Hugh Styles

2nd Texel Dutch Open 1 day to go!!

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:24:29 GMT

Epic Day in Texel, big breeze and waves and lots of hull flying,

We were 2nd in race one with a storming race, were learning about our boat as it has new foils and theyre taking a bit to get used to.

Race two we underestmated the side slip on foils and were shut out, tacked to clear, but lost breeze on RHS and then behind the bunch at the top mark arrrghh, fought back to 6th.

Race three, were good off the line and went left but evens at the top, but behind a group of boats and rounded in the pack, catching up all way with the next 2 laps to finish 4th and oh so close to 3rd!!

2nd overall and pushing for the overall lead, tomorrow a big day!!

TIME ON THE WATER 3rd at J24 worlds qualifier

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:35:57 GMT

The newly formed company TIME ON THE WATER owned by Hugh Styles and David Lush had their companies first success, on the bank holiday weekend with Hugh Styles skippering a J24 team to a podium position of 3rd place, this was a great result considering that the team had many changes of crew through the event.

The bank holiday weekend saw a good fleet of J24’s competing in the Poole Harbour Regatta 2010 as one of the J24 class worlds qualifiers. The regatta saw a whole range of conditions, with Saturday cold wet and windy, through to Monday with a dropping breeze, sun tans and glassy seas.

Duncan Mcarthy with his local Parkstone Yacht Club team were the class act, with a boat handling edge in the windier conditions, Bob Turnders SERCO team were a close second, snatching one race win and several second place finishes, both of these teams now go onto the Europeans in Holland next weekend for the first major J24 regatta of the year, we wish them all the very best.
The surprise success was the TIME ON THE WATER team finishing 3rd overall behind these two, showing some great potential, as after a slow start to the regatta in the big breeze the teams performance went from strength to strength, finishing the regatta with the best results of any team on the last day Monday.

A great regatta with close racing and a variety of sailing conditions which made for a real test for the teams which are just off to the J24 Europeans in Holland.

TIME ON THE WATER would like to thank all of the members of the crew who, specially to David Lush and David Hepburn and all the owners of the good ship ‘Jobs for the Boys’, Russell Whitworth, Jules Scott, who were the core team and supported by Ed Lush, Steven Tiernan, Ed Whitehead and Luke, who all played their part in making it a successful regatta. Then TIME ON THE WATER would also like to thanktheir supporters and sponsors, Magic Marine, Towergate Mardon, Laser Perfoermance Europe, Pelican Racing, Marine Resources, Gill, Marlow Ropes, Nacra Europe, Boskalis.

The next activity is the SB3 event in Seaview on the Isle of Wight in a weeks time.

Styles races F18 at Carnac 2010

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Mon, 03 May 2010 08:10:19 GMT

This weekend was the first regatta in the F18 calendar of the 2010 season, racing in the waters off the Brittany coast in France. The bay of Quiberon and Carnac Yacht Club hosted the 2010 Eurocat regatta, which comprised a series of short course round the cans racing and a seperate long distance race of some 30km to the extremity of the bay of Quiberon and back.

Racing was in 4 fleets on two course areas, one handicap course area and another for the Formula 18 class. in total some 400 boats were in attendance at the regatta, with numbers down on the last few years of competition.

Racing the NACRA Infusion the Team Styles F18 campaign had a mixed bag of results, with the highlight being the last race of the day finishing off well with a 2nd in the last race. Now looking to the next major event in the calendar which is the NACRA international championships and then the Texel Dutch open in June, before the F18 world championships, which are in Brittany at Erqy in the first week in July.

Many thanks to the teams sponsors and supporters, in particular, Towergate Mardon Insurance, Magic Marine, NACRA Europe, Tacktick, Marlow Ropes, Holt.

Day 3 in Bali

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:55:27 GMT

Tuesday and the 3rd day of the Holidays and we have done loads of beaches this is the best place for a break were having a ball.

