[Source: Audi Medcup] Audi AG has signed a three-year contract to become the title sponsor of the MedCup Circuit which will feature the TP52 Class racing in six regattas over five months in four countries.

Now in its fourth year the circuit, to be called the Audi MedCup Circuit, features the TP52 Class. It is the worlds leading regatta circuit, the keelboat racing class of choice for Americas Cup teams, professional sailors, owner-drivers, Olympic Champions and Royalty. Read the rest of this entry »

Alinghi carried out its first training session with the two catamaran and one could consider it raised the curtain for the 33rd America’s Cup, at least as far as sailing is concerned. Although both its catamarans as well BMW Oracle’s have already sailed various times off Valencia’s coast it was the first time both of them were used in training simultaneously and with crews consisting only of sailors.

Valencia Sailing couldn’t obviously be absent from the first “official” training for the 33rd America’s Cup. Unfortunately, just like Friday, Saturday’s wind conditions were excruciatingly light and the breeze was not to be seen anywhere. As a result, there was hardly any action and the otherwise exciting Extreme 40 yachts looked as if they were standing still on a lake. Read the rest of this entry »

Given the absence of any important news this Sunday, this for once will be a “true” blog post!

Yesterday, after we left the two Alinghi catamarans continue their first training session, we spotted in the distance two yachts apparently involved in match racing. When we approached we were surprised to see the yachts helmed by two of the world’s top match racers, Ian Williams and Sbastien Col.

Williams is the 2007 ISAF Match Racing World Champion and currently ranked 2nd in the ISAF Match Racing classification list while Col is close behind at 4th place. Just like the Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup the two match racing stars had to put up with excruciatingly light wind conditions. At some point even the guests at the stern of the yachts could stand up with their hands in their pockets. Read the rest of this entry »

Published: Thu Feb 21, 2008 2:00 AM MST

Updated: Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:02 PM MST

IMPORTANT RACE WAXING CONSIDERATIONS

FORECAST
Friday night cold and mostly cloudy. Low temp -1F. Saturday, race day, mostly sunny. High of 28F. Humidity is expected to be 80%. 3 mph SW wind. 10% chance of precipitation.

COURSE CONDITIONS
Course is in great shape. Track is firm, well groomed. Snow is considered moderately abrasive due to the sharp new snow crystals and transformed older snow that is being brought to the surface by the tilling of the grooming machines. Some dirt is present namely at road crossings.

WAXING CONSIDERATIONS

1. Base Preparation
Clean glide zones with Swix Base Prep 99 using the “hot scrape” method. Scrape and brush using Swix Fine Steel brush (T0192). This is very important to open up the base pores to receive race wax. Apply two layers of new Swix MB77 base conditioning wax. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

2. Durability
For a race of this length, it is very impor-tant to use several layers of wax and make sure the base pores are 100% saturated. After above base preparation is completed, follow wax recommendations on page 3.

3. Brushing
Be sure to treat each wax layer as if it is a final race layer. We recommend using the Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192) as the first brushes after scraping. This is by far the best brush to use for removing excess wax from fine structure. Final polish with a Blue Nylon Brush (T0160) is recommended.

4. SKI SELECTION & STRUCTURE
Use a medium flex ski with a fine (.25mm) structure. If you need to add structure to your skis, use the Swix T401 Super Riller and apply a .25mm linear rill. Do this after race glide waxing & brushing is finished. Do a final brushing after applying rill with your blue nylon polishing brush.

GLIDE WAX APPLICATION
Note that we have 3 levels of wax choice based on your wave position and how you classify yourself as a racer / weekend warrior / Birkie enthusiast.

SPEED-AT-ALL-COST WAVES Elite & 1-5
Base Race Glide Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF6BD. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

Race Glide Wax: Apply Swix FC7 Cera F Powder. Iron in with one pass w/ iron temperature at 155C. Pass should take 5-7 seconds. Let cool 20 minutes. Brush up powder using Swix Black Nylon brush (T0160). Iron second time as above. Let cool 20 minutes. Brush out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160).

