You probably first want to know, what exactly is an asset stripper? Pretty much what it sounds like – a buyer whose intent is to sell off assets for a profit. The buyer in this case is a private equity firm who relies on leverage buyouts in the hopes of selling the company for a profit. What’s missing is an incentive for the long term survival of the original company.

What the following articles show are private equity firms using the company assets as collateral against debt, effectively stripping any real value out of the company, while the private equity firms take the profit and hold none of the liability.

How many more of these stories are out there? And is it just me, or does this sound exactly like what’s happening to our tax dollars (The Treasury) shoring up and bailing out of Wall Street firms?

When private equity giant Wasserstein & Co. bought Harry & David in 2004, the future seemed as sweet as one of the Medford company’s baskets of juicy Rogue Valley pears. [...]

After Wasserstein took control, Harry & David’s long-term debt soared from zero to $245 million. [...]

Wasserstein led the $252.9 million purchase of Harry & David in June 2004. Bruce Wasserstein, a legendary investment banker with a long, storied history of success, joined the Harry & David board.

Typical of a private equity deal, Wasserstein and its investment partners moved quickly to eliminate any of their own risk. Eight months after the purchase was complete, Harry & David sold $245 million worth of corporate bonds.

The deal: Wasserstein and partners buy Harry & David in 2004 for $252.9 million.

The financing: Harry & David borrows most of the money.

The skin in the game: None. Harry & David in 2005 reimburses Wasserstein and private equity partners the $82 million they contributed to the purchase price.

The result: Harry & David’s long-term debt soars from zero to $245 million.

The reality: A planned IPO never happens. The company cuts more than 20 percent of its jobs, slashes remaining employees’ benefits. Ratings agency predicts Harry & David will default on debt payments.It sent $82 million of the proceeds to its private equity masters, repaying the money that Wasserstein and its partners originally contributed toward the purchase.

Simmons Mattress Co.

By Julie Creswell, New York Times, October 4, 2009

Simmons says it will soon file for bankruptcy protection, as part of an agreement by its current owners to sell the company — the seventh time it has been sold in a little more than two decades — all after being owned for short periods by a parade of different investment groups, known as private equity firms, which try to buy undervalued companies, mostly with borrowed money.

For many of the company’s investors, the sale will be a disaster. Its bondholders alone stand to lose more than $575 million. The company’s downfall has also devastated employees like Noble Rogers, who worked for 22 years at Simmons, most of that time at a factory outside Atlanta. He is one of 1,000 employees — more than one-quarter of the work force — laid off last year.

But Thomas H. Lee Partners of Boston has not only escaped unscathed, it has made a profit. The investment firm, which bought Simmons in 2003, has pocketed around $77 million in profit, even as the company’s fortunes have declined. THL collected hundreds of millions of dollars from the company in the form of special dividends. It also paid itself millions more in fees, first for buying the company, then for helping run it. Last year, the firm even gave itself a small raise.

By Geraldine Fabrikant, New York Times, October 9, 2009

Like other yacht makers, Hinckley lost substantial business when the economy turned sour. But Hinckley’s problems can also be traced to its sale to one, and then another, private equity firm over the last dozen years. With each sale, it took перекладываемая onerous when business slowed. And the culture also shifted from a family-owned business to one controlled by outsiders.

Bain Willard Companies, a Boston-based private equity firm, was the first buyer, 12 years ago. It paid about $20 million, equal to about one year in sales, putting down about 25 percent in cash and borrowing the rest, according to several people with knowledge of the negotiations.

And Bain Willard had the wind at its back. Hinckley had introduced the “picnic” boat not long before — a luxurious powerboat that combined the look of a New England lobster boat with a water jet propulsion system, instead of a propeller, that allowed the boat to maneuver in shallow water. It had been an instant hit.

Bain Willard expanded Hinckley, opening service centers in Florida, Maryland, Rhode Island and other places. In those boom times, the strategy paid off. In 2001, it sold about 51 percent of Hinckley to Monitor Clipper of Boston for an estimated $40 million in debt and equity.

