World’s best on show at the Docklands
The world’s best sailors will compete in a spectacular, short course, winner take all event at the Melbourne Docklands on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Olympic medalists, round the world racers, America’s Cup veterans and national champions will battle it out in identical sports boats to become the undisputed Vectrix SB3 King of Docklands.
Sixteen teams will be pitted against each other in a knockout series which has been likened to cricket’s revolutionary twenty 20 competition. The teams will be competing for one of the richest prizes for a single day’s racing in Australia, a $17,500 high performance Vectrix maxi-scooter.
Umbrella Event Coordinator Doug Jarvis said the unique format guaranteed fast, short course racing and a rare opportunity for spectators.
“The crème of the international sailing crop will be provided with the world’s fastest growing one design for the winner-take-all series. Identical sports boats, a demanding race course and one heck of a prize from Vectrix will ensure the pressure is on.
“It will be in your face racing and reputations will be on the line,” said Jarvis.
The event, which is part of a Super Sunday of sailing, will consist of four races featuring four equally matched teams with the winner of each race going through to the final. A challenging 220-metre short course on Victoria Harbour will test the nerve and skills of the competing crews. Racing will begin shortly after midday and the final is programmed for 6:30pm. The best vantage point will be Waterfront City.
Jarvis said the event would add an exciting dimension to the overall program.
“Skandia Docklands Invitational is all about the best sailors and the best boats. It is a showcase event. An opportunity for the general public to get up close to a sport that is often out of reach. You can climb aboard an ocean racing super maxi, have a try at sailing, mingle with celebrities and watch the best short course racing imaginable,” he said.
Vectrix, manufacturers of the world’s first high performance electric two wheel vehicle, are thrilled to be involved with sailing.
Vectrix Marketing Director Charles Mann said the Vectrix Maxi Scooter and sailing are an extremely good fit.
“Vectrix is all about high performance and zero emissions. The eventual winners will display the highest performance and they will do so without harming the environment.”
With the event literally on the city’s doorstep, spectators will have a bird’s eye view of the series. Organisers have planned a wide-range of on-shore activities and a host of sailing events for visitors and participants to enjoy. Skandia Docklands Invitational will be staged at Waterfront City Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January, 20 2008.
The umbrella program is presented by Skandia, the Victorian State Government, the City of Melbourne, The Age, Vectrix and the organising authority Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
Download Entry Form PDF
Download Notice of Race PDF
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
STOP PRESS: LASER SB3 WINS SAILING WORLD BOAT OF THE YEAR AWARD - USA
Article by Chuck Allen: Sailing World
I've tested many sailboats while involved with Sailing World's Boat of the Year program and one of the coolest I've ever encountered is the Laser SB3. The absolute simplicity of this boat is amazing. Upwind it locks into a groove, which in most boats you have to fight to maintain. Downwind is a dream; the SB3 is an incredibly stable platform with remarkable speed.
Since its introduction in Europe in 2004, the SB3 has experienced tremendous growth, with more than 400 boats built. Two reasons for its popularity are that the boat has been designed to be sailed legs-in and all the controls are at the crew's fingertips. Another key feature is that it can be rigged and launched in 45 minutes. The mast is light enough to make raising it a two-man job, allowing the third, and possibly fourth crewmember to rig the rest of the boat. The T-bulb keel, which is raised and lowered by an included, removable gantry, makes launching and hauling painless. As the boat only weighs 1,309 pounds, a mid-sized car can tow it.
We sailed the SB3 twice, in 2 to 7 knots of breeze, and again in 25. Both times the SB3 found its groove easily and we found it nearly impossible to unintentionally slow down or fall off a plane. We tested moving our weight around, with the boat responding as expected. Light air and flat water required moving the crew forward and sitting close together, while in breeze and chop we moved aft. The boat sailed best in the light stuff with a lot of twist, and the long throw of the traveler made this easy; you can pull the car well to windward while easing the mainsheet for power. It was the exact opposite when the breeze was up; vang on, find the correct mainsheet tension and play the traveler up and down to control the angle of heel while maintaining good drive forward. All the controls are easily within reach and if someone needed to jump in to adjust a line, it wasn't a big deal. You think the boat is going to tip over like a dinghy, but the high-aspect keel underneath keeps it on its feet. The boat has a great feeling upwind and because of the flared gunwales, is relatively dry.