SPEED-AT-ALL-COST WAVES 6-10
Base Race Glide Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF7BD. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

Race Glide Wax: Apply Swix FC07 Cera F Powder. Iron in with one pass w/ iron temperature at 155C. Pass should take 5-7 seconds. Let cool 20 minutes. Brush up powder using Swix Black Nylon brush (T0160). Iron second time as above. Let cool 20 minutes. Brush out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160).

PERFORMANCE PRO WAVES 1-5
Base Race Glide Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF6. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

Race Glide Wax: Apply Swix FC1 Turbo Solid. Rub on layer & lightly cork in. Rub on 2nd layer. Iron in with temp. at 145C, one pass length of ski. Let cool 20 minutes. Brush out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160).

PERFORMANCE PRO WAVES 6-10
Base Race Glide Wax: Apply two layers of Swix HF7. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

Race Glide Wax: Apply Swix FC1 Turbo Solid. Rub on layer & lightly cork in. Rub on 2nd layer. Iron in w/ temp. at 145C, one pass length of ski. Let cool 20 minutes. Brush out with Wild Boar Brush (T0164) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160).

PERFORMANCE WAVES 1-5
Base Race Glide Wax: Apply one layer of Swix LF6. Iron in, let cool 20 minutes. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

Race Glide Wax: Apply two layers Swix LF7. Let cool 20 minutes, scrape & brush out using Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160).

PERFORMANCE WAVES 6-10
Base Race Glide Wax: Apply one layer of Swix LF7. Iron in, let cool 20 minutes. Scrape and brush with Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192).

Race Glide Wax: Apply two layers Swix LF7. Let cool 20 minutes, scrape & brush out using Swix Fine Steel Brush (T0192) and finish polish with Blue Nylon (T0160).

KICK WAX APPLICATION

KICK ZONE PREP
Remove old kick wax and clean base with Swix wax remover and Swix fiberlene. Let base dry. Use 80-100 grit sandpaper and sand kick zone in a manner parallel to the ski base, not cross hatching. The new Swix TOO11 Cork and Sandpaper combi tool works great for this.

BASE KICK WAX
Make sure kick zone is clean and sanded as per above. Apply a layer of Swix VG35 Base Wax. Rub on generous layer. Iron in 110C. Let cool. Lightly cork smooth (2-3 strokes). Apply two layers of Swix V40 Blue Extra. Cork very smooth between each layer. Let cool. You are now ready to apply final race wax.

RACE KICK WAX
Waves Elite & 1-5: Apply 6-8 thin layers of Swix VR40/VR45 HardWax. Alternate layers and end with VR40.

Waves 6-10: Apply 6-8 thin layers of Swix VR45/VR50 HardWax. Alternate layers and end with VR45.

Cork smooth after each layer. Do not drag all the wax down or up the kick zone. Cork in both directions pulling up from the heel and down from the high point. Build the wax in the middle of the kick zone which is directly under the ball of your foot.

[Source: World Match Racing Tour] The ISAF World Match Racing Tour is pleased to announce its new Tour Qualifier Series, a group of nineteen events which will act as official qualifier regattas to the ten stages of the 2008 World Match Racing Tour.

The concept behind the Tour Qualifier Series is to provide up and coming match racing teams a structured gateway to competing on the World Match Racing Tour. As Tour Director Craig Mitchell explains:

In the past, each stage of the World Match Racing Tour has hosted qualifier events in their own country. The new Tour Qualifier Series offers up to two qualifier events to each of the Tour stages, and also in different countries to the host country. The result is the series extends the opportunity for foreign teams to gain entry to the official Tour events Read the rest of this entry »

Alinghi’s two Extreme 40 catamarans were spotted this afternoon on the water in front of the team’s base. Now that construction of the Formula 1 race track in that part of America’s Cup Port has ended, the Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup seems to be able to fully use its base once again.

We suppose that it is only a matter of days before the Swiss team resumes training after a pause of some weeks, weather conditions allowing of course. After a week of very cold, windy and especially rainy weather, Valencia is enjoying sunshine, clear skies and notably higher temperatures. Read the rest of this entry »

At around 2pm on Friday afternoon, Alinghi went back to water onboard its two Extreme 40 catamarans that sported the team’s colors and logos. After a pause of several days, the Defender of the 33rd America’s Cup took its black and white catamarans for a test sail off Valencia’s coast.

