ISAF | World Sailing | Healy Takes Title At BMW J24 Worlds

In a tense and closely fought final day, Tim Healy and his crew from Newport, Rhode Island, on board 'Helly Hansen' were impressive winners of the BMW J24 World Championship at Howth Yacht Club (near Dublin, Ireland), with eight top-five results (including three race wins) in the 10-race series.

Celebrations ©David Branigan | Oceansport

 

 Healy, who previously won the title in 2010, was pushed all the way by the defending champion Mauricio Santa Cruz from Brazil on 'Bruschetta', who also demonstrated remarkable consistency, but who had to be content with the runner-up spot, four points adrift of his rival.

Third place overall went to another American crew led by Travis Odenbach from Rochester on 'Honey Badger' who had been the series leader overnight but who did not enjoy the final day. A 20th and an 8th effectively knocked his chances, although he was only two points off Santa Cruz in the end.

Clipper Round the World Race - A UNIQUE EVENT - RACED BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU

On Sunday the world’s largest fleet of matched ocean racing yachts will begin its 40,000-mile circumnavigation in the world’s longest ocean race.

This is the only race in the world where the organisers supply the fleet of 12 identical, 70-foot, stripped down racing yachts – each sponsored by a city, a region or a country – and man each with a fully-qualified skipper, employed to lead the crews safely around the globe.

It’s where taxi drivers rub shoulders with chief executives, vicars mix with housewives, students work alongside bankers, nurses work with vets and doctors team with rugby players. It’s an experience that will change people’s lives. Yet while the crews may be amateur, no one has told the ocean that.

Skydive Dubai tops the table in Official Practice « UIM XCAT World Series Powerboat Racing

Skydive Dubai powered their way to the fastest time of the morning in Official Practice at the fourth round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series on Lake Maggiore today.

Despite being in a boat together for the first time this morning, the pairing of Rashid Al Tayer and Jay Price’s time of 2:39.25 for the 3.55 nautical mile lap proved the quickest of the morning, boosting confidence levels going into this afternoon’s Emaar Pole Position and the Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run.

The Victory Team boat was second quickest with Salem Al Adidi and Talib Al Sayed recording a time of 2:42.35 while Series leaders Fazza (Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri) were third in 2:44.67, completing a top three for the Victory Team outfit.

Image of the Week, Part IV: Sterling-Powered Skater Triumph / Speed on the Water

Having covered the Sterling Performance 1,700-hp turbocharged engine project on speedonthewater.com since it began three years ago last month, I have to admit that this shot by Jay Nichols could be my favorite "Image of the Week" of the 100-plus we've published so far. To some degree, this photo of the Sterling 1700-powered 36-foot Skater catamaran running on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri represents "closure." At the very least, it means I don't have to pester Mike D'Anniballe at the Milford, Mich., high-performance engine and product testing shop with a phone call every three or four weeks.  More; Image of the Week, Part IV: Sterling-Powered Skater Triumph

Three years in the making—the Sterling 1700 engine-powered Skater 36 made a big first-impression on the Lake of the Ozarks. Photo courtesy/copyright Jay Nichols/Naples Image.

Camille Juban breaks the record for the longest windsurfing wave

Ludivine Photo Ploofvidéo

Camille Juban breaks the record for the longest windsurfing wave: The French sailor has ridden the longest windsurfing wave ever, with a total time of 7 minutes and 3 seconds, in the Peruvian gem of Chicama.

Fabulous Friday in San Francisco / America’s Cup

ORACLE TEAM USA took to San Francisco Bay for a day of practice with its two AC72s. Also on the Bay were Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa. The conditions were moderate, with winds in the 10- to 14-knot range under abundant sunshine and a dash of fog.

ORACLE TEAM USA had first access to the racecourse followed by the Kiwis and Italians, who are now training partners. The two teams can sail together but they’re not allowed to share performance data, similar to the arrangement they had during training in New Zealand last year.

The 34th Match for the America’s Cup is nine days away, but tomorrow the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup swings into action. All racing will be held off the America’s Cup Village, at Marina Green, and spectators will have free access to the bleachers.

Tomorrow sees the 10 crews from eight nations participating in speed trials, from 12:15 to 12:30 pm PT. Races 1 and 2 are scheduled for Sunday and racing continues through Wednesday with two races planned per day, beginning at 11:10 am PT and 11:55 am PT.

Super Boat Racing Back To The Big Apple / Super Boat International

New York (August 30, 2013) – For 22 years, Super Boat International has traveled to New York and raced the Hudson and East Rivers for what has become an iconic event. This year is no different. On Sunday, September 8^th, teams will compete in the 23^rd Annual New York Grand Prix with the new Freedom Tower in the background and Statue of Liberty in the foreground. New York City and lower Manhattan is one of the most picturesque skylines in the world of boat racing.

