WhatBoat? Magazine News http://www.whatboat.com Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:06:21 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.whatboat.com/images/M_images/WB_RSS.jpg http://www.whatboat.com WhatBoat? Magazine News http://www.whatboat.com/win-a-gola-watch-3-watches-to-win/ New Gola Watches to go. Win a watch with Gola We have 3 Gola branded watches to give away to UK residents. The watches are from Gola bring who have a wide spectrum of unisex watches. Each one is applied with their signature branding for the summer season ahead! All you need to be eligible to win one of these great watches is to ensure you follow us on Twitter @WhatBoat and post us a picture of you on any boat via Twitter. First ensure that you follow @WhatBoat on your twitter account. Second Send Tweet of a picture of you boating and add the hashtag #whatboatpics at the end Example Here is a picture of me competing in the Round the Island Race... #whatboatpics This competition is limited to UK residents only. We have 3 Gola watches to give away so get sending us those pictures via twitter just by adding #whatboatpics at the end of your tweet. Depending on the numbeer of entries our first winner will be announced July 4th... The Gola brand was born on 22nd May 1905, selling football boots, and army boots during WWII. Football legend Sir Alf Ramsey joined Gola’s board of directors and acted as an ambassador for the brand. In this decade Gola football boots were worn by the lines of Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, Gerry Francis, Trevor Brooking, and Peter Shilton. In 1973 David Bedford sets a new world record for the 10,000m wearing Gola spikes with a time of 27 minutes and 30.8 seconds. The launch of the Mark Cox tennis shoe range is launched, which was quickly followed by the Barry John Rugby range and the Alan Knott cricket range. In 2000, the Gola Classics line is created, building on the brand’s British heritage but now fashion-orientated, becoming the footwear of choice of celebs such as Robbie Williams, Jude Law, Coldplay, Paul Weller, the Gallagher brothers, to name a few. So get sending us some boating images and you could win a new Gola watch. Gear & Equipment - Gear & Equipment Thu, 17 Jun 2010 06:26:08 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/judgment-clarifies-mooring-rights-dating-back-to-king-robert-iii-of-scotland-in1400/ The Court of Session in Scotland has upheld The Crown Estate’s right to license and charge for moorings in Kames Bay on the Isle of Bute and the wider Firth of Clyde area. The Crown Estate owns the seabed to 12 nautical miles and has the lead role for moorings management in Scotland. The Opinion, presented by Lord Uist on June 4, means that The Crown Estate can now address the unlicensed moorings in Kames Bay and continue managing the limited mooring resource for the benefit of all marine users. The Judge stated: “It seems to me that this dispute about ownership of the seabed in Kames Bay has arisen because of the uninformed opinion of certain individuals that the royal charters granted property in the seabed to the Burgh. This view was based on a misconception, which I trust will now be dispelled.” Paul Bancks, Coastal Manager for The Crown Estate welcomed the judgment: “We took the case to ensure the issues surrounding the Charters were fully investigated and to confirm the principles on which the successful licensing system operates. This clarifies the legal position and means that we can ensure that the system is fair, applying equally to all mooring owners.” The case came about because of a long held belief of some local people that two ancient Charters, one granted by King Robert III of Scotland in 1400 and another granted by King James VI of Scotland in 1584, meant that boats could be moored for free and without regulation in and around Bute. The Crown Estate has always maintained that this was not the case and that moorings around Bute were no different to the many thousands of other moorings around Scotland that are managed under the licensing system. The Crown Estate, working with the local community, helped establish the Port Bannatyne Moorings Association on the island but a number of moorings remained unlicensed and exhaustive enquiries could not establish who these belonged to. Rather than simply remove the moorings The Crown Estate asked the Court to rule on whether it was able to take action in order to establish a firm legal basis for doing so. Lord Uist made a number of conclusions: · that the concept of permanent moorings as we understand them today did not exist before the 18th century and so it cannot have been the intention of Royal Charters to grant the right to lay or use such moorings to the Burgh of Rothesay · that the Crown did not by the Charters grant any seabed to the Burgh of Rothesay · that grant by the Charters of ‘free port and harbour’ did not