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Never too old to realize your dream

Deb Cantrell, fresh from a few months sailing the Caribbean, urges those of us who think we're getting too old and feeble to go cruising, to re-think our priorities and "go for it!" Article

Daily America's Cup International Regatta Reports
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Harry Mitchell Race Trophy Announced

TORONTO: January 3, 2002 ... Harry Mitchell, the 70 year old British entrant in the 1994-95 Around Alone race was tragically lost at sea with his boat Henry Hornblower near Cape Horn, sadly in the very place that was his desire to conquer. Now, with the help pf Canada's Spirit of Canada helmsman, Derek Hatfield, a trophy for the Open 40 class has been dedicated in Harry's memory. Full story

Extended Cruising Course

The Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons' course in Extended Cruising (formerly Offshore Sailing) will be presented by the Toronto Squadron at Forest Hill Collegiate, Toronto (730 Eglinton near Bathurst) on Wednesday evenings, starting on January 23, 2002.

This course, and other "elective" courses are now available to anyone, not just members of CPS. Both sail and power people are welcome.

This "most interesting" course will have outstanding lecturers, including several with trans-oceanic experience. Topics include analysis of sailboats and powerboats, the well-found vessel, passage planning, passage making, oceanography and weather, instrumentation, radio communication and adverse conditions. The cost? $120 for CPS members, $140 for others.

Check out the CPS OnLine Learning Centre for course details. You may register at the Toronto Squadron's website or at 416-481-4529.

Lake Ontario - St Lawrence Study

Ottawa, December 2001: The International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Study officially began earlier this year. It was established by the International Joint Commission (IJC) to determine if the management of the water levels in the lake and river can be improved. The Study Board produces a newsletter "Ripple Effects" that is available by mail or on line. The IJC also publishes an on line newsletter "Focus".
Web sites:
Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence Study    
International Joint Commission

  

Newport, RI, named Around Alone Host City 

The 2002 Around Alone Race goes back to its origins, now that Clipper Ventures have concluded arrangements to have Newport host the 20th Anniversary running of this solo race. Details

New Transatlantic Record Set

Under 5 days at an average speed of over 25 knots is what it took the maxi-cat Playstation to race from New York to the Lizard, off England's south coast. Somewhat quicker than the Shard's, who describe their more leisurely Transatlantic cruises in their popular video Transatlantic Crossing. 
Record details.

Spirit of Canada launched

Toronto - Canadian sailor Derek Hatfield announced today that the state-of-the-art single-handed Open 40 sailboat that has been in production for 3 years was successfully launched on Saturday, September 22nd , 2001 at Wiggers Custom Yachts in Bowmanville ON. The boat is specifically designed and built for one purpose: to be sailed by one sailor, around the world, as fast as possible. Full picture story.


America's Cup Rules Announced

With just 12 months remaining before the start of the next America's Cup season in Auckland, New Zealand teams, sponsors and the media have all been waiting patiently for the event's dates and format. 

In the light of the failure of the Challenger to beat the Defender in the last America's Cup, the Challenger group, through their organisation CORM (Challenger of Record Management), has now defined the next Louis Vuitton Cup format. It is a dramatically different event structure. Details

A cruising trivia question

You'd be forgiven for thinking this has nothing to do with cruising - but it does. Kind of. What is the origin of the word "mayonnaise"? Well, Aubrey and Judy Millard didn't know either, but they found out when they entered the port of --; oh, but that would give the game away. Check it out here  (Note - several new logs have just been posted 8/16/01)

Articles of War

Much was made recently in the Canadian press of an indiscretion by a serving Naval officer - we'll not comment on the rights and wrongs of that fiasco, but we thought it might prove interesting to read what fate awaited erring Naval personnel in another age. Articles

Ellen MacArthur Runner Up

Britain's most prestigious sports award, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year was last night settled after a week of hotly contested discussion in the national papers. Ultimately it comes down to a public telephone vote, which was apparently 'very close up until the final minutes' with Britain's star footballer of the moment taking the big prize.

As runner up, sandwiched between two star footballers, David Beckham and Michael Owen, accompanied by Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ellen cut an interesting contrast with the glitzy world of professional football, and for the first time put the sport of sailing on the map in a country which has for too long perceived it as elitist and a rich man's game. Photograph and story

As well as her runner's up prize, Ellen was awarded the Helen Rollason Award for 'outstanding courage and achievement in the face of adversity', presented to her by Tanni Grey-Thompson, Britain's heroic paralmypics athlete.

After the event, Ellen had this to say - "The sports awards ceremony was captivating and none of us really had any idea who was going to win the ultimate trophy, even if the bookies had tipped the footballers. In the end it was apparently a very close vote and I would just like to thank everyone throughout the country who supported me, not only in these awards but throughout the past few years. Its been a great team effort.

Ellen's busy schedule continues this week with the Sunday Times Woman of the Year awards, a full MacArthur family visit to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to pick up her MBE, and a flying visit to France for the 'Femmes en Or' awards - then a time for some rest.

Meanwhile 'Kingfisher' the monohull should arrive in UK waters in the next couple of days, where she will be rapidly prepared for the trip to London, for the Boat Show that opens on January 3rd at Earl's Court. As well as officially opening the Show, Offshore Challenges will be holding a press conference to announce future sponsorship and sailing plans for the coming years. Ellen's Website

Peter Blake Killed by Pirates

AMERICA'S CUP winner Peter Blake, one of the most successful sailors in yachting history, was killed in a shooting in Amazonia today.

Blake, 53, was aboard a boat with his crew when they were attacked by pirates and he was shot dead, his sponsors said. Story

"The quality of water and the quality of life in all its infinite forms are critical parts of the overall ongoing health of this planet of ours, not just here in the Amazon, but everywhere. We want to restart people caring for the environment as it must be cared for."
From Sir Peter's Final Log

Suspects held by police Story

Other commentaries:
AmericaOne website
Blake Expeditions website