Super Boat International was asked to return to New Jersey and Liberty State Park the year after the tragic events of the 9-11 terrorism attacks. Within days after the 2001 Super Boat race, the Twin Towers were attacked.  Ten months after that horrific event, the Governor of New Jersey confirmed in a letter to Super Boat International that racing should continue there as it would help raise the level of community spirit closer to levels of normalcy.

H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Series » The Hydros Are Back!

When the H1 Unlimited hydroplane series returns to scenic Lake Coeur d’Alene this weekend, it will mark the return of the sport to the North Idaho area after an absence of 45 years.

When the World’s Fastest Race Boats last appeared in Coeur d’Alene, the year was 1968 and the Diamond Cup was won by a young Seattle Driver named Billy Schumacher driving Miss Bardahl.  Schumacher sat in an open cockpit behind a massive WWII piston aircraft engine and raced against drivers who make up the sport’s Hall of Fame.

San Diego Bayfair Ready to Deliver High-Octane Fun / Speed on the Water

As the H1 Unlimited teams prepare for this weekend's Diamond Cup Race in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the Southern California town of San Diego is getting excited to host the thunder boats in a couple of weeks.

Once again, the Unlimited hydroplanes will be a big part of the San Diego Bayfair entertainment . Photo courtesy San Diego Bayfair

Celebrating its 49th year on Mission Bay, San Diego Bayfair moves into the fast lane Sept. 13-15 with the return of the H1 Unlimited hydroplanes, a Metal Mulisha freestyle motocross exhibition and expanded live music.

Along with the H1 Unlimited tour's 2013 season finale, Bayfair has enhanced the three-day event by bringing in the ever-popular Metal Mulisha, featuring top freestyle motocross riders Jimmy Fitzpatrick and Derrick Garland. And for fans of big horsepower, the piston-powered boats of the Grand Prix West tour returns after a one-year hiatus. More; San Diego Bayfair Ready to Deliver High-Octane Fun

Pressure mounts for Dubai winners ahead of XCAT showdown in Stresa « UIM XCAT World Series Powerboat Racing

Team Westerlund Racing are feeling the heat ahead of the fourth round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series this weekend in Italy.

Team preparation is underway in Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore ahead of the

fourth round of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series.

Despite claiming their first ever XCAT victory at the last race in Dubai in March, the Swedish team are well aware it will be tough to repeat that performance on the flat water in Stresa.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s official practice, Daniel Svenson throttle man for Team Westerlund said: “We have a lot of confidence after winning the last race but a lot of pressure as well. The outcome of the last race was fantastic and now we just hope for a successful run again.”

SUWS' Stop 7 Joins America's Cup This Weekend | SUP Magazine

Star studded line up for World Series at the America’s Cup
 After two dramatic city stops in two weeks (Hamburg and Chicago), the Standup World Series is now headed to San Francisco this weekend for Stop 7, the America’s Cup Open (AC Open), integrated into the world famous America’s Cup of Sailing at Marina Green.

Photo: SUPtheBay.com

 With yet another breathtaking backdrop, the World Series will witness the best paddlers from around the globe battle it out in front of record crowds all weekend long at the America’s Cup site. It all comes down to the wire on the Standup World Series on the second stop on the US Trilogy of Events.

 World Series frontrunners Connor Baxter and Kai Lenny will once again match up coming off another intense battle at the last stop in Hamburg. While Connor is currently the yellow jersey holder with his ratings lead, Kai Lenny is right on his heels, with multiple single discipline wins against Connor this year and a clean sweep at the Hamburg stop of the Tour just under two weeks ago. One thing is for sure, it will be a battle for the ages once again this weekend, so make sure to stay tuned to: SUPtheMag.com  More; SUWS' Stop 7 Joins America's Cup This Weekend | SUP Magazine

Non-stop action promised at F2 World Champs in Nottingham | RYA

This weekend Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre hosts round four of the UIM F2 World Championship and with twenty five drivers vying for the sixteen slots on the British Powerboat Grand Prix starting grid the action is guaranteed to be fast and furious.

And if that’s not enough to keep the race fans on their toes Nottingham also hosts the UIM GT15 Powerboat World Championship, where amongst the eighteen drivers so far registered is Britain’s Ben Jelf, the son of the three times UIM F2 World Champion Colin Jelf.
 
Although having recently wrapped up his third GT15 European Championship title by taking maximum points in Kil, Sweden, Jelf knows that this weekend is going to be extremely tough.  

Big Breeze, Big Action - 2013 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship

The action on Rhode Island Sound was fast and furious on the penultimate day of the 2013 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship in Newport, R.I., as the 15 teams contesting the 16th edition of this championship were challenged by three races sailed under a low cloud ceiling.

ENFANT TERRIBLE (ITA) starting the manoeuvre for rounding the top mark

© Rolex / Daniel Forster

 

The first race started in 12 knots of steady breeze from the north-northeast, which increased over the three races to 17 knots.

