scoreline for just 12 pts.  Second was Fabio Delicati on DJKE from Sezione Velica Anzio (the local sailing club) with a 4-3-4-ocs-4-1-2 for 18 pts.  Fabio was a contender for the regatta lead until their unfortunate OCS in Race 4.  In third on the podium was Francesco Cruciani steering AVOLTORE from Vela Club Tarkna sailing to a 1-4-5-3-1-11 for 19 points.  Francesco  basically lost any chance of wining the regatta or getting second by bombing their last race. Instead, they just won out on a tie-breaker to get third, beating Pietro Diamanti racing JAMAICA that sailed to a 7-8-3-2-3-3-1 scoreline also for 19 pts.  Fifth was Paolo Rinaldi on AMERICAN PASSAGE with 35 pts.

During the Awards ceremony the "Prize Cruciani" went to the crew that got the best finish in four events that constituted the Italian J/24 Circuit (Spring Trophy Argentario, Pasquavela, National Championship and Italian Cup)- the winner was Francesco Crucianin on AVOLTORE

The Race Committee, composed of Riccardo Maurizi, Luciano Crocetta, Stefano and Paola Rizzo Piozzi, managed to run seven races in three days despite the wind never exceeded 7 knots! "The presence of a large turnout of J/24 teams for the Italian Cup and the meticulous checks by the J/24 class measurer, Cesare Cislaghi, contributed to the prestige of the event," said Paul D'Aloisio.  Furthermore, sailed Paul, "Anzio has now become one of Italy's most important spots for racing in one design and collaboration between the J/24 Class and the Italian Navy League in Tiber, Remo and Rome means many more J/24 sailors can join in the fun!  Next season we expect thirty boats! This is a great signal and shows how important this class is still alive in Italy and that does not matter the age of things but the ability to make them be alive."  We could not have said it any better than that, in Italian, Spanish, English, Russian, Chinese or French!    For more J/24 Italy Cup sailing information.

  

Sailors/ servicemen salute Toe-In-The-Water Charity

The charity uses sailing to aid the rehabilitation of injured servicemen so its presence at the Cowes Race Week regatta, provided the perfect platform in which to promote its valuable work.  A total of 13 inter-servicemen competed at the regatta, including 10 crew aboard two J/80s – Big Toe and Little Toe, from the UKSA.  Because Toe in the Water is an extension of rehabilitation, the sailors who are competing here this week are under a strict regime, which means after they return on shore from racing they have to be taken straight to the trauma physiotherapist to complete their daily treatment.

To find out how Toe in the Water benefits injured servicemen and women, we spoke to 23-year old Private Chris Herbert. Herbert was originally from Barnsley and served in the First Battalion Yorkshire Regiment but when he was 19 years old he lost his leg while serving in Iraq.

When he joined Toe in the Water as a patient during Aberdeen Asset Cowes Week in 2008, he’d never been on a boat before. Three years on, he is now a full time able-bodied volunteer, with a Yachtmaster certificate under his belt. “Sailing, through Toe in the Water, gave me back my life. When I lost my leg, I was young, angry and didn’t know where my life was taking me. I was psychologically lost and physically weak. I joined Toe in the Water and I was put on the winch to improve my core stability. I was also part of a team again, which was very important to me. Sailing helped me in every aspect of my recovery and I am now competitive racing sailor.”

Herbert is heading off to Portsmouth University in September and aims to combine his studies with sailing, and learn about the business/marketing side of the industry. Before then however, he’ll be taking part in the Rolex Fastnet Race,

Toe in the Water also had a big presence on shore with all sorts of exciting social events taking place throughout the week. One of the biggest, and most popular was the Wednesday night "Indian Curry Night" where The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment did the cooking, and Gurkha pipers and drummers entertained the crowds. br />

  

J/80 and J/22 Grand Prix Ecole Navale

(Presque Ile de Crozon, France)- The French Navy and The Naval Academy has always been intimately linked to the world of sailing in France. In fact, sailing is one of the pillars of the training offered by the School and the Navy is a partner in offshore racing for many years in charge of rescue operations.  In 2002, The Naval Academy decided to host a premiere one-design keelboat regatta to further support offshore one-design sportboat sailing and showcase the sport to the public and Navy personnel.  This year, the Academy welcomed over 1,000 sailors that were sailing over 200 boats.  The event has now achieved enough notoriety that the President of the French Sailing Federation (FFV), Jean-Pierre Champion, has decided to entrust the organization of the Championship of France Monotype to the Ecole Navale for another two years.

This year, eight nationalities were represented, giving an international dimension to the Grand Prix with teams from: France, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovenija, Oman and New Zealand. Alistair Moore, coach of the Sail Oman Team said, "This is the first time the Youth Racing School of Oman Sail were able to implement their learning in an international regatta.  It was a great test of their skills!"

