Just after 1800 GMT today, Thursday May 21st, PUMA broke one of their two rudders whilst racing hard across the Atlantic Ocean. Mid-way through leg seven of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 from Boston, USA to Galway, Ireland, the Puma Ocean Racing team suffered the breakage whilst blasting downwind at speeds of up to 35 knots in heavy seas. The team, who are safe and in good spirits, have rigged up their emergency rudder system and intend to carry on racing to Ireland.
Given that the Puma Ocean Racing team had to physically stop, take down the sails, fix the rudder and begin sailing again, at the time, they were only 26 miles behind Delta Lloyd, then in first place. After an incredible day, which saw Puma move up the leaderboard several places from fifth to first place before the incident, the team currently have 1,097 miles to go and are expected to reach Galway, Ireland this Sunday…Â DetailsÂ
Outrigger canoe classes on Donner Lake
Kawaiulu O Tahoe is offering a two-weekend outrigger canoe paddling class through the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District starting May 30. The public may also drop in for one of the club’s open Monday sessions at Donner Lake’s West End Beach at 5:45 p.m. throughout the summer. Call 582-7720 to sign up for the classes, or visit the club’s Yahoo Group page at groups.yahoo.com to learn more… Details
The American Sailing League (ASL) redefines sailboat racing with its second annual Championship Series at PIER 39 on San Francisco Bay. A series of races will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2009 and Sunday, May 31, 2009 from noon – 5 p.m., with teams competing just off the bay end of PIER 39.
These 18-foot skiffs are among the fastest and most exciting in the sport today. They can reach more than three times the speed of average sailing yachts. The races combine all of the athletic skill and daredevil stunts of the X-Games with the breakneck speed and spectacular wipeouts of NASCAR.
‘Last year was PIER 39’s first year of hosting the … Details & Pictures
 What do you get when you mix the pacific ocean, a difficult physical challenge, and competition?
You’ll have the first ever “Wounded Warrior Canoe Regatta.”
We have seen in the past just how healing the ocean can be.
Wounded veterans taking a break from the difficulties of their recoveries.
Now a different challenge at least one wounded warrior is ready to dive into.
Kailani Patacsil a Wounded Warrior says,”I think it’s very important. It really helped me a lot. I had no clue about this type of program and I’m glad it’s here now.” … Details