Although it was a gorgeous day for tourists, with clear blue skies and spring-like temperatures, most probably Alinghi’s crew didn’t enjoy the most ideal sailing conditions. As one can easily see on the photos, I doubt whether wind speed went over 1-2 knots. Read the rest of this entry »

By Kevin Sweeney
Published: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:58 AM MST

Kevin Sweeney is the Swix Racing Service Director.

Proper base preparation is perhaps one of the best ways to insure you have good kick and good glide for the 55km American Birkebeiner. Conditions appear to be fantastic for the 35th annual race. Follow these simple steps and your skis will be ready for race wax application. Swix makes it easy for you to have great skis!

First step is to clean the base from old wax, oils and dirt. If using classic skis, clean off old kick wax with a putty knife and then wipe / scrub clean with Swix wax remover (I0062). Using a piece of Swix Fibertex (T0266) with the wax remover works great to scrub the kick zone free of old wax. Let skis dry.

On the glide zones it is best to clean by using the traditional “hot scrape method”. Take Swix BP99, which requires a very low iron temperature of 110C, and melt this onto the base. Iron in with 2-3 passes down the length of the ski with each pass taking approximately 7-10 seconds. While wax is still molten, use a stiff (3mm) plastic Swix wax scraper (T0823D) and scrape wax off the base. You can usually see the dirt and particles in this scraped up wax. Continue to do this 2 or 3 times until you can not see any more dirt coming up. Let skis cool for 10 minutes, and then brush out the base using the Swix Fine Steel Brush (T1088B pro oval) or (T0192NB rectangular). Brush 7-10 strokes. You can feel when the brush becomes free and no more wax is left in the base structure. Keep brushes clean by using your vacuum on the bristles. The extra fine filaments of the Fine Steel Brush are incomparable in performance. They are extremely durable and do not break down like an old nylon brush or too soft of a brush such as copper or soft bronze. You are able to not only clean the wax out of the structure, you are also able to open up the pores of the base that may have been inadvertently burned or sealed by using too hot of an iron or lingering in one spot too long. As I recently mentioned in my article on Cold Weather Waxing Tips, coaches or those doing several pairs of skis may really enjoy the new Steel Brush (T01790 pro oval or T0179R rectangular size) for this first step brushing method.

Now that bases are clean, it is time to saturate the pores of the glide zones with wax. Our goal here is to fill the pores with wax that will provide excellent bonding to our race layers that we will apply last. What wax we put on at this point is very important. We want the wax to be as close in hardness as possible that will not allow snow crystals or wax to dig into the wax and pull or tear the wax molecules out of the base. In most cases, we want a “hard” wax for this. In very cold temperatures it is common to use Swix CH4. In warmer conditions, Swix has developed the next generation base preparation wax, Swix MB77. This wax is to be used as a base preparation wax in the most common temperatures people frequently ski. MB77 is a fantastic base preparation wax because it contains a moly additive whose main function is to repel dirt and act as a dry lubricant reducing friction in dirty and drier conditions. This is the same moly additive found in our extremely versatile 100% Cera FC1 and FC2 Turbo waxes. The MB77 also contains a significant amount of flouro which does three things. One, it is extremely hydrophobic (repels water), two, the flouro molecules provide a great bonding base for the high or 100% race layer flouros to be added as semi final or final topcoats. (When heat is applied, these flouro molecules bond to each other proving a very durable topcoat or overlayer.) Three, the flouro makes the base wax very durable.

The numbers “77″ in MB77 represent its hardness scale in the Swix glide wax line up with 4's and 6's being cold and 8, 10's being warm waxes. Due to the moly's ability to provide lubrication in drier snow, we are able to run the MB77 when temps call for 6's and also to have success at higher elevations we find typical of the Rockies etc. Give the glide base a good saturation of Swix MB77. Let cool, scrape and brush out with the Fine Steel Brush. If you have neglected your skis since the last Birkie, doing this step twice is not a bad idea!

