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Swedish challenge for the cup

Mon, 8 Nov 2010 20:05:34 +0100

Artemis Racing confirmed today the team’s entry as a Challenger for the 34th America’s Cup, which will include competing in the America’s Cup World Series in 2011-2012 and culminate with the Challenger Selection Series in 2013.

Speaking at today’s press conference Torbjörn Törnqvist, Chairman of Artemis Racing, shared his vision for the team and endorsed the new format for the America’s Cup. Torbjörn Törnqvist also spoke of the important role of the Royal Swedish Yacht Club in the team’s challenge.

The Royal Swedish Yacht Club, one of the world’s oldest yacht clubs, has a longstanding history with the America’s Cup, having had three Challenges since the America’s Cup began in 1851. KSSS Commodore Jacob Wallenberg stated: “KSSS is honoured to be alongside Artemis Racing for the next America’s Cup. This is an important milestone for the Club and sailing in Sweden. A project of this magnitude is also important for Swedish junior sailors, as it will inspire them and provide excellent role models.”

Over the course of the next three years, Artemis Racing will be focussed on designing and building two AC72 yachts, while also developing a strong sailing team to compete in the AC45 World Series and the Challenger Selection Series. The clear goal is to challenge Cup holders BMW ORACLE Racing for the America’s Cup in 2013.

“We have been orienting Artemis Racing toward the America’s Cup for more than a year. With much of the plan for the 34th America’s Cup now defined by the Defender, and an early start for the team, we have a tremendous opportunity to mount a winning campaign.” said Paul Cayard, CEO of Artemis Racing.

Paul Cayard announced that world champion sailor Terry Hutchinson (USA) will be the team’s helmsman and that the design team will be led by Juan Kouyoumdjian, well known for his success with winning designs in the Volvo Ocean Race such as ABN Amro and Ericsson.

Also speaking at today’s press conference about the new America’s Cup format was Richard Worth the recently appointed Chairman of the America’s Cup Event Authority. Worth said: “The challenger period has only just opened so we are delighted to welcome Artemis Racing to the 34th America’s Cup. They become the third team to officially join the event (after BMW ORACLE Racing and Challenger of Record - Mascalzone Latino) and we hope that, for the drama of a true sporting spectacle over the next three years, they will be the first of many. As we plan for new, exciting formats and boats it is great to have a team consisting of world class sailors under the leadership of Torbjörn Törnqvist and Paul Cayard.”

The next event for Artemis Racing is the Louis Vuitton Trophy – Dubai, which begins on 14 November. Looking ahead to 2011, Artemis Racing will continue to compete on the RC44 World Championship tour, while joining the Extreme 40 Circuit and the America’s Cup World Series, which will be raced in AC45s.

Rolex Swan 45 Worlds 2010

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:52:18 +0200

Clear skies and plenty of breeze are making for an exceptional World Championships for the Swan 45 Class. Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda biannually, the Rolex Swan 45 Worlds take place during the Rolex Swan Cup which has attracted close to 100 Swans from all over the globe. Racing continues through Saturday for the fleet of Swan 45s and will see the prestigious Gold Cup designed by Asprey presented to the new World Champion.

Esimit Europa 2 win Palermo-Monte Carlo

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:04:36 +0200

It was another magnificent victory for Europe today when Igor Simcic’s 100 foot maxi yacht Esimit Europa 2 was the first to cross the finish line in Monte Carlo, taking line honours in the Palermo-Monte Carlo Race. The crew onboard Esimit Europa 2 completed the 500 nautical mile course in 2 days 52 minutes, marking the second significant victory for the European team led by Skipper Flavio Favini. Over the last two days, the team faced a full range of unpredictable conditions in this long offshore race but showed their true skills and broke the course record by 3 hours 19 minutes.   The rest of the fleet is expected to begin arriving in Monte Carlo over the next 24 hours. Organised by the Circolo della Vela Sicilia in collaboration with the Yacht Club de Monaco, 2010 is the 6th edition of this race which started in the historic city of Palermo on 18 August. The prizegiving will take place on 23 August at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco.

katusharacing.com

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:56:17 +0200

trimsailing has just designed and launched an interactive website for the RC44 team sailing on Katusha. The Russian team led by Paul Cayard began competing on the RC44 Championship Tour at the end of 2009.

