Off-topic but close to my heart, this documentary is going to be interesting:
My blog margins don't fit the script perfectly, can go here as well.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Puma Bite: Chatting With Glenn Raphael
From Our PR Puma Peeps:
In preparing for Moth Worlds, we had a chance to chat with Glenn Raphael, who will be sailing one of our PUMA Moths out in Oregon next week.
Let’s start off easy…what got you started in sailing?
G: I was introduced to sailing at about five years old when my father purchased a small sailing dinghy for my older sister. Although barely being able to swim I would kick her off and sail it. My father was a competitive sailor as well as a lot of my family. I grew up at yacht clubs, so it was pretty much a sure thing.
Why sail a foiling moth? How does it compare to other boats you’ve sailed?
G: If not for the speed and excitement what else? The Moth class is growing at such a rapid rate, and after moving to Dubai, it was the obvious choice for someone who is into skiff racing. You don’t have to worry about a crew and you can rig up and head out sailing in less than 15 minutes. It is extremely difficult to compare to anything else I have sailed and the acceleration and silence when foiling is unreal.
What do you think the Moth brings to the sport of sailing?
G: High performance, single handed racing that is interesting to watch.
With Moth Worlds two weeks away, what are you doing to prepare for the events? Any special training routines?
G: My routine has been a combination of circuit training and on water sessions. In Dubai now with air temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and water temperature currently about 37 degrees, on water training has been very demanding for the last month. Chris Graham and I have been training together a lot over the past six months.
Just before Moth Worlds, there is the Dash-4-Cash. Can you explain this event?
G: I’m not sure on the exact format of the race yet. Imagine it will be a downwind race from Cascade Locks. First place takes the Cash!!! A similar event is scheduled for Dubai known as “Around the World,” around the World Island Development.
Glenn, what is happening on the sailing scene in Dubai?
G: Dubai in terms of Moth Racing is developing really well with the World Championships there next March. We have around 13 Moths racing in the UAE and more on the way. In addition to the Moth Sailing, there is a reasonable size Laser fleet and a strong IRC racing scene. The two Dubai based professional teams (Sea Dubai – RC 44 and Team Aqua - RC44 & Extreme 40) do very well in helping to promote sailing in Dubai on the World Stage. There is always plenty of talk around town about the America’s Cup, due to Emirates Airlines’ involvement and potential Volvo Ocean Race Stopovers as well, let’s see.
Question for both of you, other than sailing, what sports are you a fan of (either playing or watching)?
G: When I have time I like to enjoy the beach or any sport on the water. Luckily in Dubai you can do this almost all year round.
Visit Puma Ocean Racing!
In preparing for Moth Worlds, we had a chance to chat with Glenn Raphael, who will be sailing one of our PUMA Moths out in Oregon next week.
Let’s start off easy…what got you started in sailing?
G: I was introduced to sailing at about five years old when my father purchased a small sailing dinghy for my older sister. Although barely being able to swim I would kick her off and sail it. My father was a competitive sailor as well as a lot of my family. I grew up at yacht clubs, so it was pretty much a sure thing.
Why sail a foiling moth? How does it compare to other boats you’ve sailed?
G: If not for the speed and excitement what else? The Moth class is growing at such a rapid rate, and after moving to Dubai, it was the obvious choice for someone who is into skiff racing. You don’t have to worry about a crew and you can rig up and head out sailing in less than 15 minutes. It is extremely difficult to compare to anything else I have sailed and the acceleration and silence when foiling is unreal.
What do you think the Moth brings to the sport of sailing?
G: High performance, single handed racing that is interesting to watch.
With Moth Worlds two weeks away, what are you doing to prepare for the events? Any special training routines?
G: My routine has been a combination of circuit training and on water sessions. In Dubai now with air temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and water temperature currently about 37 degrees, on water training has been very demanding for the last month. Chris Graham and I have been training together a lot over the past six months.
Just before Moth Worlds, there is the Dash-4-Cash. Can you explain this event?
G: I’m not sure on the exact format of the race yet. Imagine it will be a downwind race from Cascade Locks. First place takes the Cash!!! A similar event is scheduled for Dubai known as “Around the World,” around the World Island Development.
Glenn, what is happening on the sailing scene in Dubai?
G: Dubai in terms of Moth Racing is developing really well with the World Championships there next March. We have around 13 Moths racing in the UAE and more on the way. In addition to the Moth Sailing, there is a reasonable size Laser fleet and a strong IRC racing scene. The two Dubai based professional teams (Sea Dubai – RC 44 and Team Aqua - RC44 & Extreme 40) do very well in helping to promote sailing in Dubai on the World Stage. There is always plenty of talk around town about the America’s Cup, due to Emirates Airlines’ involvement and potential Volvo Ocean Race Stopovers as well, let’s see.