Structure of the ski base is now our next consideration. In nearly all cases except extremely cold conditions, you should have structure in the ski base. Refer to the following points and chart and apply structure with the legendary simple Swix T401 Hand “Riller” structure tool, or, if you have questions ask your local ski shop to apply structure to your base. (TheT405 is a structure tool used more by World Cup Service, large teams and shops and is quite expensive). It looks like we will be using a .25mm or .50mm rill based on temperature, humidity and snow type at this year's Birkebeiner.

Practical guidelines when setting structure with hand held tools

Use of the different imprint blades will vary with the underlying stone grind. If the base has a fine structure it can be taken to “medium” by using the coarse imprint blade. In this way you will be able to make a fine stone grind fit “medium” conditions. However, it is not possible to make a coarse stone grind 'fine' with a 'fine' blade.

In skating, a medium/coarse or coarse structure is rarely used due to varying conditions in a skating slope and the negative effect this will give on “feeling” (which has to do with the resistance in pushing the ski forward). In skating, a fine or medium structure is preferred as the standard; these structures will then be modified with the use of the structure/imprint tools “on top of” the underlying stone grind. Be aware of the amount of pressure when applying the hand made structure. In skating it is most important to apply light pressure on the front half of the ski. A harder pressure will be applied from the binding and backwards. This has shown to give an optimal mix of “good glide” and “free feel.”

For classic skis, use even pressure, but preferably lighter pressure on the front part.
Manually produced structure should be set after waxing, and after application of Cera F and brushing. After setting the structure, brush once more with the Blue Nylon brush.

Always apply manual structures on race day since the intended effect can be reduced over time.

If two or more imprint blades are used in combination, always start by using the coarser blade.

In more humid / wet conditions, it is normal to use more pressure and to make 2-3 passes with the imprint device to facilitate better drainage of moisture.

The T405 has a broader range in temperature and snow conditions versus the T401. The T405 is also perhaps more “gentle” with the ski base which allows change / removal of structure pattern more easily.

Never clean your structuring blades (or steels) with a metal brush. Use a soft toothbrush.

Use the following chart to make decisions on which imprint structure to use:

Guidelines for the use of T405 and T401:

Based on the forecast, everyone can go through this base preparation process several days before heading to the Birkie. Keep the MB77 on the base until you are ready to apply final race layers and structure.

If using classic skis, final base preparation of the kick zone is required. The main reason for this is so the kick wax will adhere well enough to the base for the duration of the event. Swix suggests using the T0011 synthetic cork w/ #100 grit sandpaper attached to rough up the kick zone. For hardwax, the kick zone is approximately 65cm beginning at the heel and moving forward up the ski. For Klister wax, the zone is shorter typically about 45-65cm. These measurements vary according to ski flex and skier weight. A good shop or good experience can help you dial these measurements in. To sand the kick zone we only pass the sanding cork in parallel fashion to the ski base, not across the base. If you will be applying Swix HF or Swix Cera F glide waxes, it is now best to wait before applying the base kick wax. Continue with your final race waxing of the glide zones.

Complete ironing, scraping and brushing. If applying Cera F powders, it is a common practice to tape over the kick zones to prevent the Cera F from getting into the kick zone pores as the kick wax will poorly adhere to this area. Iron and brush out Cera, then remove the tape and make sure kick zone is clean of wax and tape residue. The kick zone is now ready for application of the kick base wax sometimes referred to as “binder”.

If kick wax is going to be hardwax, apply a generous amount of Swix VG35 and then iron this in. Let cool 5 minutes and cork smooth. Do not over cork. If possible set outside to cool before applying the several layers of race waxes for the event. If the race wax is klister, apply a layer of Swix KR20. Iron this in. Again, let cool, and lightly cork smooth. This takes a firm yet subtle grip of the cork. Let base cool before applying the race klister layers. The more the KR20 has a chance to cool, typically the easier it is to apply the layers on top without mixing occurring. This requires patience and practice. A very nice video demonstration w/ voice queue can be found at www.swixsport.com at “Swix School of Waxing”.