imply the right for vessels to use the port free of charge · that the Burgh did not itself lay moorings and thus could not have acquired any rights to do so by prescription. Newsflashes - Newsflash Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:44:38 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/escape-with-keen-sandals/ One sandal that fits every occasion, the Escape H2 from Keen. The Escape H2 sandals from Keen have been in my possession for some time now... They have been from walking on Bondi Beach, kayaking in Sydney, and sailing in Sydney Harbour to welcome in Jessica Watson, and are perfect to wear on a long plane flight as well. The sandals from Keen I found very light, but because they have a central supportive plastic core, they never have that normal feeling as it they are about to drop off. This might not be welcome to those who want that loose feeling, but as footwear that can be equally used in the office as to on the beach which is great in the summer. No more thinking about what to put on my feet. I definitely like them for several reasons:- They feel very and not as if they are falling off all the time. They are made from material that can get wet and salty and no need to worry about care. You can commit the ultimate fashion sin and wear socks ( black one ONLY with them and they look respectable... You can buy them on line from here... Buy them from here (http://www.altrec.com/keen/mens-escape-h2-sandals?cm_sp=Baynote-_-DetailB-_-DetailPageAlsoWantA) Gear & Equipment - Gear & Equipment Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:15:38 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/take-a-break-in-menorca/ Menorca Tourist Board has started a concerted promotional campaign aimed at attracting more yachting, boating and water sport lovers to its beautiful island shores. As well as boasting the world’s second largest natural harbour in Mahon, the island offers many pastimes from bathing in any of the many coves to windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, scuba diving, fishing, or boating between the innumerable leisure ports along the coast. The northernmost of the Balearic Islands, water sports have played an integral role in its history and is offered in clubs across the island, many of which are concentrated in the capital of Mahón plus Addaia, Fornells, Ciutadella and Cala’n Bosch. On the land there is an emphasis on the Camí de Cavalls (Horses’ Path), a historical route that was used during the period of British domination and that follows the whole of the coast of Menorca. This is due to officially open in one month’s time after a restoration programme. The island cites over 5,000 years of history, some 700 square kilometers of dramatic and ever-changing land and 216 kilometers of coastline and golden beaches. A new website will also be unveiled shortly, which will include all details of yachting, boating and water sports activites and companies on the island. Bernardo Orfila, general manager at Menorca Tourist Board, said: “The island was declared as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, which means building has been kept to a minimum and its natural character, charm and beauty has been allowed to flourish. “This has ensured a steady flow of tourists who come time and time again for the history, beautiful beaches and dramatic landscape, but the sea plays a significant part in Menorcan life, and it is time to tell everyone that fact.” Newsflashes - Newsflash Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:52:49 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/romanian-boat-show/ Each year, Bucharest hosts the largest nautical event of Romania. Between the 5th and the 9th of May, in Baneasa Commercial Area, Romanian Boat Show expects all those who are passionate about sailing, yachting and, generally, water sports. 40 exhibitors will display 350 brands and 150 watercraft. The event, organized by Set Events, has already reached its fifth edition and is considered a true barometer of the nautical industry in Romania, setting the trends in yachting and boating and offering a clear perspective upon the sales dealers can expect throughout the year. Within the exhibition, the visitors can expect to find small, medium and large size motor boats, sail boats, yachts, manufactures, sailing and water sports accessories, as well as offers from related fields, associated with this kind of lifestyle: financial, fine drinks, cars and many others. Those who are not very familiar with the nautical field yet crave for the freedom and independence a boat can offer, will receive professional advice and personalized offers, suiting theirs needs and wishes from the best experts in the country. The exhibition will be open from Wednesday, the 5th of May, 14.00 hrs, until 20.00 hrs. During the other four days, Romanian Boat Show will be open from 10.