Yesterday we went to Kamra beach resort and were wowed by a cable car to take us 250m to the beach.

Today we were mopeding around to Nusa Dua and a great long white sandy beach which was full of deck chairs and pushy massage ladies, not really my cup of tea but was nice.

Just had a great massage now out for dinner and we have a hire car for the trip to Volcano tomorrow and some temples, probably some shopping too I expect.

Ubud thurs for the arty and cultural.

See you soon come to bali all good.

Hugh and Sophie in Bali

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:24:24 GMT

Well we’re here at an island paradise it’s water all round and were here for some R&R now for the next week, were in Bali and got in yesterday night and have just found the best little resort in the world at the top of a hill overlooking an amazing surf beach we would tell but then you would all come and spoil our fun!

For now we have just to stay in Kuta beach for tonight for the last time before we move to our new secluded haven.

Today Sophie managed to wake up before all of the sparrows and chickens and anything else living! we went for an awesome walk along the beach! i was a useless zombie for half an hour till i got into the exercise, much to Sophies annoyance. Still after a great walk we were back to the hotel for 0700 for the start of breakfast.

the rest of the day was just as busy as we spent the whole day trying to find our Paradise hotel on the cliff top!

We also managed to fit in a trip into an amazing beach called Green Ball at the bottom of a cliff with what Sophie described as a million steps.

All in all a satisfying day and a rosie glow for us both.

Farr 40 Miami

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:11:52 GMT

Miami is an awesome place to have a regatta at this time of year and last week was the Miami Grand Prix, i was racing Farr 40 in a fleet of 10 boats and the teams all revved up for the world championships which are in a months time in the Dominican Republic.

The racing was very tight and we had our share of successes and not quite such successes, highlight of the week was leading race 2 from start to almost finish before a chinese gybe 300m from the finish. Also highlights were that we were consistently in the top 4 to the first make every race, just if only we could have been faster and held a lane downwind we would have converted many of these potentials into actual results.

It is always good to get back into the FArr 40 class and see exactly how close it is and get into some really tight and close fought tactical situations on the water. I certainly learned loads and thanks to the rest of the crew on the good ship Charisma for their efforts.

Ill be back in Sydney now for 3 weeks before getting on the plane and coming over to the UK again for the start of the UK season. I am looking forward to it but wish it could all be a lot warmer, ive got very used to shorts and tshirt every day here in Sydney, bye for now Hugh!!

Styles steers China Team to Bronze in Oman and Asian Extreme Sailing Series

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:23:49 GMT

The Muscat regatta was only the third regatta for the China Team who stepped up their game for this the final event of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia raced in Oman, it came down to the wire on the last day with the podium positions going in favour of Oman Masirah followed by the Wave and then China Team, the nock on effect of this was an incredibly tight finish in the overall standings with the China Team and The Wave on equal points behind Masirah for the overall Asian title.

This three-event Asian tour has seen many familiar faces from the European tour, such as, double Olympic Gold Medalist Shirley Robertson, solo round the world skipper Nick Moloney and European Champion Pete Cumming, whilst newcomers Thierry Barot skippering The China Team with Helm Hugh Styles, Mainsheet man Tan Wearn Haw and Trimmer Adam Piggott, and Roman Hagara on Red Bull Extreme Sailing have gone from a ‘standing start’ to put in an awesome performance, pushing the more seasoned racers all the way.

The Asian circuit kicked off in Hong Kong, then Singapore before ending here in Muscat at a full public event:

“It was very impressive, right in front of the public but still this sport is very intense, delivery is very high in terms of tactics and strategy. I really believe it is the future of sailing,” said China Team skipper Thierry Barot. “This is what sailing needs in term of development – the Extreme Sailing Series is a sport in itself.”

At the start of the fifth and final day of the Extreme Sailing Series Asia Muscat event there were a few worried and tense looking sailors on the dockside – the wind was blowing over 20 knots and the anticipation of some tense battles ahead only heightened the stakes. Thierry Barot’s China Team and Paul Campbell-James and the crew on The Wave, Muscat were on equal points at the start of racing with Masirah just one point behind and it was clear this was where the battle for the podium would be taking place.