Downwind is an absolute blast; simply put, the SB3 rips! During our high-wind test we sailed consistently at around 15 to 18 knots of boatspeed. I would think when setting the 495-square foot kite at the offset in big fleets you would need to stay high, so easing the vang is a smart idea. When the kite reaches the sheave, it's take-off time. Weight aft near the foot straps is the place to be. When driving in breeze, the helmsman is butted up against the backstay, the kite trimmer next forward (using the foot straps), and the bow person is the furthest forward, watching the vang while pumping the main. It's quite obvious when a puff hits that you need to bear down a bit. Once you do so, the boatspeed jumps a couple of knots. A breeze spotter is the way to go, and can make a huge difference in one-design racing in a boat like this.
Jibing is simple, especially with the long pole and high-clewed gennaker. I found the easiest way is to start the jibe slowly, wait until the clew got just past the centerline, and finish on the stronger side, coming out fully powered up. By starting slowly it also gives the crew some time to locate their position on the opposite side of the boat before take off. Sets and takedowns are very simple; there's an enormous launching bag at the forward edge of the cockpit. Takedowns require a quick turn downwind to help the bow person get the kite in the boat completely. Overall, downwind sailing in the SB3 will be some of the best sailing you'll ever do.
The SB3 hull laminate is epoxy with a foam core, and there's an internal frame and bulkheads providing strength and rigidity. The mast is an aluminum deck-stepped Proctor Selden rig with double spreaders. The boom, also by Proctor Selden, is aluminum as well, but the retractable pole is carbon fiber. The boat is mostly Harken equipped, with gear from the Carbo Block and Hexaratchet range. A Spinlock halyard cleating system offers easy lock and release even under load. The rudder is epoxy and core with carbon reinforcement, and the high-aspect ratio keel is based on a stainless steel main member with an epoxy, foam core, polyester skin, and a 770-pound lead bulb.
The best thing the SB3 class has done is put a tight rein on its rules. The boats come complete from bow to stern and you cannot change anything. This ensures tight racing and keeps running costs down. One potential cost issue could be sail purchasing, which is unlimited [but sails are only available from Hyde Sails through Laser]. In Europe the top sailors are showing up with new sails for each big event. Otherwise, you are looking at a $39,000 program (includes sails, trailer, and a TackTick system), which seems high at first, but when you look at comparable boats and their costs, it's right in line, if not better.
The SB3 was clearly the best boat we sailed this year; if not the best boat we have sailed in all our BOTY years. With the buzz over the SB3 in Europe, it seems poised to take the U.S. market by storm. If you get the chance to take one for a sail, go for it; you'll quickly see why we named the SB3 as our top choice.
For more information see link: http://www.sailingworld.com/sailboats/boat-of-the-year/2008-boat-of-the-year-coverage-21031640.html
I've tested many sailboats while involved with Sailing World's Boat of the Year program and one of the coolest I've ever encountered is the Laser SB3. The absolute simplicity of this boat is amazing. Upwind it locks into a groove, which in most boats you have to fight to maintain. Downwind is a dream; the SB3 is an incredibly stable platform with remarkable speed.
Since its introduction in Europe in 2004, the SB3 has experienced tremendous growth, with more than 400 boats built. Two reasons for its popularity are that the boat has been designed to be sailed legs-in and all the controls are at the crew's fingertips. Another key feature is that it can be rigged and launched in 45 minutes. The mast is light enough to make raising it a two-man job, allowing the third, and possibly fourth crewmember to rig the rest of the boat. The T-bulb keel, which is raised and lowered by an included, removable gantry, makes launching and hauling painless. As the boat only weighs 1,309 pounds, a mid-sized car can tow it.