Good win for Artemis

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Racing wrapped up today in Barcelona for the TP52 teams racing in the third event on the Audi MedCup circuit. For the first time this season, it was Artemis on the top of the podium - well done team!

Victory for Esimit Europa 2

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:20:51 +0200

Esimit Europa 2 has taken line honours in the Giraglia Race, the final element of the Giraglia Rolex Cup, having magestically crossed the finish line in San Remo at 1105 this morning. Owner Igor Simcic and his European crew onboard the 100 foot, canting keel maxi completed the 241 nautical mile course in just over 23 hours.

The fleet of 220 yachts left the Bay of St Tropez at 1200 on Wednesday in a south-easterly breeze of 8-10 knots. As the afternoon went on and the wind increased to 20 knots, Esimit Europa 2 swiftly pulled ahead leaving Shockwave (NZL), Container(GER) and Alegre (GBR) behind. However, as night fell the wind dropped and with only 3-5 knots of breeze this morning it made for a slow arrival into San Remo.

As the first yacht to round the famous Giraglia ‘rock’ off the tip of Corsica yesterday evening at 2225 CET, Esimit Europa 2, sponsored by Gazprom, will also collect the Beppe Croce trophy at the prizegiving on Saturday, 19 June in San Remo.

“It was an amazing race. The crew did an excellent job, particularly given that this was our first offshore regatta. I am so proud of them and of our main sponsor Gazprom, who believe in this amazing project. This is a victory for all of us, for all European citizens,” said Owner Igor Simcic. “We’ll have a full team debrief today and celebrate our victory. We have learned a great deal from this event and will now shift our focus to the next regatta,” he added.

Commenting on the team’s first win Skipper Flavio Favini said: “The conditions were well suited to Esimit Europa 2. It wasn’t long before we broke away from the fleet as we sailed upwind to the mark at La Fourmique, then headed downwind to the Giraglia. The wind died pretty much as we rounded the Rock and it took us almost 12 hours to reach San Remo. There is always a concern that the fleet can close in on you when the wind dies, but Esimit Europa 2 is so fast that we stayed clear ahead. It’s an honour to have been first over the line and I congratulate the whole crew for their commitment to the race and the project.”

Next on the Esimit Europa 2 racing programme is the Palermo – Monte Carlo which starts on 18 August.

ESIMIT EUROPA 2 CHRISTENED

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:01:07 +0200

Maxi ESIMIT EUROPA 2 was christened today in Cannes (FRA) in the presence of myriad business leaders, media and supporters. This innovative project brings energy sector partners together through sailing as ESIMIT EUROPA 2 competes in the Mediterranean’s most challenging regattas, the first of which will be the Giraglia Rolex Cup, which starts on Sunday, 13 June.
The record breaking 30M maxi is built purely of carbon fiber and is one of the world’s fastest yachts. ESIMIT EUROPA 2 proudly flies the European flag and is skippered by legendary Italian sailor, Flavio Favini. The 25 member crew boasts a wealth of experience ranging from the Olympics to the America’s Cup.
Under the patronage of Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, ESIMIT EUROPA 2 is building upon its 15-year tradition of connecting European nations. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Slovenian owner and project leader Igor Simčič outlined the team’s racing programme, which will promote the European Energy movement.
ESIMIT EUROPA 2 will compete in the Giraglia Rolex Cup, Palermo–Monte Carlo, Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Barcolana and Rolex Middle Sea Race. “Nothing about the Esimit Europa project is left to coincidence. Representing Europe is a great honor and a responsibility. I am glad that ESIMIT EUROPA 2 has become a symbol of a united Europe. Each victory will therefore strengthen the pride in being European and we will be proud to fly the European flag as we cross the finish line,” said owner Igor Simčič.  “Fifteen years ago, the Esimit Europa project symbolically connected border cities and regions and the idea that seemed utopian at the time became reality with the expansion of the European Union. Today is the time for a new dimension – a Pan-European dimension. I am honored that the idea is supported by a company as reputable as Gazprom, one of the largest energy companies in the world. I am sure that through closer relationships between EU countries and Russia, this continent would represent an important global force that would lead in technology and development, creating a better and brighter future to its residents,” added Simčič.