Red Bull Extreme Sailing who suffered a capsize yesterday were just one point ahead of Nick Moloney’s BT, whilst Shirley Robinson on Rumbo Almeria knew she could play catch up if things went in her favour. The scene was set for an awesome display of Extreme racing.

As the local crowds gathered on Al-Hail beach for the final day of the ‘Extreme Beach Party’, racing got underway with two rounds of ‘speed runs’.
The reefed Extreme 40s relished these high-speed conditions courtesy of the 20+ knots of north-westerly wind, and flew down the windward/leeward course flying the hulls in front of the packed VIP platform.

As the wind dropped to around 10 knots, the huge mainsails were hoisted to the top of the masts, and fleet racing began. The Oman Sail boats led the way – first place for The Wave, Muscat and second for Masirah. China Team finished fourth place behind BT, putting them 6 points behind leaders. Another drama for Red Bull as their mainsail came tumbling down mid-race. They quickly hoisted a man of the mast to sort it out and were back racing in time for the penultimate race.

The pressure was at the max… The skippers jostling for position on the short start line – Paul Campbell-James misjudged the start and was over the line, forcing him to restart as their teammates sailed away to snatch the race. China Team got caught up at the start in the first two races, and allowed the Oman boats to pull ahead on the leaderboard. But the double-points final race was coming up…

Only just enough wind remained to propel the boats over the line. Hugh Styles takes up the story: “We knew it was tight on points with BT the Wave and Masirah so we had to keep out of trouble. But as the warning signal fired the wind dropped rapidly making for very unstable sailing conditions, we decided to start on port, got control over BT and all was good, until Almeria came speeding in with kite up and sailed over the top of us taking our wind and forcing us down the line towards starboard tack Masirah and the committee boat. Almeria had to avoid Masirah and in doing so sailed straight into the anchor warp of the committee boat and parked, we squeezed round the melee and were off! Masirah had the upper hand to lead off the line with us and BT neck and neck and the others parked. We pressured BT on the run and overtook them to finish 2nd from The Wave 3rd and BT 4th.

It was a superb end to a fantastic inaugural Extreme Sailing Series Asia. Only in a few months time, the Extreme Sailing Series European circuit will be starting – we can’t wait!

Extreme Sailing Series Asia : Muscat
1st Oman Sail Masirah, 103 points
2nd The Wave, Muscat, 101 points
3rd China Team, 91 points
4th BT, 84 points
5th Red Bull Extreme Sailing, 71 points
6th Rumbo Almeria, 70 points

Extreme Sailing Series Overall:
1st Masirah, 18 points
2nd The Wave, Muscat, 11 points
3rd China Team, 11 points
4th BT, 10 points
5th Red Bull Extreme Sailing, 8 points
6th Rumbo Almeria, 5 points

Associates: Sailing Networks

In Sydney post Hobart

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:35:31 GMT

Its taken a little while to get back into things after the Hobart, it seemed to take a bit out of me this year, maybe it was the new years celebrations which really did it??

The Hobart was a really slow affair, but lots of variety, shame that the average speed for the race for the overall winner was only 6 knots arrrgh. At least we did get some decent wind as we came into the Tasman rock and had a good old blast reach all the way down the Derwent into Hobart. I love this part of the race as it is the sleigh ride into the finish, or has been for me both of the last 2 times which I’ve done the race.

Now back in Sydney and have had a good new years and time to catch up on some sleep and some of the festive seasons delights. The good thing is that there is plenty going on as the International 14 Worlds are in in Manly at the moment and I’ve been over watching some racing and catching up with a load of old friends who seem to be back in town for the moment.