Question for both of you, other than sailing, what sports are you a fan of (either playing or watching)?
G: When I have time I like to enjoy the beach or any sport on the water. Luckily in Dubai you can do this almost all year round.
Visit Puma Ocean Racing!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Life At The Extreme: New Issue Is Out!
Still suffering from Volvo Ocean Race Withdrawl Syndrome, this publication helps alleviate symptoms!
Till 2011...
However, there is the book, due out this Fall!
Till 2011...
However, there is the book, due out this Fall!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Voca People: Musical Bite For The Weekend
I rarely turn the T.V. on Saturday mornings and today was feeling like the Early Show. Before my first cup of coffee was greeted to a Live debut of the Voca People. It was a little much at first, but after the coffee had time to bring life to the mind and some fruit and yogurt...well, you tell me. Here's a video of them doing the same musical rendition of the history of music they performed live from Tel Avi this morning:
It a little out there, but by the second cup of coffee...
It a little out there, but by the second cup of coffee...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Random Nibble: Where's Summer?
Summer in Vermont has not been much like summer. Between rainy, foggy days and first REAL hail storm since I was a little kid in Central NY...
I'm pretty ready to bail out of the Green Mountains and visit my sister in Florida. Something I NEVER "dream" to do in the middle of Summer.
What's Summer like in your neck of the woods?
I'm pretty ready to bail out of the Green Mountains and visit my sister in Florida. Something I NEVER "dream" to do in the middle of Summer.
What's Summer like in your neck of the woods?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Here Come The Puma Moths!
From our friends at Puma Ocean Racing...
Get Back Out There!
The PUMA Ocean Racing Bladerider Moths will be sailing in the 2009 International Moth World Championships. This event will take place August 6 – 15 in Cascade Locks, Oregon, USA.
Moth Worlds are one of the premier events in competitive dinghy sailing, attracting top-level sailors from around the globe. The entry roster includes countries such as the United States, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, and Belgium.
After finishing an amazing journey with PUMA's boat 'il mostro' in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA Ocean Racing is excited to have two top sailors compete in the Moth Worlds using the PUMA Bladeriders. PUMA Ocean Racing is all about high adrenaline sailing and the foiling Moths that 'fly' over the water are another exciting way to bring that to the sailing audience and beyond. The foiling moth class is relatively new, but features some of the best young talent.
PUMA's Moths will be sailed by Brad Funk (USA) and Glenn Raphael (AUS). These are the very same boats that joined the PUMA Ocean Racing Volvo Ocean Race crew in the stopovers around the world.
Brad returns to the PUMA family after sailing the Moths during the Volvo Ocean Race Boston Stopover. He is currently sailing in the Laser and International Moth Classes. Additionally, Brad sailed in the Laser Worlds in 2007 and 2008, and he's slated to attend the 2009 Laser Worlds a week after finishing Moth Worlds. A candidate for the 2008 Olympics, Brad is currently campaigning for the 2012 games.
Glenn Raphael is a welcomed addition to the PUMA program. Hailing from Australia and now living in the United Arab Emirates, Glenn has vast experience on the international sailing scene. He’s currently sailing in the International Moth Class and has participated in both the 18-foot skiff and Olympic 49er classes. This will be Glenn's third appearance at the Moth Worlds, having sailed there in 2007 and 2008.
PUMA will be blogging from the 2009 Moth Worlds on http://www.pumaoceanracing.com as well as following the event on the PUMA Ocean Racing Facebook page, through Twitter updates and posting event photos on Flickr.
Note From Jenn: Puma does an amazing job getting the story out with personality...follow along, you'll enjoy the scoop!
Get Back Out There!
The PUMA Ocean Racing Bladerider Moths will be sailing in the 2009 International Moth World Championships. This event will take place August 6 – 15 in Cascade Locks, Oregon, USA.
Moth Worlds are one of the premier events in competitive dinghy sailing, attracting top-level sailors from around the globe. The entry roster includes countries such as the United States, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, and Belgium.
After finishing an amazing journey with PUMA's boat 'il mostro' in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA Ocean Racing is excited to have two top sailors compete in the Moth Worlds using the PUMA Bladeriders. PUMA Ocean Racing is all about high adrenaline sailing and the foiling Moths that 'fly' over the water are another exciting way to bring that to the sailing audience and beyond. The foiling moth class is relatively new, but features some of the best young talent.