We sailed the SB3 twice, in 2 to 7 knots of breeze, and again in 25. Both times the SB3 found its groove easily and we found it nearly impossible to unintentionally slow down or fall off a plane. We tested moving our weight around, with the boat responding as expected. Light air and flat water required moving the crew forward and sitting close together, while in breeze and chop we moved aft. The boat sailed best in the light stuff with a lot of twist, and the long throw of the traveler made this easy; you can pull the car well to windward while easing the mainsheet for power. It was the exact opposite when the breeze was up; vang on, find the correct mainsheet tension and play the traveler up and down to control the angle of heel while maintaining good drive forward. All the controls are easily within reach and if someone needed to jump in to adjust a line, it wasn't a big deal. You think the boat is going to tip over like a dinghy, but the high-aspect keel underneath keeps it on its feet. The boat has a great feeling upwind and because of the flared gunwales, is relatively dry.
Downwind is an absolute blast; simply put, the SB3 rips! During our high-wind test we sailed consistently at around 15 to 18 knots of boatspeed. I would think when setting the 495-square foot kite at the offset in big fleets you would need to stay high, so easing the vang is a smart idea. When the kite reaches the sheave, it's take-off time. Weight aft near the foot straps is the place to be. When driving in breeze, the helmsman is butted up against the backstay, the kite trimmer next forward (using the foot straps), and the bow person is the furthest forward, watching the vang while pumping the main. It's quite obvious when a puff hits that you need to bear down a bit. Once you do so, the boatspeed jumps a couple of knots. A breeze spotter is the way to go, and can make a huge difference in one-design racing in a boat like this.
Jibing is simple, especially with the long pole and high-clewed gennaker. I found the easiest way is to start the jibe slowly, wait until the clew got just past the centerline, and finish on the stronger side, coming out fully powered up. By starting slowly it also gives the crew some time to locate their position on the opposite side of the boat before take off. Sets and takedowns are very simple; there's an enormous launching bag at the forward edge of the cockpit. Takedowns require a quick turn downwind to help the bow person get the kite in the boat completely. Overall, downwind sailing in the SB3 will be some of the best sailing you'll ever do.
The SB3 hull laminate is epoxy with a foam core, and there's an internal frame and bulkheads providing strength and rigidity. The mast is an aluminum deck-stepped Proctor Selden rig with double spreaders. The boom, also by Proctor Selden, is aluminum as well, but the retractable pole is carbon fiber. The boat is mostly Harken equipped, with gear from the Carbo Block and Hexaratchet range. A Spinlock halyard cleating system offers easy lock and release even under load. The rudder is epoxy and core with carbon reinforcement, and the high-aspect ratio keel is based on a stainless steel main member with an epoxy, foam core, polyester skin, and a 770-pound lead bulb.
The best thing the SB3 class has done is put a tight rein on its rules. The boats come complete from bow to stern and you cannot change anything. This ensures tight racing and keeps running costs down. One potential cost issue could be sail purchasing, which is unlimited [but sails are only available from Hyde Sails through Laser]. In Europe the top sailors are showing up with new sails for each big event. Otherwise, you are looking at a $39,000 program (includes sails, trailer, and a TackTick system), which seems high at first, but when you look at comparable boats and their costs, it's right in line, if not better.
The SB3 was clearly the best boat we sailed this year; if not the best boat we have sailed in all our BOTY years. With the buzz over the SB3 in Europe, it seems poised to take the U.S. market by storm. If you get the chance to take one for a sail, go for it; you'll quickly see why we named the SB3 as our top choice.
For more information see link: http://www.sailingworld.com/sailboats/boat-of-the-year/2008-boat-of-the-year-coverage-21031640.html
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix
Round 2 – Al Hamra Village Marina, Ras Al Khaimah
23rd – 24th November
Event Overview
Held at the newly opened Al Hamra Village Marina, on the 23rd and 24th November, Round Two of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix proved to be another exciting chapter in this evolving Grand Prix Circuit. With outstanding on water facilities and the promise of further expansions in the near future it proved an excellent base for the weekends racing.
