IRC Nationals XP 44 impressive

During the windy IRC nationals, organized by RORC on the Solent, the brand new XP 44 took the lead ahead of all the other production yachts and finished 4th overall.
On the first day of the regatta the Xp 44 even took the lead among the high ballast ratio's custom IRC racers but the remaining two windy days, with gusts up to 35 knots the 3 lighter custom Kerr boats took off downwind. She was impressive against the bigger, higher rated Grand Soleil 46 Antilope. Matching her speed in most conditions and beating her overall on handicap comfortably.

In more moderate conditions she seems to excel and point well upwind compared to her rivals. In the stronger conditions she was able to plane and excel downwind. She will be one to watch as the team sailing her is still learning to untap her full potential and more performance is definitely still to come.

Full results on RORC Website

Action pictures on Paul Wyeth website

On offer limited edition "Destructive art" by the artist formerly known as Teacher Tom

I thought I would give readers the first opportunity to make a bid on 3 pieces of art created by the infamous artist formerly known as Teacher Tom but better known as the “Grim Reaper of kites”

The artist has produced a stunning reflection of inner aggression by shredding nylon in tantalizing patterns. Each piece, approximately 170 m^2, will be signed by the artist and caries a watermark in one of the corners (if you can find that piece ) which has the letter N above a S, which we think stands for Not Salvageable.

Each piece has been appropriately named by the artist:

Lot number 1:

“A3 asymmetric reflection of anger in 1.2 ounce”

Statistics: 158 m^2 of nylon in more than 8 pieces. This piece was created on Saturday the 16/7/11 and the original piece only survived 2 min and 15 seconds in the hands of the artist, a new record.

Lot number 2:

“S4 small tears lead to bigger problems”

Statistics: 173 m^2 of 0.75 oz. nylon. This piece was created by the artist on 17/7/11. It was carefully ripped across and then up and down both leeches to be finished by removing at least one clew and head.

Lot number 3 :

“S2 extended range of anger”

Statistics: originally 173m^2 of 0.5 oz. nylon stretched to at least 180 m^2. This piece was created on 17/7/11 by using a new method. The artist took the range of this piece to a new level by flying it in a 38 knots gust. This piece might also interest people who are into 1000+ pieces of puzzle games.

I’m inviting offers on each piece. The artist has been highly productive and went in 48 hours through 516 m^2 of nylon. An average of 10.75 m^2 per hour even when he was asleep!!!

It’s a remarkable period in his career and each piece will bring a lifetime of memories.

Seascape 18 nationals in Plymouth Race week

With six bullets Simon Baker’s ‘Drama Queen’ is the MOCRA National Champion followed by Rupert Kidd, ‘Suenos’. On equal points for third and fourth place was Matt Baker and Julian Spooner. Back inside the breakwater the UK National Sportsboat Championship was continuing to provide exciting racing. Toe in the Water’s ‘Big Toe’, skippered by Sam Thompson won the J80 class, and in the Seascape Championships, Jochem Visser was the clear winner. Croatia’s Ratko Stibric was second ahead of local sailor Peter Wanstall. Runner up in the National Sports Boat Championship was Richard Littlejohn sailing his Open 5.70.

Afterwards at the prize giving in the race village marquee Barratt Homes Managing Director, Tim Larner, thanked the organisers for a successful event which they were proud to have been title sponsor for. And, after being crowned the Overall National Sports Boat Champion, Jochem Visser who was presented with a stunning Richard Vassey yacht sculpture, thanked the Royal Western’s Commodore, Chris Arscott for a friendly, welcoming and exceedingly well run regatta in some of the best sailing waters he had experienced.

Cool Runnings in the RTI