Off to Key west in 10 days sailing a Melges 24 which should be great fun, im really looking forward to sailing a little boat again. Then a chance to go back to the UK for 6 days before getting back on a plane to the next Extreme 40 event in Oman in February.

Happy new year, thanks to my sponsors and all the best for 2010.

Hugh

Oman Sail win in Singapore but China Team 2nd in overall standings

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:21:12 GMT

Oman Sail Masirah win in Singapore

It was close between 5 boats all the way to the end of five days of racing in Singapore under a kaleidoscope of weather with Oman Sail’s Masirah taking their second consecutive win at the Extreme Sailing Series Asia. They now lead the overall series with China Team and BT 2nd equal.

The final day of racing in Singapore started with a light two knot wind and the six teams tactically fighting their way around the racecourse, searching for the best possible winds. The skippers and crews were tested by the Race Committee as they began two races with the more challenging downwind starts as the wind picked up to a more consistent 10 knots. But just before the start of the fifth and final race of the day, there was plenty of drama as a thunderstorm struck the reservoir soaking the sailors and the VIP guests onboard to the skin.

The heavy downpour was relentless, forcing the Race Committee to abandon the race and the day’s sailing for safety reasons as lightening powered down over Marina Reservoir. With the abandonment called, the calculators were out as the valuable last race double points were added to the previous race, but Masirah remained firm at the top of the leaderboard, continuing their domination of the Extreme 40 fleet.

With racing every afternoon, the past five days have been busy for the international fleet of Extreme 40 sailors. Every morning they have taken VIP and media guests out sailing on the reservoir, to experience first hand what it is like to race onboard an Extreme 40. Guests have included government officials, TV crews, journalists, key opinion formers from the business and sailing worlds here in Singapore, as well as youth sailors in the Singapore Olympic sailing squad.

Masirah’s win brings their score in the overall Extreme Sailing Series Asia scoreboard to a perfect 12, but the real battle is for second place with four teams in contention. BT and China Team and tied in second place with 7 points apiece and Red Bull Extreme Sailing Team and The Wave, Muscat just behind with 6.

Hugh Styles, Helm, China Team:
“It’s been a rollercoaster here, pouring rain and lightening to soaring heat, no wind to lots of wind. There are one incident when we nearly capsized because there was so much breeze.

”Six boats means that it is really intense on the racecourse, lots of entertaining guests who step on with wide eyes, but leave with enormous smiles on their faces.

“For us with our racing we have had probably more race wins than we have ever had as a team, so really exciting for us and we’ve sailed consistently. A few bits of bad luck, but we are a new team and building ourselves into a better unit, so really exciting. We have come fourth overall, so really looking forward to the next one, looking to step it up and always get in the top two, fighting for the lead and looking forward to the next opportunity.”

Thierry Barot, Skipper, China Team:
“Today, was not a perfect day. It was a little bit difficult for us. Problem for the right positioning and a real gamble with the wind which was turning everywhere, but it is part of the sport!

”We’ve had big improvements since Hong Kong, missing some luck today, but looking forward to Oman.

“Singapore was fantastic, the scenery was quite amazing with buildings all around with the amazing architecture so close to us. The chance to have the public around us next time will be great, a 360 degree amphitheatre; a fantastic venue. I really hope that we will be back next year.”

Final Leaderboard for Round 2 at Singapore:
1. Oman Sail’s Masirah 121 points
2. Red Bull Extreme Sailing Team 111
3. The Wave, Muscat 100
4. China Team 92
5. BT 87
6. Rumbo Almeira 77

Overall Leaderboard after Round 1 and 2:
1. Oman Sail’s Masirah 12 points
2. BT 7
2. China Team 7
4. The Wave, Muscat 6
4. Red Bull Extreme Sailing Team 6
6. Rumbo Almeira 4

The next venue after the Xmas and new years break for the Extreme Sailing Series Asia will be Muscat, Oman (1 – 5 February 2010) and all is poised for a great last regatta with the points really close between boats in 2 – 5th in the overall standings.