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs. The access will be permitted with a fixed value ticket of 15 LEI (approximately 3, 50 Euros). Click here for more details... (http://romanianboatshow.ro/) Newsflashes - Newsflash Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:27:42 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/america%27s-cup-defender-submits-%27constructed-in-country%27-opposition-papers-and-a-counter-motion/ Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), the 33rd America's Cup defending yacht club, today presented its opposition arguments to the New York Supreme Court in response to Golden Gate Yacht Club's (GGYC) ninth lawsuit; a misguided interpretation of the ‘constructed in country' (CIC) requirement of the Deed of Gift, the event's governing document. SNG's comprehensive set of papers reaffirms its interpretation that only the ‘yacht or vessel' has to be constructed in the country of the club holding the Cup, and that sails do not. SNG's affirmations are supported by historical precedent, as reflected in the expert declaration of John Rousmaniere, a leading America's Cup historian, ‘the donors of the original Deed of Gift never contemplated limits on foreign sails or foreign sail technology. Those donors, in fact, hoisted British sails in first winning the Cup with the schooner America. In fact, in adding the CIC clause to the Deed in 1882, George Schuyler, the last surviving donor, sought to ensure that the Cup remained a genuinely competitive event, while preserving the Cup's international character. He thus struck that balance by limiting the CIC requirement only to a competing vessel's hull, but not its sails.' Additional documents presented to the court confirm that GGYC's CIC claim is factually wrong: SNG's sails were constructed in Switzerland and this fact is supported by an affidavit from Tom Whidden, president of North Sails, and an official certificate of Swiss origin from the Swiss Chamber of Commerce. “SNG is certain of our yacht's Deed compliance, including the ‘constructed in country' provision and our interpretation is supported by the language of the Deed, historical precedent, and by the Cup donor's intentions,” said Fred Meyer, vice-commodore of SNG. “In any event, GGYC's CIC claim is factually wrong and we have submitted to the court substantial evidence proving that our sails are Swiss made. It is our view that we should go racing on 8 February. GGYC should end their legal strategy to try to delay the Cup and to try to gain competitive advantage over the Defender and should proceed with the competition on the water. If they wish, however, to pursue their latest lawsuit, then the judge should have a close look at BMW Oracle's yacht, which does not comply with GGYC's own interpretation of the Deed,” he concluded. Newsflashes - Newsflash Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:20:09 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/2010-extreme-sailing-series-europe-open-for-official-entries/ The Notice of Race for the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series Europe has been issued, effectively opening the official entry period for the European series - closing date for entries is midnight on 15th March. The award-winning circuit, which saw over 200,000 spectators entertained by the ten international skippers and their crews on the dynamic Extreme 40s in 2009, once again promises to deliver a top-level sailing series, across six European destinations, an experiential VIP corporate hospitality experience and an ever-growing entertainment package on water and land for the general public. The closing date for entries to the 2010 series is 15 March 2010. "We continue negotiations with various potential main partners to support our long term plans for both the European and Asian series," commented Mark Turner, CEO of OC Group. "However, securing new partners before the European season kicks off is not absolutely necessary and won't affect our plans for 2010 - this year will be another spectacular season of Extreme 40 racing, racing that continues to change the way sailing is seen. We are keen to grow our original brand - Extreme Sailing Series - regardless of developments on the sponsor front as we go through the year," he concluded. Six existing teams from Europe and the Middle East, have already expressed strong commitment to rejoin the circuit for 2010, with several new teams anticipated to step-up to the start line in May 2010. The expectation and objective is once again to have 8 to 10 international, top level teams. OC Events, organiser of the circuit since its inception in 2007, is planning an official launch week commencing 15 May 2010 when the teams and their skippers will be presented officially for the first time. The 2010 series will be a five, possibly six event series, racing in iconic venues and cities in locations including the UK, France, Germany and Spain: Event 