24th May, 2007. We talk to Torben Grael after Luna Rossa claimed their place in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup final with a surprise victory over the much fancied BMW Oracle Racing. We also hear from Northern Irish yachtsman Jamie Boag who was part of the “Let’s do it Ireland” team that were instrumental in bringing the Volvo Ocean Race to Galway in 2008-9. Finally we catch up with America’s cup website editor Peter Rusch who provides with all the latest news and buzz in our regular ‘Letter from Valencia’ feature.

Bloodhound was built in 1936 by Camper and Nicholson. The original owner, Ike Bell, an American, won several races with her, including the 1939 Fastnet race. After several owners she was bought by the Queen and Prince Philip. Prince Philip loved the boat and Prince Charles and Princess Anne learned to sail on her in the nine years the British Royal Family owned her. The 63 ft vessel is legendary in sailing circles because with her sleek lines and speed she was successful in her class right into the late 1960’s.

Monday 28th May, 2007. Forty years after Sir Francis Chichester’s epic 1967 trip around the world, which was the first solo circumnavigation taking in the Capes of Hope, Leeuwin and Horn, Gypsy Moth IV yacht return from its second circumnavigation. Thousands of people turned up in Plymouth for the historic occassion.

’Emirates Team New Zealand’ are the second semi-final winners in Valencia, in the Louis Vuitton Cup Semi Final stage of the 32nd America’s Cup yacht race. They beat Desafio Espanol 2007 5-2 to secure the semi-finalist position in the Louis Vuitton Cup. The other semi finalist is ‘Luna Rossa Challenge’ who routed American team ‘BMW Oracle Racing’ several days ago. The Final of the Louis Vuitton Cup begins on 1 June, with the first race start scheduled for 15:00.

Emirates Team New Zealand beats Desafío Español 2007: 5-2

Jerry Weintraub, Director of Oceans 13, and George Clooney held a Charity party in aid of the Darfur Charity ‘Not On Our Watch’ on board RM Elegant in Cap d’Antibes. Present were fellow partners and film stars Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Ellen Barkin, Scott Caan, Elliot Gould, Daniel Craig, Al Pacino and Don Chaedle. Angelina Jolie stayed at the hotel, playing with the kids. Tickets apparently went for up to US $ 200,000 and millions was raised. OK! Magazine apparently paid royally for the picture and interview rights.