On Twitter, @Mcvane and @Sonomalass were challenging each other to list their favorite books, movies and songs. Somehow this became a challenge to post our favorite 16 romances on October 16, which is the birthdate of a romance foremother, Kathleen Winsor (1919-2003).

Minnesota born, Berkeley bred Winsor was the author of Forever Amber, published in 1944. Here’s the synopsis:

Abandoned pregnant and penniless on the teeming streets of London, 16-year-old Amber St. Clare manages, by using her wits, beauty, and courage, to climb to the highest position a woman could achieve in Restoration England-that of favorite mistress of the Merry Monarch, Charles II. From whores and highwaymen to courtiers and noblemen, from events such as the Great Plague and the Fire of London to the intimate passions of ordinary-and extraordinary-men and women, Amber experiences it all. But throughout her trials and escapades, she remains, in her heart, true to the one man she really loves, the one man she can never have.

The Massachusetts Attorney General, exhibiting a streak of “prurient interest” if there ever was one, combed the book and found, according to Winsor’s Guardian obituary, “70 references to sexual intercourse, 39 illegitimate pregnancies, seven abortions, 10 scenes in which women undressed in front of men who were not their husbands, and nearly 50 ‘miscellaneous objectionable passages’ – and announced that the book would be banned (an action overturned on appeal).”

For her part, Winsor protested:

“I wrote only two sexy passages … and my publishers took both of them out. They put in ellipses instead. In those days, you know, you could solve everything with an ellipse.”

Forever Amber was reissued in 2002, with a foreword by Barbara Taylor Bradford. That same year, Forever Amber received a positive review in the Guardian by feminist literary critic Elaine Showalter.

Winsor went on to publish other novels, but none garnered the sales or critical notice of Forever Amber, which was made into a film. She opined, somewhat unflatteringly, that her readers “like to read about the past because it has no threats for them”.

Writers should take note that forever Amber was originally a 2500 page manuscript, pared down by editors into a “modest” сто0!

Some other bloggers are joining the fun. If you are one of them and I did not list you, let me know! And if you don’t have a blog, just put your list in a comment.

What Kate’s ReadingKristie(j)SonomalassKeishonKeira SoleoreNadia LeeLusty ReaderMegan FramptonJMC_bookrelatedWendy the Super LibrarianPhyls Quilts and Books

Jill the Romance Rookie (with a review of Forever Amber!)

Jessica’s List:

According to my LibraryThing account, I have only read about 200 romance novels. So, for me, 16 is actually the top 13% of romances I have ever read.

How did a book make the list? Basically, there had to be a moment (or more) in the book that knocked my socks off, that was unforgettable, that made the book come totally alive, the characters seem to get up and walk off the page. I did not pick the romance novels that I felt were the best written — not even the best written by the author in question — although of course, I harbor a secret hope that my tastes track aesthetic excellence at least a little. These are just my favorites, in the most personal, goofiest, least defensible sense of the word.

Today.

This minute.

And they are listed, you might notice, in alphabetical order by title.

Black Dagger Brotherhood, JR Ward (first 4 books. These were the first romance novels I read) Black Silk, Judith Ivory Demon Moon, Meljean Brook Devil in Winter, Lisa Kleypas Dirty, Megan Hart Flowers from the Storm, Laura Kinsale Manhunting, Jennifer Crusie More Than A Mistress, Mary Balogh Mr. Impossible, Loretta Chase Outlander, Diana Gabaldon Private Arrangements, Sherry Thomas Seize the Fire, Laura Kinsale Slightly Dangerous, Mary Balogh To Have and to Hold, Patricia Gaffney To Love a Thief, Julie Ann Long Viscount Who Loved Me, Julia Quinn

Maili’s list:

Heart of Deception – Taylor Chase [Elizabethan] Set in Elizbethan London, war veteran Rafe Fletcher races against time to clear his family’s name as his father and brother are due to be hanged for commiting treason. He shrewdly realises that Vivian Swift, a notorious criminal underlord, may hold a key to the identity of the real plotters and begins to worm his way into her dark world as her possible lover.