PUMA's Moths will be sailed by Brad Funk (USA) and Glenn Raphael (AUS). These are the very same boats that joined the PUMA Ocean Racing Volvo Ocean Race crew in the stopovers around the world.
Brad returns to the PUMA family after sailing the Moths during the Volvo Ocean Race Boston Stopover. He is currently sailing in the Laser and International Moth Classes. Additionally, Brad sailed in the Laser Worlds in 2007 and 2008, and he's slated to attend the 2009 Laser Worlds a week after finishing Moth Worlds. A candidate for the 2008 Olympics, Brad is currently campaigning for the 2012 games.
Glenn Raphael is a welcomed addition to the PUMA program. Hailing from Australia and now living in the United Arab Emirates, Glenn has vast experience on the international sailing scene. He’s currently sailing in the International Moth Class and has participated in both the 18-foot skiff and Olympic 49er classes. This will be Glenn's third appearance at the Moth Worlds, having sailed there in 2007 and 2008.
PUMA will be blogging from the 2009 Moth Worlds on http://www.pumaoceanracing.com as well as following the event on the PUMA Ocean Racing Facebook page, through Twitter updates and posting event photos on Flickr.
Note From Jenn: Puma does an amazing job getting the story out with personality...follow along, you'll enjoy the scoop!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Up-and-coming Bite: 2009 Moth Worlds
Just got an email from a Puma peep sharing the news of their participation. For sure to be the best looking Moths out there on the water...
Furthermore, believe Mr. Amory Ross will be shooting the event...which means amazing images.
The folks at SA will have this one well covered, but plan to keep an eye on the event, many Volvo sailors have their sites set on this class. I can rattle of a number of guys who went from the finish in St. Petersburg Russia, home to a new Moth awaiting them...
It's interesting to see the variety in the lives of a Volvo Ocean Race Sailor...what to do after you have sailed around the world...not an easy one to top!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Youthful Bite: Volvo Youth Worlds 2009
The 39th Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship commenced today and is being hosted by Buzios, Brazil in the Bay of Buzios, from the 10th to the 17th July 2009. Click here for the full days’ results.
Michelle Broekhuizen representing the Netherlands in the Laser Radial Girls class at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2009 in Buzios, Brazil.
The Girls Laser Radial class starts Race 2 of the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2009 in Buzios.
Photo Credits: Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Michelle Broekhuizen representing the Netherlands in the Laser Radial Girls class at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2009 in Buzios, Brazil.
The Girls Laser Radial class starts Race 2 of the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2009 in Buzios.
Photo Credits: Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
More Skiff Bites: Mark Foy Trophy 2009
Just In From The Mark Foy Trophy:
Day 4 of the Mark Foy championship started after a 1 hour delay under overcast skies and building wind. A small amount of rain was a fair price to pay for 15 knots of westerly wind.
After two tries race 5 got away on a boat favored line. Good starts were rewarded as a backing wind brought the boats from the left side of the course to the windward mark in front. Archie Massey, steering Asko led round with a commanding lead, although later to find out he was OCS. Behind him a battle between Grant Rollerson(AUS) on Slam, Rob Greenhalgh(GBR) on Benny and Howie Hamlin(USA) on Macquarie took shape. With the wind at 15 knots, the skiffs were off downwind faster than the wind making short work of the course. Jarrod Simpson(GBR) on TMF and John Winning(AUS) on Yandoo gave chase but were unable to close the distance. The oscillating breeze created many passing lanes and place changes for the middle of the fleet, but at the front it was all about experience. Slam came home in front to secure their 4th victory in 5 tries. Macquarie led home Benny making the top of the championship leaderboard a clear battle between them.
After waiting for a storm cloud to blow through, race 6 got off to a false start in 16 to 18 knots of breeze. Hoping to get the aggressive fleet under control, the Carnac race committee brought out the dreaded black flag. While the approach to the line was more subdued, down at the pin end a crash was taking place. Overnight leaders Slam tacked onto port into Yandoo, who were forced into TMF. Slam capsized to windward while yandoo's pole went through TMF's jib, breaking in the process. Slam, once upright, with TMF and Yandoo out of action, retired from the race. Meanwhile, back on the course Mason Woodworth(GBR) on Investec had stepped out to the right side of the course and found a favorable shift with Trevor Barnabas(AUS) on Road Service and John Whitty(AUS), coming in from the left after a great start. Road Service and Panaosonic just led Investec around the top mark with a hard charging Benny and Asko just behind. While sailing in the with this pack from the left, there was more drama on Appliances Online where a broken forestay sent their rig crashing down. Quick action by Rob Greenhalgh avoided a more serious collision while the stationary pirate ship made an obstacle for the boats behind.