Al Hamra proved an exciting arena for both offshore and onshore activities, with the crews appreciating the challenges of the Al Hamra Golf Resort Driving Range over a few refreshing beverages at the Dunes Terrace once racing had wound up for the day, not to mention the bountiful BBQ that accompanied the Prize Giving Ceremony on the 24th November.
Special thanks must go to the logistical support from Volvo, with the Grand Prix Series XC90’s proving invaluable in transporting the fleet to the Northern Emirates, also to Chris White, General Manager of Al Hamra Golf Club and Marina, for all his support in organising this event and making his facilities available to us for the weekend.
Race Report
Day One – Light morning desert breezes matured through the mid-morning into a promising sea breeze gaining strength and maintaining direction as Race One got under way at approximately 1pm. This was true Grand Prix style Short Course Racing, with course lengths set between 0.4 and 0.6 nautical miles with up to four laps contested in each race. The emphasis was on smooth crew work and fault-free execution of mark rounding’s and tactical fleet play up wind. By late afternoon Jonathan Hill had exerted his dominance on the day’s proceedings with two bullets from three races, DeVere Racing picking up the win in the second race. Markus Fiala was snapping at their heals with two 2nds onboard Petite Tazo, and the ever consistent Team Premier Composites, Series Leaders after Round One, sitting in third place with 5,3,2.
Day Two – Stronger morning pressure off the desert delayed the arrival and strength of the sea breeze for day two, though there were no complaints from those looking for a little weekend tan, with another stunningly clear and sunny 31C day greeting all competitors and officials. Renowned local race officer Brian Hooper was keen to get the proceedings underway and with 5 knots he launched Race Four at approximately 12:30pm. Again following the shorter course strategy of Day One, the fleet quickly split in search of fickle zephyrs. Team Premier Composites quickly asserted their strength with two quick bullets, but it was Team Laser with Tom Pratt at the helm who surprised with a consistent 2,3,2, making the most of their lighter crew weight and often leading to the top mark but unable to find the downwind pace to hold off the likes of Hannes Waimer and Jonathan Hill who between them walked away with five of the six victories.
Round Three of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix sees crews shift their focus to the waters off the Abu Dhabi Corniche. To be held on the 14th – 15th December it is already shaping up to be a cracking weekend of racing, with the prospect of new teams, and some breezier conditions already whetting the sailors appetites.
Round Four and the arrival of the New Year sees the crews take flight to the Indian Ocean Coast of Oman, for two days of spectacular racing along the jagged coastline of the nations capital, Muscat, on the 25th – 26th January.
Round Five and the series shifts its focus back to the UAE, but this time to the East Coast port city of Fujairah. Renowned for its fishing and abundance of shipping, it will be an interesting test for crews and race officials alike.
Round Six, the Grand Final, and it’s all eyes on the Dubai International Boat Show 2008, with racing being held in and around the world famous Palm Jumeirah development over the Boat Show Weekend 14th-15th March 2008, it will be a fitting climax for this One Design Grand Prix Series.
23rd – 24th November
Event Overview
Held at the newly opened Al Hamra Village Marina, on the 23rd and 24th November, Round Two of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix proved to be another exciting chapter in this evolving Grand Prix Circuit. With outstanding on water facilities and the promise of further expansions in the near future it proved an excellent base for the weekends racing.
Al Hamra proved an exciting arena for both offshore and onshore activities, with the crews appreciating the challenges of the Al Hamra Golf Resort Driving Range over a few refreshing beverages at the Dunes Terrace once racing had wound up for the day, not to mention the bountiful BBQ that accompanied the Prize Giving Ceremony on the 24th November.
Special thanks must go to the logistical support from Volvo, with the Grand Prix Series XC90’s proving invaluable in transporting the fleet to the Northern Emirates, also to Chris White, General Manager of Al Hamra Golf Club and Marina, for all his support in organising this event and making his facilities available to us for the weekend.