ISAF | World Sailing | Americans Dominate BMW J24 Worlds

It was very much a case of North American domination on the fourth day of competition at the BMW J24 Worlds at Howth Yacht Club (near Dublin, Ireland), with Tim Healy of Newport winning the first and third races of the day while compatriot Travis Odenbach's win in the second one has taken the crew from Rochester, NY, into the overall lead going into the final day.

Racing commences under grey skies ©David Branigan | Oceansport

 

 Conversely, it was not such a good day for the South Americans from Brazil as defending champion Mauricio Santa Cruz had his worst results of the series, highlighted by an 18th in the second race, which drops him to third overall. It proved a very good day, however, for Mossy Shanahan of the host club who scored a sixth, third and fourth, each finish being the best local result in the series to date. News & Features | ISAF | World Sailing | Official Site : Americans Dominate BMW J24 Worlds

10 international teams ready to soar at the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup / America’s Cup

The young guns are getting ready for the opportunity of a lifetime at the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. 10 international teams of youth sailors, representing 8 countries will be on the starting line on September 1 in San Francisco.

At stake is more than just the newly minted Red Bull Youth America’s Cup trophy. This is a pathway for young sailors into the America’s Cup. The stage is set. The preparation and training is finished. Now the sailors have to perform.

Countdown is on to the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup / America’s Cup

The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup starts in less than a week and the 10 national youth teams are into their final preparations on San Francisco Bay.

The event runs from September 1-4, with four days of fleet racing off the America’s Cup Village at Marina Green.

On Saturday, August 31, there is a final day of practice with Speed Trials incorporated in the final training session – a spectator favourite.

All systems go as XCAT action resumes in stunning Stresa this weekend « UIM XCAT World Series Powerboat Racing – Official Site

The boats have arrived. The spectacular scene is set. And the teams are raring to get out on the water as the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Powerboat Series resumes after the summer break.

A total of 13 teams will take to the beautiful Lake Maggiore for the fourth round of the Series. A
nd with four more races still to come after this one, there’s still everything to play for.

Still topping the table after the first three rounds is the Dubai-based Fazza boat, part of the super-successful Victory Team set-up. Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri will be hoping they’ll experience none of the technical difficulties that hit them in the last race in Dubai. That’s where the Westerlund Racing Team of Joakim Kumlin and Daniel Svenson took advantage of Fazza’s gear box problem to claim their first ever XCAT win.

ZABO RACING LOOKING TO FAST TRACK BACK INTO CONTENTION IN TITLE RACE / CLASS 1 WPC

Thursday, 29 August: Zabo-Racing will be looking to fast track their way back into the title race when racing resumes at the Mediterranean Grand Prix in Terracina, Italy, 18-20 October.

The Norwegian-Turkish alliance has spent the summer break based in Terracina overhauling engines, re-rigging Zabo-Isiklar and carrying out one or two modifications and fixes. “Our commitment to the Championship is 100% despite the problems and bad luck we have had and overcome and we are determined to get back to competing for the win,” said team principal Jan Zaborowski. “Aside from some standard engine work, we fixed the oil line issue that side-lined us in race 2 in Istanbul and have further strengthened the sides of the boat. We have also carried out some cosmetic work to be compliant with UIM rulings.”

Driver Ugur Isik and throttleman Christian Zaborowski sit in fourth spot in the points table, 28 points shy of leaders’ Victory and behind HUB Team Australia and LF10. But the position does not reflect their season in which they have produced some of their best racing and performances.

The duo picked up a second in qualifying and in race 1 in sanya, having led Victory for over half the race and a remarkable second in race 1 in Istanbul in an all but rebuilt boat.

The deficit they face is a result of registering two no-points tallies; one after crashing out in Sanya and the second a mechanical problem in Istanbul.

But Zaborowski [Jan] is confident that they will be on the pace and challenging for the win in Italy.

Patrick Gudauskas Wins ASP 4-Star Vans Pro, Joshua Moniz Takes Vans Pro Junior | ASP North America

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia/USA (Sunday, August 25, 2013) - Patrick Gudauskas (San Clemente, CA), 27, has won the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 4-Star Vans Pro in peaky two-to-four foot waves at 1st Street Jetty in Virginia Beach.

Gudauskas, current alternate on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), led the final from start to finish, opening his campaign with a strong 7 point ride, quickly finding a backup score of a 5. The San Clemente surfer would hold on to the victory despite a late-heat charge by runner-up Deivid Silva (BRA), 18, solidifying the win over additional finalists Keanu Asing (HAW), 20, and Kaito Ohashi (JPN), 21.

Connor Baxter, Annabel Anderson Win Chicago World Paddle Challenge | SUPracer.com

Connor Baxter has taken out the Chicago World Paddle Challenge, claiming both the sprints and distance events to keep his 2013 Stand Up World Series unbeaten streak alive. Kai Lenny was 2nd in both races, while Zane Schweitzer and Jake Jensen finished equal third overall and were forced into a tie-breaker sprint-off. Meanwhile in the women’s event it was all Annabel Anderson, with the Kiwi claiming the double victory ahead of Aussie Angie Jackson.

