Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – The sailing world in Switzerland has a surprising amount to talk about during what should be such a down-season, when sailing on Lake Geneva doesn’t appeal to many.
The two Swiss entrants in the Vendee Globe round the world race are now out, Bernard Stamm from Saint Prex and Dominique Wavre from Geneva, due to technical problems. Swiss media are mulling over why they didn’t make it: the Tribune de Geneve carries a long analysis of the risks, dangers and preparedness of the two Swiss sailors. It notes that one-third of the competitors have been forced to drop out of the extremely tough race. (Vendee Globe site)
A very different race, the America’s Cup, appears to be moving ahead with a good number of contenders despite the continuing legal battle between Geneva-based Alinghi and US-based BMW Oracle. Last Friday, 12 December, Alinghi announced that 16 teams were lined up, and four more were being registered. New Zealand’s Sunday Star Times reports that registrations were given a boost when TNZ withdrew legal action against Alinghi in October. TNZ came second in the last Cup race and was in court over new rules for the race, set by Alinghi.
There is a new American challenger for the America’s Cup – the Anarchy Challenge. Should be fun.
Mmmm, talking about this, by any chance (your e-mail misspelling is intentional? anarchistic even?): http://www.sailinganarchy.com/index_page1.php
[...] Now Riou has capsized and is out of the race, leaving 12 of the original 30, who included two Swiss sailors, Bernard Stamm from Saint Prex, Vaud, and Dominique Wavre from Geneva. Posted [...]