Down the run Greenhalgh made his move on Investec jumping up to third just before the leeward gate. The lead boats split with Road Service and Investec going out left and Panasonic, Benny and Asko headed right. At the top mark, Road service held a clear lead while Benny and Investec moved up to second and third. A spinnaker sheet failure at the hoist saw Panasonic slip further allowing Asko up to fourth. With the breeze clocking well right, the lead four opted for the right side. Up the final beat, Roadservice tacked left early and with the wind shifting further left, Benny made their final move into the lead. Across the line at 17+ knots it was Rob Greenhalgh stamping his authority on this championship with his second race win. Road service followed with Investec holding off Asko to finish a welcome day of windier conditions.
With two days left to go and with at least 3 races scheduled, consistent top 5 finishes leave Rob Greenhalgh in commanding lead with Archie Massey and Howie Hamlin as the closest competitors. But once 9 races are completed the second discard comes into play and Grant Rollerson currently forced to count an OCS will move right back into the frame. As today shows, anything can happen and the racing is always exciting! Plenty of action left so stay tuned!
Report : Mason Woodworth
Pictures : Christophe Favreau
If I can't have the Volvo Ocean Race...pretty content to carry on with my affair with the 18 foot skiff!
Day 4 of the Mark Foy championship started after a 1 hour delay under overcast skies and building wind. A small amount of rain was a fair price to pay for 15 knots of westerly wind.
After two tries race 5 got away on a boat favored line. Good starts were rewarded as a backing wind brought the boats from the left side of the course to the windward mark in front. Archie Massey, steering Asko led round with a commanding lead, although later to find out he was OCS. Behind him a battle between Grant Rollerson(AUS) on Slam, Rob Greenhalgh(GBR) on Benny and Howie Hamlin(USA) on Macquarie took shape. With the wind at 15 knots, the skiffs were off downwind faster than the wind making short work of the course. Jarrod Simpson(GBR) on TMF and John Winning(AUS) on Yandoo gave chase but were unable to close the distance. The oscillating breeze created many passing lanes and place changes for the middle of the fleet, but at the front it was all about experience. Slam came home in front to secure their 4th victory in 5 tries. Macquarie led home Benny making the top of the championship leaderboard a clear battle between them.
After waiting for a storm cloud to blow through, race 6 got off to a false start in 16 to 18 knots of breeze. Hoping to get the aggressive fleet under control, the Carnac race committee brought out the dreaded black flag. While the approach to the line was more subdued, down at the pin end a crash was taking place. Overnight leaders Slam tacked onto port into Yandoo, who were forced into TMF. Slam capsized to windward while yandoo's pole went through TMF's jib, breaking in the process. Slam, once upright, with TMF and Yandoo out of action, retired from the race. Meanwhile, back on the course Mason Woodworth(GBR) on Investec had stepped out to the right side of the course and found a favorable shift with Trevor Barnabas(AUS) on Road Service and John Whitty(AUS), coming in from the left after a great start. Road Service and Panaosonic just led Investec around the top mark with a hard charging Benny and Asko just behind. While sailing in the with this pack from the left, there was more drama on Appliances Online where a broken forestay sent their rig crashing down. Quick action by Rob Greenhalgh avoided a more serious collision while the stationary pirate ship made an obstacle for the boats behind.
Down the run Greenhalgh made his move on Investec jumping up to third just before the leeward gate. The lead boats split with Road Service and Investec going out left and Panasonic, Benny and Asko headed right. At the top mark, Road service held a clear lead while Benny and Investec moved up to second and third. A spinnaker sheet failure at the hoist saw Panasonic slip further allowing Asko up to fourth. With the breeze clocking well right, the lead four opted for the right side. Up the final beat, Roadservice tacked left early and with the wind shifting further left, Benny made their final move into the lead. Across the line at 17+ knots it was Rob Greenhalgh stamping his authority on this championship with his second race win. Road service followed with Investec holding off Asko to finish a welcome day of windier conditions.
With two days left to go and with at least 3 races scheduled, consistent top 5 finishes leave Rob Greenhalgh in commanding lead with Archie Massey and Howie Hamlin as the closest competitors. But once 9 races are completed the second discard comes into play and Grant Rollerson currently forced to count an OCS will move right back into the frame. As today shows, anything can happen and the racing is always exciting! Plenty of action left so stay tuned!
Report : Mason Woodworth
Pictures : Christophe Favreau
If I can't have the Volvo Ocean Race...pretty content to carry on with my affair with the 18 foot skiff!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)