While it has the HEA (and awesome love scenes), it’s not a typical romance with misunderstood heroine and bossy hero. Vivian is truly a bad girl who would do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. If that means killing someone, she will do it. Rafe, on the other hand, is the innocent and noble one here. There are mystery, politics, historical events and a journey through the dark and dirty side of London.

The downside: I feel Vivian’s brother Nick is somewhat stereotypical, but it’s a flaw I’m willing to accept. This is actually the lightest-hearted offering from Taylor Chase (aka Gayle Feyrer).

The Emerald Necklace – Diana Brown [Traditional Regency] Set in Regency-era London, the heroine is annoyed that she was forced to marry a Cit. Sure, he’s wealthy but still, he’s a commoner. To snub her nose at him, she openly and romantically engages herself to another man. Eventually she comes to realise there’s more to her husband than she’s expected, but will it be too late to redeem herself to save their marriage? I rarely enjoy troubled-marriage romances, but this one blew me away because it doesn’t have a rosy-tinted view of a flawed couple. It’s a gritty, tough read and it has the HEA that makes you feel richly rewarded for abusing your teeth by grinding so much. An easy breezy read? Hahah. Please.

The Portrait – Megan Chance [the Gilded Age] Set in 19th-century NYC, an emotionally unstable famous artist vs. an ambitious socialite. She’d do anything to get him to agree taking her on as an art student. At times the hero is an arsehole, but the difference is he really has a valid reason: he has bi-polar (which is never named in this story). I think this is also the first historical romance I read that heavily hints that the hero is bisexual. It does have flaws, but I liked The Portrait because it’s so atypical.

Her Heart’s Desire – Rene J. Garrod [Western] It’s a Western-setting romantic comedy of a bespecated scholar coming to the West from NYC to find his long-lost brother and gets abducted by three sisters to present as a bridegroom to a practical-minded spinster. It’s a comfort read. If you like Paint Your Wagon (without the love triangle) with a touch of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, you might like Her Heart’s Desire. It makes a light-hearted, fun read. Hound dog is awesome as well.

Some Kind of Magic – Theresa Weir [Contemporary] I have a very soft sport for this one because it’s probably Weir’s only romantic [black] comedy to date, with a suitable amount of dark angst provided by our Dylan who has a decidedly interesting upbringing. I went into this story without knowing anything about the story (I didn’t even read the back blurb) and it was awesome, so by holding back the details, I hope you’d have a similar experience.

November of the Heart – LaVryle Spencer [19th-century Minnesota] результатовy underrated works. A historical romance that revolves around a socialite and a working-class Norwegian immigrant who has a talent for boat-building. Lorna Barnett’s wealthy father is besotted with sailing and competing in a yacht regetta. Jens Harken, who works in the Barnett house as a kitchen servant, takes a risk by offering to build a yacht that will give Gideon a real chance of winning the Regetta. Amused, Gideon Barnett decides to let him by giving him time off his kitchen work and the money and place to build his yacht. While Jens builds the yacht Lorna eventually gets close to him and they fall in love. However, the difference in their social status gets in the way that may destroy their relationship. It’s again an atypical romance with no real villain, just a society that abides its social rules, and an awesome HEA. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven romances with a slow build-up of romance, social tensions and relationships.

Always to Remember – Lorraine Heath [post-Civil War Texas] Clayton Holland is a social outcast in his hometown, Cedar Grove of Texas, because he’s steadfastly refused to join to fight for the Confederacy. Meg Warner, having lost her husband and three brothers to the war, has a real issue with Clay’s presence because it’s a constant reminder of her losses. As punishment, Meg commissions Clay to create a stone memorial in the name of men who died during war. Clay accepts, in spite of the emotional cost of his decision and the depth of her contempt for him. As he works on the покрасноречивееy slowly fall in love. I do not like tearjerkers, but I have to list this because it’s not common to find a romance with the hero as a conscientious objector. My great uncle was such and it came with a very high price, so it was interesting to see through Clay’s eyes and how people around him reacted. And the romance between Clay and Meg was rather sweet. It has a couple of flaws, but the pay-off was worth it.