1: 27-30 May location tbc Exhibition Event: 19 June: J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race Event 2: 14-18 July or 31 July to 5 August UK Event 3: 26-29 August Germany Event 4: 9-12 September location tbc Event 5: 23-26 September location tbc Event 6: 9-12 October, Almería, Spain Final venues will be announced one by one over the coming weeks. The four day format of racing will remain unchanged, except that the opening day's races on the 'Media Day' will in 2010 count towards the overall score. At each event, the teams will have the opportunity to take part in 'corporate sailing' in the morning to entertain their VIP guests, while racing will take place in the afternoon. With up to eight races per afternoon, the events are extremely physical for the skippers and crews. Each race lasts approximately 15 minutes on the short, tight racecourses the series has become renowned for. However the Race Committee is currently looking at other options to challenge the teams. Tim Hancock, once again Principal Race Officer, commented, "We tested the strategy and tactics of the teams last year in some of the tightest racecourses I've ever seen, from the traditional windward-leeward, to downwind starts and triangular courses. This year we will also be exploring possibilities of speed runs, slalom-courses and other 'tradition-breaking' ideas. The high, professional standard of racing will never be compromised, but we also want to provide thrilling, and easy to understand racing: racing that will continue to entertain the crowds. The Media Day, held before the public village opens, will allow us to include some more conventional and longer courses as well, maintaining an excellent overall balance in the format," he concluded. Newsflashes - Newsflash Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:03:34 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/golden-gate-yacht-club-vs-societe-nautique-de-geneve/ The Golden Gate letter in full. The war of words starts to get nasty. Here for the full Golden Gate Yacht Club letter (http://www.whatboat.com/images/stories/2010/GGYC_Final_Signed.pdf) In reply to the letter from the Golden Gate Yacht Club above the Societe Nautique de Geneve writes:- Dear Commodore, This responds to your letter dated January 15, 2009. None of us were in Singapore and we both have to rely on the reports we received from our teams. Your accusation against a highly respected sailor is without grounds and very unfair. GGYC's representatives clearly bear the substantial responsibility of the negotiations' failure. While Alinghi representatives were acting in good faith in Singapore, GGYC lawyers filed a factually and legally baseless motion with the New York Supreme Court on a topic (Constructed in Country) that was a subject of those negotiations. This GGYC court filing was the cause of the failure of the negotiation and is further evidence of GGYC's bad faith conduct. It is not the first time that your representatives show a lack of good faith. On November 9, 2009, your representatives took the opportunity of settlement talks at your lawyers' offices to serve the new breach of trustees law suit! SNG acknowledges your statement that GGYC would like to negotiate further, and we confirm that SNG would be prepared to do so provided that GGYC withdraws its baseless Constructed in Country motion. The America's Cup should be decided on the water not in the courts. Yours sincerely, Fred Meyer Vice-Commodore / America's Cup Committee Chairman Newsflashes - Newsflash Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:37:29 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/bmw-oracle-seeks-to-disqualify-alinghi-and-to-win-the-america%27s-cup-in-court/ Strong statements coming from Alinghi press. The press release in full reads While Brad Butterworth, Alinghi skipper and Société Nautique de Genève representative, was in Singapore engaged in good faith discussions to resolve remaining issues ahead of the 8 February America's Cup Deed of Gift Match in the presence of David Tillett, the chairman of the ISAF America's Cup Jury, and David Kellett, the ISAF representative, BMW Oracle unilaterally aborted talks by filing their ninth lawsuit against the Société Nautique de Genève at the New York Supreme Court seeking to disqualify the Defender from the upcoming Match. “BMW Oracle has already successfully disqualified 18 teams through the US courts to gain access to the Match, now they are seeking to win the Cup without ever racing for it,” said Brad Butterworth. “This latest lawsuit has come as a shock given we were planning a further meeting to finalise discussions today, it demonstrates extreme bad faith. Clearly they are not ready to race. They have completely disregarded the jurisdiction of the ISAF America's Cup Jury, which they sought so hard to have instated, and have instead reverted to the New York courts where they clearly