Louis Vuitton Trophy - La Maddalena

Sat, 22 May 2010 15:45:54 +0200

Following on from Torbjorn Tornqvist’s team’s success in the ultracompetitive Audi MedCup - TP52 Portugal Trophy last week, ARTEMIS is now in the La Maddalena (Italy) preparing for the start of the Louis Vuitton Trophy, which begins this Saturday.

Hosted by Mascalzone Latino Audi Team, the Sardinian event is the third Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta for the Swedish team, who placed fourth in the Louis Vuitton Trophy – Auckland less than two months ago. Training starts today in the stunning archipelago of La Maddalena, a favorite and familiar ‘race course’ for most of the team.

The round robin racing runs through to 6 June and will see ARTEMIS line up against nine of the top international sailing teams to compete for the prestigious Louis Vuitton Trophy. The impressive entry list includes winners of the 33rd America’s Cup, BMW Oracle Racing, as well as winners of the previous two events, Emirates Team New Zealand and AZZURRA.

“Sardinia is a wonderful place to race and I have fond memories of sailing here. I am confident that the Louis Vuitton Trophy will be a spectacular event because it has all the right ingredients for success,” said Skipper Paul Cayard.

The ARTEMIS crew for the Louis Vuitton Trophy – La Maddalena includes: Paul Cayard (Tactician), Terry Hutchinson (Helmsman), Jared Henderson (Pit), Cameron Appleton (Strategist), Kevin Hall (Navigator), Noel Drennan (Main), Andy Fethers (Bow), Phil Jameson (Mid bow), David Brooke (Mast), Sean Clarkson (Traveller), Robbie Naismith (Trimmer), Morgan Trubovich (Trimmer), Ian Baker (Grinder), Craig Monk (Grinder), Magnus Auguston (Grinder), Mark Newbrook (Grinder), Rodney Daniel (Runner/Pit), Michele Ivaldi (Reserve), Daniel Fong (Reserve) and David Endean (Reserve).

ARTEMIS defeat TEAMORIGIN

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:43:50 +0100

At Wednesday evening’s draw in Auckland’s Maritime Museum, in the presence of the Holy Grail of Yachting – the America’s Cup, ALL4ONE selected AZZURRA as their opponent for Elimination Round 2 meaning that ARTEMIS would line up against TEAMORIGIN today.
The stakes were high as the teams waited for the wind to come around and fill from the Southwest. At 1345, PRO Peter Reggio got racing underway with 15-17 knots of breeze. Ben Ainslie’s TEAMORIGIN had an excellent start, catching a slight shift, owning the pin end of the line and managing to bravely start on a port tack. ARTEMIS just cleared the Brit’s stern, both teams tacked and the race was on.
TEAMORIGIN’s tactician Iain Percy called the shifts and the Brits were in phase all the way up the first windward leg. ARTEMIS kept the pressure on throughout the beat, rounded the top mark and Helmsman Terry Hutchinson placed ARTEMIS on the hind quarter wave of TEAMORIGIN, but the smooth crew work on both boats meant there was never an opportunity to engage.
The Swedes followed TEAMORIGIN around the bottom mark with only 7 seconds separating them. On the upwind leg, the tacking duel continued and TEAMORIGIN forced ARTEMIS out into the middle of the course while they headed left to the port layline. Brilliant tactics on the part of Paul Cayard, Tactician onboard ARTEMIS, enabled the team to pick up a shift in the top third of the leg, putting ARTEMIS out in front on the next cross.
ARTEMIS rounded the weather mark 28 seconds ahead of TEAMORIGIN and protected their lead on the downwind. Smooth crew work from the bow to the stern enabled the team to extend their lead, despite a tear in the foot of the spinnaker that had the potential to unravel everything.
Finishing 32 seconds ahead of TEAMORIGIN, moves ARTEMIS into the semi-finals. The decision now lies with Emirates Team New Zealand as to who they choose to race in the semi-finals, be it Mascalzone Latino Audi Team, AZZURRA (who defeated ALL4ONE) or ARTEMIS.
Commending the crew on onboard ARTEMIS, Helmsman Terry Hutchinson said; “I think the crew and how the processes are going forward are starting to get better and better and we are starting to see the fruits of our hard work. They are all going to be very good competitors. Whoever we sail, we are going to have our work cut out for us to sail on Sunday.”
JJ Hall