I’m running out of time (trust me to leave it at last minute!), so I’ll just list the rest:

River of Eden – Glenna McReynolds [Amazonian adventure]

Somebody Wonderful – Kate Rothwell [19th-century NYC]

Midnight Rainbow – Linda Howard [Amazonian adventure]

The Bride From Faraway – Olgas Daniels [turn-of-the-century Scotland]

WanderingG of the Scarlet Corset’s list:

I swear writing this list is  like creating a mixed tape back in the day. Trying to get your favorite songs  together and once recorded you realize you forgot this one or that one. Then if  someone happens to find the tape and plays it they’ll say “Ew, you like that  song?” Yep, just like a mixed tape

One  thing I’ve learned since blogging and blog-hopping is I haven’t read nearly as much as some other bloggers. Seriously, hats off to those that read 20-30 in a  month. But that just means there are still tons of great stories out there for  me to discover! So without futher ado, here’s my  current top 16 in no particular order:

Julie Garwood -  Ransom The  very first romance novel I ever read was by Julie Garwood. Most of her  historicals would fall in my faves category so I narrowed it down to a couple. I  remember I enjoyed her writing because of the heroes but also the little quirks  she gave her heroines. Always something that makes me smile. For some reason,  Ransom with Brodick and Gillian’s story has always been one of my top favorites  (I don’t care too much for the Ramsey and whats-her-face storyline).

Julie Garwood – The  Bride Alec  and Jamie – a lovely little tale. One of my favorite parts is the whole Gaelic  joke and Alec’s discovery of what Jamie’s been hiding.

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss -  Shanna This  was the second romance novel I read after my first Julie Garwood book. This was  back in my middle school/high school days and I haven’t read it since. But the  story still sticks with me and I remember enjoying the trickery behind Ruark’s  identity.

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss – Ashes  in the Wind I  remember this one because there’s a portion where the hero is injured and soon  after he becomes an alcoholic. Through all their troubles you still root for  Alaina and Cole and hope somehow they will overcome all the hardships and get  their HEA. I also remember this as being the first book that actually mentioned  the heroine’s menstrual cycle.

Jennifer Crusie – Bet  Me Jennifer Crusie was the first contemporary romance author  I read and this was the first that had a heroine that wasn’t the typical skinny  girl. Cal and Minnie were sweet together and I have a fun time with most of  Crusie’s books.

Jennifer Crusie -  Manhunting This  was probably my 3rd Crusie book and another fun one. Kate and her  plan for the perfect man. What could go wrong?

Judith Ivory – Sleeping  Beauty First book I read that had an older heroine and younger  hero. I remember enjoying this because James really had to pursue Coco, who had  very valid reasons for being cautious against it.

Stephanie Laurens – Devil’s  Bride Devil Cynster will always be a fave of mine. I read more  of the series and liked catching glimpes of Devil, Honoria and especially Devil  as a father, but they were basically the same storylines to me and none could  surpass the first book.

Stephanie Laurens – Captain  Jack’s Woman After stopping the Cynster series I decided to try the  Bastion books. I read 3 and found I liked this one (the first) best of all. I  thought Kit and Jack were hot together. Although I stopped the series a while  back, I do want to read Dalziel’s story because he always intrigued  me.

Kelley Armstrong -  Bitten First paranormal book I read with a strong female lead. I  liked Elena and Clay together and though I’m only on book 3 of the series (which  skips to other characters) I look forward to continuing and getting to the books  that are back to Elena and Clayton’s storyline.

Keri Arthur – Riley Jensen  Guardian Series This  I listed as a series because I don’t feel like any one book is a favorite. I  really just like the series and the romance of Riley and Quinn flows pretty well  across each book. There are parts of the series I didn’t much care for (the  excess werewolf sex drive stuff, the cloning storyline) but the overall arc of  Riley and Quinn and now Riley and her wolf mate is played out nicely. For me,  Riley is better than some other paranormal characters because while she may have  lovers and boyfriends, they have actual break ups and the guy will move on. She  does not have the magical love palace that every man wants entrance to  24/7.