Many thanks to Hugh Styles sponsors and supporters help and assistance.

Sponsors:
Gill, Holt, Marlow Ropes, Nacra Watersports, Tacktick, Towergate Mardon insurance

Associates: Sailing Networks

A convincing victory at Grafham Water for Team Styles at F18 Inlands

hugh@hughstyles.com (Hugh Styles) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:03:54 GMT

This weekends regatta was the last in a series of victories this year for Team Styles, now the UK National and Inland Champion as well as winner of Carnac and Texel course racing and 3rd place finish at the F18 worlds. The Grafham event was a great medium to windy regatta, where Styles Nacra Infusion yet again proved it pedigree with 4 out of 6 race victories.

Saturdays racing was staged in a great 10 – 13 knots, double wiring mostly with shifty offshore winds from the South West. The first race was a tight affair to the first mark with 7 boats all getting there at the same time and a good tussle for the lead, after the first lap it was down to Styles and Grant Piggott in second with Luke Yates third. Styles extended for the next few laps to take the gun and the first win of the weekend.

Race 2 and Hugh and Kyle lead from the first cross up the beat and built a commanding lead over Johnathan Worthington in second also on a Nacra Infusion, with Grant Piggott Nacra Infusion third. This changed abruptly when Kyle Stoneham unfortunately hooked onto the elastic on the last downwind leg to the finish and left Styles trying to stop a capsize then recover the kite and sailor, the team dropped from 1st to 9th and Worthington capitalised on the opportunity to win the race.

Race 3 A perfect port end start for Styles and Stoneham in their Infusion, giving them a great jump on the fleet, leading at the first mark and never to be headed! Worthington had another cracking race, with really good speed, Grant Piggott sailed a great steady race to finish 3rd another counting result in tough conditions.

Saturday night the social activities flowed, with the F18, Handicap and Shearwater classes all competing at drinking games, until everyone went down to the Wheatsheaf pub. Sunday dawned with a big breeze forecast and an opportunity to blow away the cobwebs of the night before, needed by some far more than others!

Race 4 Sunday morning and a start in 15 knots with a heavily port biased line, Styles and Stoneham took full advantage of this and charged off on Starboard into the left side for the pressure, and arriving in at the top mark closely followed by Jon Wothington. The wind built steadily through the race, but Styles was never headed and it was then down to the minor placings to duke out for 2 – 3 overall.

Race 5 and another 5 knots increase which made the average wind speed 20 knots. Still a massive port bias on the line and this time Styles played the Joker card with a flying port tack start, then converging on a tight Starbord lay line just rounding ahead of Stuart Gummer and Grant Piggott in third. Styles maintained this through to the finish and Gummer maintained 2nd with Piggott 3rd.

Race 6, just before the start 24 knots was read on the start boat and by the time the gun had gone it was over 30 knots. The fleet was down to 5 boats after a lot of the boats had had gear failure, but this didn’t deter some tight and testing racing, with Chris Sproat and Lewis Crawford in their Viper leading for 2 laps with the places changing a lot behind them. They had a mishap though and just on the last downwind gybe they capsized and lost the race. Gummer sailed a really strong race to pull through and win the race from Styles in second and Piggott in third.

The overall regatta finishing positions ended as follows:
Hugh Styles and Kyle Stoneham, Nacra Infusion
Grant Piggott and Andy Sinclair, Nacra Infusion
Luke Yates and Matt Humphries, Wildcat

Thanks to Grafham water sailing club, and the rest of the regatta organisers, also for Nacra Europe making this possible with their Help, Boskalis for their great support throughout the year. Then to the UK F18 class organisation for making the years regattas come about. There is one last event which is the Weston Cat Open on 6&7 of November, which is the Nacra UK Nationals 2009, please come and join in the fun. I am now off to Sydney for some R&R with my long suffering girlfriend and then a load of Extreme 40 racing over the winter in Hong Kong, then Singapore and final event in Muscat Oman.