Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Sailing Report

American wins first leg of major ocean race

We checked in with our sailing expert Sean McQuilken to see what is going on in the world of wind. Turns out there is plenty to report.

Photo: Aingoa Sanchez/W-W-I.com
Velux 5 Oceans
In a segment of the sport of sailing traditionally dominated by the French, an American is now leading a major solo ocean yacht race. After 27+ days at sea Brad Van Liew of Charleston, SC has taken a convincing leg 1 win in the Velux 5 Oceans. He sailed his Open 60 alone over 7500 nautical miles at speeds approaching 30 knots while sleeping only 4 hours a day in short catnaps no longer than 30 minutes and eating freeze dried food.


The Velux 5 Oceans is the longest race for any individual in any sport and arguably one of the world's toughest sporting events. The second place boat is expected to finish within the next 48 hours. Right now Brad is enjoying a hamburger, shower, sleep and reacclimating to life on land.

Olympics
In other sailing news this week, the ISAF has voted to include a mixed multihull class in the 2016 Olympic Games. This decision isn't yet final, as it needs to be reviewed by the executive committee next May.

34th America's Cup
This past weekend, the first entry for the 34th America's Cup was announced. American Paul Cayard is the CEO of the Sweden based Artemis Racing team. American Terry Hutchinson who most recently won the TP52 World Championship as skipper- helmsman of Quantum Racing has stepped off of the TP52 and will be driving the Team Artemis AC 72 Catamaran. The rest of the crew hasn't been made public yet. You know this is a big deal when the team video announcing the challenge looks like a trailer for a major motion picture...



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