Sail-World New Zealand: 25 March 2009

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Sail-World New Zealand: 25 March 2009

Welcome to Sail-World.Com's NZ newsletter for 25 March 2009

The suspense would look to be over for sailors in the Volvo Ocean Race, as the winds steady and they can head directly for the finish. We have been running a lot of analysis over the last couple of days using PredictWind and Expedition to evaluate the weather data and optimum course options.

For those who have been following these stories, we have tried to write them in a way that lifts the veil on the navigator's black box, and hopefully Sail-World readers now have a better appreciation of the process and decisions involved.

Ericsson 3 on the home straight to Rio de Janeiro, on leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race  Gustav Morin/Ericsson Racing Team/Volvo Ocean Race ©

With the advent of on board computers and technology it is often thought that much of the navigator's art has been taken away. To some extent it has, but as we have seen over the past few days a new set of questions have to be answered. You can run course options for hours and still never get a definitive answer. In the end it comes down to a choice based on sailing experience and intuition.

Phil Jones (AUS) will head the new ISAF Olympic Commission  Yachting Australia
The International Sailing Federation have announced the formation of an Olympic Commission to be headed by Yachting Australia CEO, Phil Jones. The appointment initially appeared the minutes of the last Executive Committee meeting held in February, and the focus of the new Commission is to lift the Olympic game for Sailing. The test for ISAF, and others, will be whether they listen to the advice of the Commission and act upon it.

Working on the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series was an absolute pleasure compared to the 2008 Olympics, and anyone who is serious about improving the presentation of sailing would be well advised to take a long hard look at that Series. Sadly those involved in the 2012 Olympics and other major sailing events were notable for their absence.

Four-time winner Rod Davis, tactician for Adam Minoprio this time, weighs in for Camille Daniels at the 2009 Congressional Cup  Rich Roberts ©

The Congressional Cup is underway at Long Beach. In this issue we feature a preview and images of the buildup for the event from Rich Roberts and will be running regular daily coverage on www.sail-world.com/nz New Zealand team BlackMatch Racing is one of the favorites for the traditional winner's Crimson Blazer.

Part of the fleet involved in club racing at Wakatere BC on the North Shore, on Sunday.   Richard Gladwell

For those wanting to understand the new Racing Rules we have short piece from Int Judge and expert rules commentator John Doerr. You can download your own PowerPoint rules explanation from another leading commentator and Int Judge, Trevor Lewis - all courtesy of the Royal Yachting Association.

An exhausted Tom Braidwood looking at a broken generator, onboard Green Dragon, on leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from Qingdao to Rio de Janeiro  Guo Chuan/Green Dragon Racing/Volvo Ocean Race ©

Time is running out to enter the sweepstake to win Line 7 clothing. Enter online now to win a choice of Line 7 Emirates Team NZ crew polo, a Line 7 Force Jacket, or Line 7 Force Vest, a Line 7 Gulf Jacket or Line 7 Gulf pants, or a Line 7 GP Microfleece.

Good sailing!

Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor

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