Connor Baxter out-sprints Kai Lenny to the line

On Saturday it was the sprints, where Connor narrowly snatched victory from Kai Lenny in a battle to the line after the two dominated the early rounds and then went toe-to-toe right throughout the final. Kai was leading by a board length coming into the final buoy, before Connor dug deep to find an extra gear, pulled alongside his rival in the final metres and then won the sprint through the shallow water to the finish line. More; Connor Baxter, Annabel Anderson Win Chicago World Paddle Challenge (UPDATED RESULTS) | SUPracer.com

Emirates Team New Zealand eyes ‘September Showdown’ as Luna Rossa bows out / America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand and Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge are familiar foes in the America’s Cup arena.

The two teams were finalists in the previous Louis Vuitton Cup in 2007 and also squared off for the 30th America’s Cup Match in 2000. Each time the Kiwis came out on top, as they did again today when they won the 30th anniversary Louis Vuitton Cup 7-1.

“I’d like to acknowledge Luna Rossa,” said Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker. “We’ve had an amazing relationship with those guys over the last year and a half. Without them we wouldn’t be here. They’ve improved dramatically and have pushed us to keep improving.”

Tomlinson's My Way Shatters Shootout Record with 224-MPH Run

On the second run of the morning on the second day of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe didn't just break the Shootout top-speed record—209 mph, which they tied on Saturday afternoon—they annihilated it with a mind-blowing 224-mph pass in My Way, a 50-foot Mystic Powerboats catamaran with twin Lycoming T-55 turbine engines.

In good spirits after putting the boat back on the trailer, Tomlinson sat down with speedonthewater.com to discuss the record-setting run, which he and Kehoe followed up with a 216-mph run.

"We knew we were capable of it, we just didn't want to say too much about it before we ran," said Tomlinson, who is from Manatec, Ontario in Canada. "The boat can do more—it was pulling as fast when we came across the finish line as it was at 60 or 70 mph. It was running really well and it was very hot out today. The heat hurts us a little bit, but there's still so much power there. At idle speed we have around 200 hp and at 100 percent we have 3,000 hp more or less. We were running about 110 percent, so we were running pretty strong.  More; Tomlinson's My Way Shatters Shootout Record with 224-MPH Run

Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Update: Four Highlights / Speed on the Water

The first day of the 2013 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is in the books and it set a high bar. Here are four highlights—three amazing liquid-mile top-speed runs that will stand up as class wins unless bested tomorrow and one great encounter for speedonthewater.com—from one remarkable day.

From left: John Tomlinson, Myrick Coil and Mike D'Anniballe stirke a pose on the deck of the Sterling 1700-powered Skater cat after a successful day at the Shootout.My Way Hits Runs 209 mph: No question, Bill Tomlinson's My Way, a 50-foot Mystic catamaran with 6,000 hp worth of turbine engines, came into this year's Shootout as the odds-on favorite to take the Top Gun title. But being the "favorite" guarantees nothing. To win, you have to perform, and Tomlinson did exactly that.  More; Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Update: Four Highlights

New Zealand and Luna Rossa Piranha new AC World Series champions / America’s Cup

America’s Cup Race Management has released revised scoring for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 America’s Cup World Series championships.

This follows ORACLE TEAM USA, JP Morgan BAR and HS Racing retiring from World Series events from the Newport regatta onwards.

With ORACLE TEAM USA Spithill renouncing points earned in the Newport event, which was the final regatta of the 2011-12 season, Emirates Team New Zealand now becomes the winner of the inaugural America’s Cup World Series season championship.

ORACLE TEAM USA Spithill/Slingsby, JP Morgan BAR and ORACLE TEAM USA Coutts also retired from all three events in the 2012-13 season while HS Racing retired from the only event it sailed, the final regatta in Naples.

The revised 2012-13 standings see Luna Rossa Piranha at the top of the combined championship, followed by Artemis Racing White and Emirates Team New Zealand.

Full revised results can be downloaded from the Regatta Noticeboard.

Garrett McNamara Returns to Nazare in October for New Adventures | Surfline

It's almost that time of year again. Garrett McNamara and crew are starting to pack their bags and boards to head over to Praia do Norte, Nazaré to play in the North Canyon for two months of October and November.

US surfer Garrett McNamara rides a wave off Praia do Norte beach in Nazare, Portugal, on Jan. 28, 2013.

(To Mane/Barcroft Media, via Landov)

McNamara has been coming to Nazaré for the winters since 2010 when the local government invited him to bring attention to the giant waves of Praia do Norte. They only had expectations of attracting more surfers but once McNamara discovered the biggest waves he has ever seen people from all over the world have flocked to see these giants being ridden.