With forty-five boats attending, the largest and most prominent class of the regatta, the J/80 competition ended after 10 races were sailed in fantastic 10 to 20 knot winds to determine "Le Champion of France Monotype".  The winning team aboard INTERFACE CONCEPT 2 sailed a strong series, Morgan Riou leading his team to a 4-13-1-7-1-2-3-3-3-1 series for 25 pts (including toss).  Second with a much more inconsistent scoreline was Maxime Rousseaux sailing GRAND OUEST ETIQUETTES to a 3-8-27-2-3-1-20-5-2-6 record for 50 pts.  Third was Sebastien Metivier skippering CCVS CHERBOURG to a 8-7-1-1-2-22-5-1-4-12 for 61 pts.  Fourth was Christine Briand, second women helm at the regatta behind Maxime, skippering J'ILE DE RE to a 14-4-2-13-ocs-9-6-2-11-15 for 76 pts.  Fifth was Lionel Conort sailing MARINE BREST 1, showing moments of brilliance, scoring 11-12-5-9-20-8-1-17-14-4 for 81 pts.

The J/22s saw eight teams participating to determine the "monotype champion" also over the course of ten races like their J/80 counterparts.  The winner was not clear even after seven races! In fact, it was a closely fought event for the top four contenders.  Nevertheless, the cream does ultimately rise to the top, sailing a remarkably consistent series was Patrick Huet racing EUROPEAN HOMES to a solid score of 3-1-3-2-4-3-4-1-2-4 to finish with 23 pts (including toss).  Second was Reinhold Gross from the strong German J/22 fleet, sailing JAMAICAS KRONJUWEL- 22 CARATS to a 1-2-5-1-6-5-1-6-4-1 for 26 pts, the only boat to score four firsts!  Third was Clair Pouteau sailing SOFFE to a 5-3-1-3-2-6-7-3-1-5 record for 29 pts.
Sailing Photo Credits:  Pierrick Contin : pierrick.contin@wanadoo.fr    Jacques Vapillon : photo@vapillon.com     For more Grand Prix Ecole Navale sailing information

  

Brazil Wins Trofeo Accademia Navale

(Livorno, Italy)-   Brazil beats Italy?  Sounds like a soccer (futbol) game.  No, just a story of a good Brazilian sailor stuck in Italy not wishing to leave such a warm, loving, hospitable and fun-loving people that love the "dolce vita", have delicious pastas and even yummier wines.

With an impressive series (five first places and two second places) the Brazilian Mauricio Santa Cruz and his equally renowned BRUSCHETTA crew dominated the Trofeo Accademia Navale held in the city of Livorno. The prestigious event held for more than a quarter of a century ensures not only top-level racing but charm and appeal-- thanks to the Navy and its splendid setting on the seashore next to the village of Tuttovela.

The J/24 world champion (champion in 2006, ’07 and ’09), Mauricio, and his team did not even need to take to the water in the eighth and final round: they had, in fact, won the coveted trophy (delivered by Admiral Division of Pierluigi Rosati, Commander of the Naval Academy) to close the regatta with 9 points.  Silver went to JAMAICA helmed by Carrara Peter Diamond (with a crew Gianluca Caridi, Giuseppe Garofalo, Fabrizio Ginesi, Paul Governato) 26 points.  Just one point away with the Bronze medal was LA SUPERBA NAVALE led by Ignazio Bonanno.

Eight races with challenging weather and sea conditions were completed under the careful direction of the Navy League of Livorno.  Forty-two teams participated- a record for the T.A.N. regatta.  There was a strong presence of foreign Navies- with Naval Academy teams represented from Chile, China, Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Japan, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.  For more Trofeo Accademia Navale sailing information.   

J/24 Naval Academy Regatta- Livorno, Italy- April 9-17

The Trofeo Accademia Navale e Citta di Livorno, now commonly known as the TAN or the Academy Trophy, has been held annually since it was first organised in 1981– as the Centennial Regatta– part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Naval Academy.

The enthusiastic support of the sailing clubs and citizens of Livorno represents a significant contribution to the success of the Trophy, which has become a major sailing event not only in national but also international circles.  This year they expect over FORTY (yes, 40) entries from naval academies around the world sailing the world's most popular one-design offshore keelboat- the J/24!

The Livorno coastline provides the perfect setting for all of the activities associated with TAN focusing on the historic site of the Naval Academy as a natural point of reference, guardian and treasury of the highest naval and sailing traditions.  The Academy Trophy is characterized by two equally important traits: on the one hand, sound athletic competition and on the other, the desire for exchange and interaction, not only with other athletes but also with those passionate or simply curious about sailing, involving both the institutions and citizens of Livorno.

Under the prestigious and longstanding patronage of the President of the Republic, the TAN continues to proudly welcome international teams to the regattas (in 2010 20 foreign navies were represented) while committing itself to the five objectives which have guided its organizers so far: athletic and competitive excellence; the exchange of expertise and experience; the international character of the event; the inclusion of disabled athletes; and finally the social, cultural and recreational activities designed to attract large-scale participation at the docks and in the city.

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy and the 130th of the Italian Naval Academy, many of the events that will take place during the 28th edition of the TAN will have a markedly historical connotation, evoking national spirit and traditions.  IF you happen to be in Italy during April 9th to 17th, by all means swing by Livorno and enjoy the festivities-- trust us, the Italian Navy knows how to throw a lavish, extravagant, very fun party.  For more sailing and event information for the Trofeo Accademia Navale in Livorno, Italy.