Race Report
Day One – Light morning desert breezes matured through the mid-morning into a promising sea breeze gaining strength and maintaining direction as Race One got under way at approximately 1pm. This was true Grand Prix style Short Course Racing, with course lengths set between 0.4 and 0.6 nautical miles with up to four laps contested in each race. The emphasis was on smooth crew work and fault-free execution of mark rounding’s and tactical fleet play up wind. By late afternoon Jonathan Hill had exerted his dominance on the day’s proceedings with two bullets from three races, DeVere Racing picking up the win in the second race. Markus Fiala was snapping at their heals with two 2nds onboard Petite Tazo, and the ever consistent Team Premier Composites, Series Leaders after Round One, sitting in third place with 5,3,2.
Day Two – Stronger morning pressure off the desert delayed the arrival and strength of the sea breeze for day two, though there were no complaints from those looking for a little weekend tan, with another stunningly clear and sunny 31C day greeting all competitors and officials. Renowned local race officer Brian Hooper was keen to get the proceedings underway and with 5 knots he launched Race Four at approximately 12:30pm. Again following the shorter course strategy of Day One, the fleet quickly split in search of fickle zephyrs. Team Premier Composites quickly asserted their strength with two quick bullets, but it was Team Laser with Tom Pratt at the helm who surprised with a consistent 2,3,2, making the most of their lighter crew weight and often leading to the top mark but unable to find the downwind pace to hold off the likes of Hannes Waimer and Jonathan Hill who between them walked away with five of the six victories.
Round Three of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix sees crews shift their focus to the waters off the Abu Dhabi Corniche. To be held on the 14th – 15th December it is already shaping up to be a cracking weekend of racing, with the prospect of new teams, and some breezier conditions already whetting the sailors appetites.
Round Four and the arrival of the New Year sees the crews take flight to the Indian Ocean Coast of Oman, for two days of spectacular racing along the jagged coastline of the nations capital, Muscat, on the 25th – 26th January.
Round Five and the series shifts its focus back to the UAE, but this time to the East Coast port city of Fujairah. Renowned for its fishing and abundance of shipping, it will be an interesting test for crews and race officials alike.
Round Six, the Grand Final, and it’s all eyes on the Dubai International Boat Show 2008, with racing being held in and around the world famous Palm Jumeirah development over the Boat Show Weekend 14th-15th March 2008, it will be a fitting climax for this One Design Grand Prix Series.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Dublin Bay = venue for the first SB3 Worlds
Dublin Bay will be the venue for the first ever World Championships for the sensational Laser SB3 Sportboats – the world’s fastest growing keelboat.
The National Yacht Club (www.nyc.ie and www.sb3worlds2008.com) will run the event next September and the huge fleet of 120 boats will be the largest ever assembled in Irish waters for a single make keel boat event.
NYC Commodore Con Murphy spoke of the significance of the event and it’s status in international sailing: “The SB3 is an out and out racing boat which has had explosive growth since it began in 2000. There are now 400 boats worldwide – raced by many national champions and Olympic sailors. This is the hottest boat in international racing and we are delighted to be the first country and club to host their world championships”.
The Championships are expected to be an Open event and competitors will be travelling from all over the world. Strong teams will travel from the Middle East, USA and as far away as Austrialia and New Zealand as well as many European countries.
There are still some details to be sorted as event Chairman Rory Byrne explained: “We will be seeking a commercial sponsor for the event and are having discussions with a number of firms and expect to make an announcement at the end of January. Logistically to cater for a fleet of 120 wet sailing boats will take some planning – but we are getting great support from many organisations.
It will be the best single manufacturer sailing championship ever run in Dublin Bay”
Formal Notice of Race will be published at the end of January 2008.
Programme:
Saturday 20st Sept - Arrival, Registration, Measurement
Sunday 21st Sept - Registration, Measurement, Practice race & Opening ceremony
Monday 22nd Sept – 3 races
Tuesday 23rd Sept – 3 races
Wednesday 24th Sept – 3 races
Thursday 25th Sept – 3 races
Friday 26th Sept - 2 races, Prize giving and closing ceremony
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