Dukes OceanFest Hawaii Night A Sucess | Surfline

The Wahine Longboard division finished up today. Surf picked up slightly for the early morning heat. It is always a battle for patience in the inconsistant Waikiki surf but in the end it was the youngest competitor that came our victorious. Honolua Bloomfield from the North Shore of Oahu took the title. " I wanted to catch the first wave and I did", said the 14 year old. " Then the other girl (Sophia) got a set wave so I had to get one and I got a couple inside while everyone was outside." In second was Sophia Bartlow from California who has been coming and going from Hawaii her entire life. Bartlow is a student at the University of Hawaii. In third it was Megan Godinez, Kaneohe and 4th went to Crystal Dzigas, Honolulu.

The Hawaiian Airlines Legends division kicked off today with plenty of spirit. The early lead belonged to team Kimo's Restaurant headed up by Laura Blears. Later Team Rainbow Drive-In was leading. Legand Dino Miranda was at the helm. The Hawaiian Airlines Legends event continues tomorrow, Saturday.

Duke Kahanamoku's birthday is August 24th. There will be a lei draping tomorrow morning. The lei draping will begin at 6:45 with great Hawaiian music and at 7:00 the ceremony will begin! The Duke's OceanFest is held each summer in Waikiki in honor of Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, who is remembered as the greatest waterman who ever lived, and Hawaii's ambassador of Aloha. The 9-day event features a variety of ocean sports that were close to Duke Kahanamoku's heart, such as longboard surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, tandem-surfing, surf polo, beach volleyball, and more!

More results will be posted on www.dukesoceanfest.com

Video - The world's first surf contest on a tidal bore / Surfer Today

The world's first surf contest on a tidal bore: The Qiantang River is the most unusual wave in the world for a surfing contest. Yet, the Red Bull Qiantang Shoot Out is ready to ride the brown waters of Hangzhou.

Courtney Conlogue Wins Back-to-Back Swatch Girls Pro France Titles, Johanne Defay Claims Junior event win and European Junior Title : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

CAPBRETON, France (Sunday, August 25, 2013) - The 2013 Swatch Girls Pro France was completed today in bumpy 4-6Ft surf in Seignosse Le Penon with the victories of Courtney Conlogue (USA) in the 6-Star event and Johanne Defay (FRA) in the Junior division, claiming the European Junior Title in the process.

Courtney Conlogue (USA) 21, back-to-back winner of the Swatch Girls Pro France, was in a dominant form today and couldn’t be stopped despite her opponent’s best efforts. The Californian, current World No.3, even posted the second highest score of the event, a near perfect 9.60 to leave Defay in a combination situation in the final.

10 SUP Tips for Your First Time on the Water | SUP How-tos & Techniques

SAN DIEGO, California - Everyone is usually at least a little nervous and excited about heading out on a stand up paddle board for the very first time.  After all, walking on water up until this point in time has only been something to dream about.  Yet, now is the time and you have no idea how to get started.

Photo by Doree Vfe

Well, never fear because Supconnect is here... to share a few tips that will help make the experience more fun and enjoyable!  More; 10 SUP Tips for Your First Time on the Water | SUP How-tos & Techniques

Volvo Ocean Race | Building the Future - Communication tech

 

A high-spec media desk, remote controlled onboard cameras, biometry and navigation data kit – we look at all of this and much more in the latest video report on the Volvo Ocean 65. Click the link and check out for yourself how cool the new boat comms are going to be so the guys on board can communicate direct to our fans.

 

Here is our 14th video update on the brand new one-design boat that will contest the next two editions of the race. It’s high time to discuss the latest progress on the construction line, with things finally nearing completion on the first boats.

In this packed episode, Volvo Ocean Race’s Rick Deppe speaks to Nick Bice, who is organizing the construction and handover phases. Our reporter also catches up on media gear with Tristan Wood from LiveWire and navigation equipment with B&G technical specialist Mike Sudgen. 



Building the Future is our hands-on look at how the coolest one-design project in boat-building history is progressing. Enjoy today’s video and don't forget you can catch up on the series HERE.

ISAF | World Sailing | Big Breeze And Blistering Speed - Extreme Sailing Series

The Extreme Sailing Series Act 6, Cardiff grudge match continued on Saturday with ten races. There were hulls soaring, bows diving and water spraying off the River Taff as the eight Extreme 40s hurtled round Cardiff Bay - the cheering Cardiff crowds getting the stadium spectacular they came for.

SAP Extreme Sailing Team enjoys big breeze in Cardiff

© Lloyd Images

 

 Out on the course the big breeze certainly suited SAP Extreme Sailing Team, the finely tuned Danes recording two first and four second place finishes to see them rise from sixth to second at the end of the second day of the Act - narrowly missing out on pole position to the experienced Alinghi who clinched the top spot with a win in the final race of the day. Two of Rugby's shining stars, British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton and Welsh national Alex Cuthbert also got stuck into the Extreme Sailing Series scrum, both players jumping aboard the invitational home boat Team Wales Land Rover, skippered by Welsh born Rio 2016 Olympic hopeful Dave Evans. News & Features | ISAF | World Sailing | Official Site : Big Breeze And Blistering Speed

Video - ORACLE TEAM USA - Defender Trials - America's Cup

ORACLE TEAM USA tested the course with two days of Defender practice racing on San Francisco Bay. After two close races on Saturday, Sunday's training was cut short. But, it didn't take away from a successful dress rehearsal for the America's Cup.