A few simple steps and your bases have been refurbished and are now prepped to receive the final race wax layers. While you are at it, inspect your ski sidewalls and surface for cracks or holes. Inspect bindings, check for loose screws, cracked plates. Also check your poles for cracks, loose or broken pole tips, handles and for worn straps. Be ready for a great day!

Base Preparation products required for glide zone:

BP99 base cleaning wax BP099
MB77 base wax MB077
Swix waxing Iron T72, T73 or T74
Swix 3mm wax scraper T0823D
Swix groove scraper T0087 or T0088
Swix Fine Steel Brush (T1088B pro oval) or (T0192NB rectangular)
Swix T401 Hand “Riller” structure tool

Base Preparation products required for kick zone:

Swix wax remover I0062 Fibertex T0266N and Fiberlene T0151
Putty Knife
Cork & sanding block T0011
VG35 hardwax base wax
KR20 klister base wax

Swix Sport's partner Team, The Factory Team, has had outstanding results this year using Swix waxes and poles. Below is a summary of results and wax combinations provided to Swix courtesy of Factory Team wax technicians Kevin Johnson and Fabien Blondeau. www.endurance-enterprises.com

Place, Race Type, Air Temp (C), Snow Snow Temp (C), Glide Wax, Kick Wax, Grade, Best.

Factory Team Results

WY Supertour, Sprint Sk, -14, New Cold and dry -16, LF4+LF3 for qualify then + FC7 Corked for heat, X A, M Sinnot : 2nd - K Unerwood : 6th.

WY Supertour, Ind Cl, -15, New Cold and dry -16, LF4+LF3, VG35 + combo V40/V20, A, K Strandberg : 1st, VG35 (Iron) + V40, A, M Sinnot : 5th.

Bozeman Supertour, Sprint Cl, -10, New Cold and Pretty Dry -12, HF4BD + FC7, VG35 corked + Combo VR40/VR30, A-, K Strandberg : 5th.

Bozeman Supertour, Ind Sk, -16, New Cold and dry -17, HF4BD, X B+, K Strandberg : 4th, E Dong : 7th.

SH Supertour, Sprint Cl, -10, Cold Artificial -11, LF6 then LF6 + FC1S Corked, Special green corked + VR40 then VR45, A+, K Strandberg : 2nd, I Babikov : 8th,

SH Supertour, Mass S Sk, -8, Cold Artificial -9, LF6 + FC7, X A-, E Dong : 6th, K Stranberg : 7th I Babikov : 1st, LF6 + FC7 + FC1S corked.

Houghton US Nationals, Ind Sk, -8, Falling and Cold -8, HF6 + FC7/8 mixed then HF6 + FC040, X A, I Babikov : 1st, L Flora : 6th, A Golovko : 9th, J Freeman : 10th.

Houghton US Nationals, Ind Cl, -8, Cold New then getting warm -10, HF4BD + FC7 then HF6 + FC7, Special Green corked + Combo VR40/VR45, A+, I Babikov : 1st, L Flora : 2nd, A Golovko : 3rd, M Sinnott : 9th, -5, -6, Special Green corked + VR45 B-, K Strandberg : 2nd.

Houghton US Nationals, Sprint Sk, 1, New getting warm : pretty wet -1, HF6BD + FC7 Corked then FC8L Corked, X A, M Sinnott : 4th, Flora : 6th, K Strandberg : 9th.

Houghton US Nationals, Team S Cl, 5, Very Wet 0, HF6BD + FC8L then + FC10L corked Combo KR60/K22n Under Foot, B, Flora/Golovko : 2nd, Strandberg : 4th.

Seeley Classic Hills, 42k Cl, -6, Old and New mixed -6, LF4 + HF6BD + FC8BD Binder Old Grn/KR30 mixed (iron) + VR45 and KR50 Cover UF, A+, A Golovko : 1st, A Larson : 1st.

Marquette College Race, Ind Cl, -20, New -20, HF4BD + LF3, Special Green corked + VR 30 cover by V20, B+ A Golovko : 3rd.