feel they have a greater chance of success,” he added. SNG's defending yacht has been constructed in Switzerland in compliance with the provision of the Deed of Gift. SNG disagrees with GGYC's interpretation BMW Oracle's statement that Alinghi will be using USA-made sails is wrong. The sails for the Match have been constructed in a sail loft in Villeneuve, Switzerland. Furthermore, the 3DL process of making sails is subject to Swiss intellectual property rights. The inventors of the process, Jean-Pierre Baudet and Luc Dubois, are two Swiss engineers. Every challenger and defender for the America's Cup since 1995 has used 3DL Swiss technology based sails. “BMW Oracle's attempt to derail the America's Cup, and disregard ISAF's jurisdiction, and their continued unsportsmanlike behaviour is unacceptable,” said Fred Meyer, SNG vice-commodore. “Alinghi is ready to race on the 8 February as mandated by the 7 April 2009 court order,” he added. “We won the right to defend the America's Cup on the water by winning the 31st and 32nd editions, we want to go racing, we do not want the outcome of the America's Cup determined in court,” he concluded. Newsflashes - Newsflash Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:30:53 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/alinghi-publishes-notice-of-race-draft/ The Société Nautique de Genève, the 33rd America's Cup defending yacht club, today published a draft version of the Sailing Instructions for the 33rd America's Cup Deed of Gift Match due to start on the 8 February. This draft document has been sent to the challenger and may be discussed at the meeting between the two teams in the presence of the ISAF AC Jury Chairman, David Tillett, in Singapore on 12 January Draft Notice of Race (http://www.alinghi.com/multimedia/docs/2010/01/100108_33rd_AC_Sailing_Instructions_draft.pdf) Also published, draft amended 33rd America's Cup Notice of Race SNG also published a draft of the amended 33rd America's Cup Notice of Race incorporating the New York Supreme Court's recent decisions and following discussions with GGYC/BMW Oracle Racing representatives in Sydney on 15 December 2009 Newsflashes - Newsflash Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:58:24 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/alinghi-arrives-in-valencia-for-the-33rd-america%27s-cup/ The 33rd America's Cup defending team, Alinghi, arrived in Valencia, Spain today and will transfer to its existing base in the Dársena (the inner harbour of Valencia) over the next couple of days to begin its final preparations towards the Deed of Gift Match that starts on 8 February. What is now largely seen as a slightly farcical race plagued by litigation it is good to have some progress to at least get ot the point of the water. The team's catamaran Alinghi 5, the masts and 20 support containers reached their final destination aboard the Cassandra B container ship on Monday afternoon after a 14 day voyage from the team's previous base in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. “We hope that the people of Valencia will be excited to witness the arrival and preparation of our catamaran. We understand the American challenger has also arrived to Valencia and hopefully both boats will be moored in the Dársena and will provide a great spectacle. Since these new yachts are so fast and the racing will take place a long way offshore viewing the yachts from the water will be difficult for the fans, the sponsors and the media; that is why we think the Dársena will form an important arena for this event,” said Grant Simmer, Alinghi design team coordinator. Newsflashes - Newsflash Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:10:13 +0100 http://www.whatboat.com/ben-ainslie-to-be-present-at-the-london-international-boat-show-to-sign-copies-of-his-autobiography/ Ben Ainslie to be present at the London International Boat Show to sign copies of his Autobiography: Close to the Wind Britain’s most successful Olympic Sailor Ben Ainslie will be present on Saturday 9th January at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show located at Excel to sign copies his Autobiography "Close to the Wind". Knife-edge decisions, adrenalin rushes, extreme weather, bitter rivalries and heart-stopping races. They are all in a day's work for three-time Olympic gold and silver medallist sailor Ben Ainslie. And now you can experience the exhilarating whirlwind of Ben's life first hand in his autobiography Close to the Wind. From his proudest moment representing Team GB to one tough decision that almost risked destroying his career - this is a unique insight into the man who cannot let himself be second best. For your chance to purchase this unique book and to meet Ben, please visit: Henri Lloyd stand - N043J 12.30 – 2pm Mail Speed Marine - N064J 4- 5pm Newsflashes - Newsflash Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:11:31 +0100