Sunday preview: Luna Rossa’s last stand / America’s Cup

Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge has a long, proud history in the America’s Cup arena, but skipper Max Sirena’s crew needs to win both of today’s scheduled races if they want to compete another day in the 30th anniversary Louis Vuitton Cup.

Emirates Team New Zealand leads the series 6-1 and needs just one more victory to wrap it up. The Luna Rossa crew has improved measurably since the start of racing last month, but unfortunately for them so has the Kiwi crew.

“We’re racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. That’s everything we dreamed to achieve,” said Luna Rossa helmsman Chris Draper. “I sail with 10 great guys every day, and these boats are insane to sail. So no, it’s not hard to get up in the morning.

“We all want to be winning; we wouldn’t be racing these boats if we didn’t come from a background of winning. It’s hard, but we’ll keep pushing to last minute and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved,” Draper said.

Race 8 is scheduled to start at 1310 and Race 9, if necessary, at 1410. The forecast is predicting lighter breezes than yesterday, when the day’s second race was postponed because of winds in excess of the 22.2-knot limit.

In the U.S. the racing will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network on tape delay at 1900 ET/1600 PT. Internationally it will be shown on the America’s Cup YouTube channel beginning at 1300 PT, subject to territorial restrictions. You can also follow the action on the official America’s Cup app or Virtual Eye.

THE FIRST STAND-ALONE ISA WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP TO TAKE PLACE THIS SEPTEMBER IN PERU - International Surfing Association

La Jolla, California, August 22, 2013- The International Surfing Association (ISA) is excited to announce the first stand-alone ISA World Longboard Championship this September at the legendary break of Huanchaco, Trujillo, Peru. More; THE FIRST STAND-ALONE ISA WORLD LONGBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP TO TAKE PLACE THIS SEPTEMBER IN PERU - International Surfing Association

Electric Performances on Day 4 of Swatch Girls Pro France : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

CAPBRETON, France (Saturday, August 24, 2013) – The Swatch Girls Pro France completed another intense day in Seignosse Le Penon, after being put on-hold all morning to wait for conditions to improve. A building, wind-blown 3-4Ft swell allowed competition to resume this afternoon and decide of the Semifinalists of both ASP 6-Star and Pro Junior events.

Malia Manuel (HAW), 20, advanced to the Semifinals of the Swatch Girls Pro France today.

Malia Manuel (HAW) 20, current World No.12 and winner of the previous 6-Star event in California, defeated fellow Top 17 member Paige Hareb (NZL) in order to advance into the semis. The stylish Hawaiian found the best opportunities in a complicated lineup to express her flawless frontside surfing and impress both judges and the massive French crowds assembled by the water’s edge.

Connor Baxter Wins Day One @ Chicago World Paddle Challenge | SUPracer.com

Connor Baxter has just taken out the sprint race on Day One of the Chicago World Paddle Challenge, which is stop #6 in the 2013 Stand Up World Series.

Connor narrowly snatched victory from Kai Lenny in a sprint to the line, after the two dominated the early rounds and then went toe-to-toe right throughout the final. Kai was leading by a board length coming into the final buoy, before Connor dug deep to find an extra gear, pulled alongside his rival in the final metres and then won the sprint through the shallow water to the finish line. [RESULTS] Connor Baxter Wins Day One @ Chicago World Paddle Challenge | SUPracer.com

CONNOR BAXTER WINS THE "ULTIMATE SUP SHOWDOWN"!

The 2013 Ultimate SUP Showdown was a huge success. This event took place on Oahu and it was a part of the famous Duke Kahanamoku Event. This event was alittle different in the sense that when I signed up I was in both the surf part and the race part. All the competitors had to compete in both the race and surf - which made it a fun day at the beach.

 

 

This event had some of the best racers and surfers from all over - Travis Grant, Jamie Mitchell, Fernando Stalla, Zane Schweitzer, Chuck Patterson, Matt Becker, Riggs and Aaron Napoleon, Candice Appleby, Vanina Walsh, Kai Sallas, Mo Freitas, Noa Ginella - and lots more!

 

More; CONNOR BAXTER WINS THE "ULTIMATE SUP SHOWDOWN"!

ISAF | World Sailing | Meltemi Wind Returns To Deliver An Intense Day Of Ballistic Slalom

After two days of light and frustrating winds the Turkish Meltemi wind's finally returned on day five of the PWA Pegasus Airlines World Cup, to provide a brilliant day of racing.