Duluth Supertour, Sprint Sk, -17, Old and new mixed -18, HF4BD for qualify then + FC7/LF3, X B+, K Strandberg : 3rd A Golovko : 10th.

Marquette Noque, 51k Cl, -9, New and falling -15, HF4BD + FC7, VG35 (Iron) + combo VR30/VR40, A+, K Strandberg : 1st, A Golovko : 1st.

Telemark Supertour, Mass S Cl, -1, Old and New mixed -10, HF6BD + FC7, VG35 (Iron) + combo VR40/VR45 (40%/60%), A, K Strandberg : 1st.

Madison Supertour, Team S Sk, -1, Artificial Dirty and new snow mixed -2, HF8BD + FC8BD + FC8L corked, X A, Flora/Golovko : 2nd.

Madison Supertour, Sprint Cl, -1, Artifical Dirty snow 0, HF8BD + FC8BD + FC10L Black corked, Double Pole Only but K21n/K22N mixed was Ok, A+, K Strandberg : 1st, L Flora : 5th.

Boulder Mountain Tour, 30k Sk, -14, New Cold and dry -15, CH4+LF4, X A+, M Sinnott : 1st, E Dong : 2nd.

City of Lakes, 35k Sk, -5, Old dry and cold -5, HF6BD + FC7 + FC1 corked, X A+, A Golovko : 1st.

Crafstbury, 50k Cl, -6, Ice and New Mixed, Falling -4, HF8 + FC8, KR 20 (iron) + KR40 + VR45, B, J Freeman : 2nd.

Aspen SuperTour, Ind Cl -10, Cold and Dry -15, CH4 + LF4, Binder V20 corked + VR30, A, K Strandberg : 1st A Golovko : 1st.

Aspen SuperTour, Mass S 25k Sk, -8, Cold and Dry -10, CH4 + HF4BD, X A-, E Dong : 1st, K Stranberg : 2nd, A Larson : 3rd.

Lake Placid Loppet, 50k Sk, -8, Cold -10, HF6 + FC7, X A, K Underwood : 1st, J Freeman : 2nd.

Mora Vasaloppet, 35k Sk, -24, New and cold (wind) -20, LF4+CH4+LF3/CH4, X B, C Giese : 9th.

Published: Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:00 AM MST

Forecast/Conditions: Extremely cold temperatures all week leading into the weekend. Friday high of 21F, low Friday night of -1F, and a high of 26F Saturday. Trail will be hard packed and in good shape.

Glidewax: Apply LF Moly, scrape and brush then apply HF Blue, scrape and brush out well. (Start with Copper Brush and then finish with Horsehair). Prepare the base for HelX application with the yellow side of Dual Pad. Spray on an even layer of HelX Cold (not too much, just enough to make base wet, but not puddle) to entire base and let dry completely. Polish with white side of Dual Pad. We have had great results with HelX Cold at the Birkie in these conditions.
Note: A rotocorked application of JetStream Moly will also be a good option. (Note comments on bottom of page if LF is preferred)

Gripwax: Sand kick zone with sandpaper of around 150 grit. Apply Basewax Green and heat in. Smooth with synthetic cork. Let cool. Apply multiple layers of the kick wax of the day starting with the entire zone (about 3 layers). Then add more layers in the middle area of the kick zone (3-5 additional layers). Cork between applying each layer. Earliest starters can go with Carbon Gripwax White. Some Blue can be sandwiched in the layers for later in the race. Later starters go with Carbon Gripwax Blue and sandwich Viola in the layers for later in the race.

Structure: Fine do not add structure

According to extremely reliable information we received today, the Audi MedCup circuit has finalized its calendar for the 2008 season and signed the final contracts with the host cities. The major Mediterranean sailing event will be sponsored by the German car group Audi and will visit 4 countries, Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

The 6 regattas of the circuit will be the following:

1. Alicante (Spain) from May 12 to May 17
2. Marseille (France) from June 2 to June 7
3. Cagliari (Italy) from June 30 to July 5
4. Puerto Portals (Spain) from July 21 to July 26 Read the rest of this entry »