LOUIS VUITTON TROPHY EVENTS FOR 2010

Sat, 2 Jan 2010 15:26:51 +0100

In a few short weeks, Artemis will be racing again in the RC44s in Dubai, before heading to Auckland for the next in the series of Louis Vuitton Trophy Events. The concept of the Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas was inspired by the acclaimed Louis Vuitton Pacific Series raced in Auckland, NZ last February.

The schedule for the next events covers four distinctly different parts of the world:
 Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland: 9 – 21 March 2010
 Louis Vuitton Trophy La Maddalena, Sardinia: 22 May – 6 June 2010 
Louis Vuitton Trophy Middle East: 13 – 28 November 2010 
Louis Vuitton Trophy Hong Kong: 9 – 24 January 2011
The venue in the Middle East is embargoed until January 15th 2010
Newly-elected WSTA board Chairman Paul Cayard commented: ‘The Louis Vuitton Trophy is gaining momentum following the great regattas held in Auckland and Nice in 2009 and I really believe 2010 is going to be an even better year for our teams, their crews and supporters.’
Each Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta is a stand-alone regatta sailed in event-supplied 85- foot long AC Class yachts that require a crew of 17 top sailors to sail. The regatta concept is designed to transform a port venue, regardless of its previous sailing culture, into the capital of professional yacht racing for two weeks, along with all the associated activities and excitement, on and off the water.
Apart from being a cost-effective way for teams to match race impressively large yachts close to crowds, the Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas also represent one of the most interesting media/marketing opportunities in yacht racing today.
The innovative low-cost solution to live TV and tracking coupled with live expert commentary from on board the yachts pioneered in Nice last November, allows spectators, hospitality guests and sailing fans around the world to watch live races in a hybrid virtual and real video show on internet (louisvuittontrophy.com). The use of AC Class yachts from the last two America’s Cups now scattered about the world allows the existing boats to be shared regionally without the necessity to constantly ship equipment back and forth; only the crews travel, making for cost effective and easily organised events.
The Louis Vuitton Trophy Auckland will again bring some of the best racing teams back to ‘’Kiwiland’’. Emirates Team New Zealand managing director Grant Dalton said the team welcomed Louis Vuitton’s return to Auckland: ‘Last February we tested the concept. Its success far exceeded everyone’s expectations.’
‘The Louis Vuitton Trophy has emerged from that experiment as a viable, top-level regatta. It’s good for the teams, it’s good for the sport, it’s good for host cities and we’ve given the fans something to watch.’
The caliber of teams competing is second to none. Most sailors are either world champions, Olympic medalists, round-the-world sailors or past America’s Cup players. All teams competing at the Nice regatta came with either America’s Cup experience or future ambitions.
Emirates Team New Zealand has been both Challenger and Defender in the past, BMW ORACLE Racing (USA) is the current Challenger of Record, while other teams such as Azzurra (Italy), TEAMORIGIN (Great Britain), Mascalzone Latino (Italy), Synergy (Russia), All4One (France/Germany), Team French Spirit (France), Artemis (Sweden) all have future plans.
The Louis Vuitton Trophy regattas provide an opportunity to compete at the highest level using similar yachts, with only the crew’s sailing ability as the deciding factor. The cost to teams is also a fraction of an America’s Cup or an offshore campaign budget, something that has already attracted several new teams to taste the waters at this level of competition.
Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, is pleased to be associated with the event: ‘Nice a few weeks ago again proved the viability of the concept, which reflects current concerns: easy, friendly, accessible and environmentally responsible. It is a great way to bring the best teams back on the water.’