 

After almost six hours of competition Pierre Mortefon (Fanatic / North) now finds himself at the top of the men's rankings, whilst Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / Gaastra / Mystic / Chris Benz / Maui Ultra Fins) maintains her lead at the top in the women's, after another assured display, overall.  More; News & Features | ISAF | World Sailing | Official Site : Meltemi Wind Returns To Deliver An Intense Day Of Ballistic Slalom

Emirates Team New Zealand opens 6-1 lead in Louis Vuitton Cup Final / America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand won Race 7 of the 30th anniversary Louis Vuitton Cup today with a 1:58 victory over Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge. The Kiwis lead the series 6-1 and need one more victory to close out the America’s Cup Challenger Series. That chance comes tomorrow in Race 8.

Today’s Race 7 was sailed in some of the strongest winds recorded in the regatta. The average wind strength was recorded at 18 knots with a maximum gust of 21.4 knots. That enabled Emirates Team New Zealand to set a new Louis Vuitton Cup speed record of 47.18 knots at Mark 3, the windward gate. That’s 54 mph, or 79 feet per second for the 72-foot long catamaran! The Kiwis’ previous record was 44.15 knots.

Team Pro Boat Regains SuperStock Championship Lead / P1 Superstock

Florida’s Space Coast served up the toughest race conditions of the season to produce some absorbing action this weekend, and once again Team Pro Boat managed to do enough to edge out Pier 57 and Morton Water to take top spot on the podium. Nature played its part in proceedings with dolphins, turtles and the weather all causing delays over the two days of racing.

The final race was a real thriller as the teams battled the three-foot swell to give the big crowd on Jetty Beach, Cape Canaveral an unforgettable display of one-design racing. Andy Biddle and Tracy Blumenstein of Pro Boat were going deck-to-deck with local favourites Scott Utah and Lee Baker in the aptly named Space Coast boat before Biddle accidently stopped his engine. “I was bopping up and down so high that my kill switch came right out” explained Biddle. “At one point Tracy was so far out of the cockpit that it looked like he was about to join the space programme.”

Monday Stand Up Paddle Madness with Candice Appleby

Surftech team rider Candice Appleby, has her own web series with EpicTV Adventure. Check out the first episode here and see what a typical busy Monday is like for Candice. Land training, surfing, business meetings, photo shoots and more surfing....It's a pretty full day, enjoy.

Slater Near-Perfect in Round 3 of Billabong Pro Tahiti | ASP North America

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti returned to Teahupo’o today with the world’s best surfers reveling in flawless three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) barrels to complete Round 2 and the opening eight heats of Round 3.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Pro Tahiti recommences this season’s hunt for the prestigious world surfing crown and the ASP Top 34 put on an incredible reef pass performance today in pristine barrels at Teahupo’o.

Kai Lenny, Annabel Anderson Win The SUP World Cup In Hamburg | SUPracer.com

DAY 1 UPDATE: Check out results from Day One of the “Camp David SUP World Cup” in Hamburg, Germany, which is part of the 2013 Stand Up World Series. Today it was Kai Lenny and Annabel Anderson drawing first blood, with the superstars and pre-race favourites following the script to take out the Sprints.

Kai didn’t have it easy though, with Italian Leonard Nika pushing him all the way to the line in a very impressive performance, while Casper Steinfath battled Aussie Beau O’Brian for third.

Meanwhile in the women’s it was young Slovenian paddler Manca Notar who put in the standout performance of the race, beating home the super strong Aussie Angie Jackson to finish runner-up behind the all-conquering Annabel.

Check out the early results below then come back soon for full results, photos and video of the action from Hamburg. Also take a look at the awesome recap of Day One @ The Hamburg SUP World Cup by Bart de Zwart.

DAY 2 UPDATE: Kai Lenny takes the win in the Distance Race after breaking away from the leading draft train late in the race. Annabel Anderson was again too dominant in the women’s. Full results coming soon.. 

More; [RESULTS] Kai Lenny, Annabel Anderson Win The SUP World Cup In Hamburg (UPDATED) | SUPracer.com

Video: Rolex Fastnet Race 2013 - the review

The final review of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2013 - considered a great success all round in it's new venue with great competition and French father and son Corinthian winners of the overall prize.

Defender Trials Underway / ORACLE TEAM USA / America’s Cup

ORACLE TEAM USA tested the race course Saturday. Jimmy Spithill and Ben Ainslie each took the helm the team’s AC72s as the crews lined up for two practice races on San Francisco Bay prior to the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final.

“We had two tough, really competitive races today that pushed both teams hard,” Spithill said. “And, it was a good exercise for the team, to have the cameras on and people watching. That’s the kind of pressure we need to be put under as we prepare for the Cup.”

During the Defender Access period on the course, ORACLE TEAM USA used the opportunity to practice starts and maneuvers, run through the track, and get familiar with the boundaries.

Emirates Team New Zealand survives nosedive, wins first race of Louis Vuitton Cup Final / America’s Cup

The 30th anniversary Louis Vuitton Cup Final got off to a boisterous start today with Emirates Team New Zealand opening a 1-0 lead over Luna Rossa Challenge.

On a windy day on San Francisco Bay, Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa both wrestled with equipment problems, each suffered in different fashion. The difference was that Luna Rossa’s problem inhibited the crew’s ability to race, while the Kiwis’ problem scared the living daylights out of them.

Luna Rossa had a daggerboard problem before the race that ultimately scuttled the crew’s race after the first mark rounding. The team had refined the daggerboard and its lifting post last week.

Qatari Rally Legend Nasser Al-Attiyah Set To Join Sheikh Hassan’s Qatar Team At Key West

DOHA (QATAR): His Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani today (Saturday) announced that the Arab world’s number one rally driver Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah will join the Qatar Team in November’s Key West World Championships in Florida.

 

 

At a press conference held in Doha today, Sheikh Hassan, the president of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), confirmed that Al-Attiyah will team up with his former Italian throttleman Matteo Nicolini and enter the Key West races in a Mercury-engined set-up boat. There are three races during the Key West festival, which takes place on November 3-10.

“I am delighted to welcome Nasser aboard our team as our ‘wingman’,” enthused Sheikh Hassan, who clinched the Key West World Championship title with Steve Curtis in 2012 and is hoping for a repeat in Al Adaa’am 96 this year.

Pristine Conditions for World’s Best Surfers on Electric Day 2 at the Billabong Pro Tahiti : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti returned to Teahupo’o today with the world’s best surfers reveling in flawless three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) barrels to complete Round 2 and the opening eight heats of Round 3.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 29, navigates his way into Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Pro Tahiti recommences this season’s hunt for the prestigious world surfing crown and the ASP Top 34 put on an incredible reef pass performance today in pristine barrels at Teahupo’o.

ISAF | World Sailing | Super Sonic Slalom Returns As The Elite Of The Racing World Head To Alcati

PWA Slalom Men & Women World Cup - Alacati, Turkey

From 19-24 August both the men's and women's slalom fleets shall be returning to action for more warp speed racing as they head to the stunning turquoise waters of Alacati, Turkey. The men will be recommencing battle for the first time since competing in Costa Brava - in June - whilst the women will be fighting it out for the final time this season.

 

Alacati is located on the Cesme peninsula, just a thirty minute drive from the bustling city of Izmir. Primarily known for its stunning natural stone villas, chic boutiques and its traditional cafes and fantastic restaurants, Alacati has started to experience a change in cliental, in recent years, as thousands of windsurfers, from all around the globe, flock to the stunning shores of Alacati to take advantage of the beautiful turquoise waters and clockwork like Meltemi winds, which blow consistently between the months of May to October. Combine this with the gorgeous local scenery and cosmopolitan vibe and you can quickly understand why Alacati is continuing to enhance its reputation as a windsurfing Mecca. More; News & Features | ISAF | World Sailing | Official Site : Super Sonic Slalom Returns As The Elite Of The Racing World Head To Alcati

Louis Vuitton Cup Final notebook / America’s Cup

Port or starboard? The jury’s still outWith the Louis Vuitton Cup Final beginning tomorrow, each team was permitted to choose its desired side of entry for Race 1 and Race 2. As stipulated by the Sailing Instructions, Luna Rossa Challenge won the right to pick for Race 1 because of its semifinal victory, and it chose port entry. Emirates Team New Zealand had the choice for Race 2 and it, too, chose port entry.

Both teams chose port tack. So what’s happened to the days of starboard tack ruling the pre-start? For one, the pre-start sequence has been reduced to 2 minutes from 5 minutes, greatly reducing the amount of time for maneuvers. Secondly, the port-tack yacht gets to enter the start box 10 seconds earlier than the starboard yacht.

That said, we’ll let Luna Rossa Challenge helmsman Chris Draper and Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker add their takes on the pre-start.

“We wanted to make the pre-start safer, and we realized that was one of the more dangerous parts of the race,” said Draper. “The decision was made between the competitors and rules advisers to make the entry for the port boat at 2:10. In some ways it’s given the port boat quite a lot of advantage, and if we have to choose our entry we’d choose port. You’ve got a lot of maneuvering as the starboard boat, especially to get around the back and push the port entry boat. It’s a bit harder for starboard entry boat because of the 2:10, but I’m sure that we’ll make the best of it.  More; ”Louis Vuitton Cup Final notebook / America’s Cup

Fog city – it must be getting close to the Finals / America’s Cup

With the Finals of the 30th anniversary Louis Vuitton Cup starting Saturday and with the America’s Cup Finals just three weeks away, the war of words between the teams is, unsurprisingly, beginning to heat up.

Accusations of cheating from one side (or two sides in this case with both Luna Rossa and ETNZ piling on), countered by, “Thanks guys, keep it coming, this is great motivation for our team”.

See it all in one report here

What to make of it all?

For me, all this really means is we’re getting close to the America’s Cup Finals.

The challengers are working overtime to distract the defender from its task, exactly as one would expect them to do. And ORACLE TEAM USA has made this easier with its admitted missteps regarding measurement irregularities on its AC45s at the America’s Cup World Series events.