Sarah McCarty – Promises  Linger First erotica novel I read that I felt actually had a  storyline too. I’ll admit some of the sex was a little much for me but I thought  Asa and Elizabeth were a good match.

Heather Cullman – A Perfect  Scoundrel Hero  is an ass through most of the book and heroine is considered plain and  unattractive. This book won me over because of the heroine and how she handled  herself when Sir Ass basically sent her off into hiding, her interaction with  the people of his hometown and how she dealt with SA when he returned  home.

Paula Quinn – Laird of the  Mist Paula Quinn reminded me of Julie Garwood. Enjoyed this  one and looking forward to reading more from her.

Beth Kery – Wicked  Burn Very  real and honest, emotional story. Has steamy, sexy elements but for me the  overall storyline is what got me.

Megan Hart -  Dirty Again, another emotional story that has steamy elements  but a great story arc from Ella’s actions at the beginning to dealing with what  happened in her past with the help of Dan.

Janet NorCal’s/Janet W’s list:

1. Friday’s Child, Georgette Heyer 2. Cotillion, Georgette Heyer 3. Devil’s Cub, Georgette Heyer 4. More Than A Mistress, Mary Balogh 5. Unwilling Bride, Jo Beverley 6. His Lordship’s Mistress, Joan Wolf 7. Devil’s Bride, Stephanie Laurens 8. Naked in Death, J.D. Robb 9. To Have and To Hold, Patricia Gaffney 10. Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie 11. Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand, Carla Kelly 12. Tempting Harriet, Mary Balogh 13. Bride of Emersham, Leslie Lance (gothic) 14. Forbidden, Jo Beverley 15. Midnight Bayou, Nora Roberts 16. A Scandalous Proposal, Julia Justiss

Vassiliki Veros’s List:

Here are some of my fave titles. I’m sure I’ll kick myself later when I remember an absolute fave. I have also realised this year that I am an anomaly in that I only tend to enjoy contemporary romances. (In general, historicals are OK but they are never on my re-read list).

1.        Welcome to Temptation – Jennifer Crusie 2.        Bet Me- Jennifer Crusie 3.        Agnes and the Hitman – Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer 4.        Charlie all Night – Jennifer Crusie 5.        Love Struck – Melanie La’Brooy 6.        Serendipity – Melanie La’Brooy 7.        This Heart of Mine – Susan Elizabeth Phillips 8.        Start Me Up – Victoria Dahl 9.        See Jane Score – Rachel Gibson 10.        Sex, Lies and Online Dating – Rachel Gibson 11.        Over the Edge – Suzanne Brockmann 12.        Hot Target – Suzanne Brockmann 13.        Beauty and the Brain – Elizabeth Bevarly 14.        Taming the Outlaw – Cindy Gerard 15.        The Grande Finale – Janet Evanovich 16.        Night Whispers by Leslie Kelly

Thanks for reading, and thanks for sharing! I have just quadrupled my TBB pile! Sending you the bill, Maili and Sonomalass.

Related posts:

Contest NOW OVER: The Last 11 Books I Bought and Why THIS CONTEST IS OVER. THANK YOU. Author Victoria Janssen has been blogging and twittering about online promotion, and she’s got…Monday Morning Stepback –Updated with call for Winsor Lists!! UPDATE: On October 16, in honor of the birthdate of Kathleen Winsor, author of Forever Amber, please consider posting your…Romances that really cook: BBAW giveaway To help celebrate Book Blogger Appreciation Week, I am giving away a care package of three great romances which feature…Contest Winner: MAERED I finally got around to typing everyone’s name in and generating a random list of entrants at Random.org. The winner…Review: Devil’s Bride, by Stephanie Laurens My Take In Brief: Sometimes I love a romance because it is new or different. I loved this one because…Review: Strange Bedpersons, by Jennifer Crusie My Take in Brief: Only recommended for anal retentive Jenny Crusie fans, and then only for the completionist satisfaction….

Hermes has finally unveiled the yacht it collaborates with famous yacht manufacturer Wally Yacht. Innovative design that breaks the tradition is the common feature and philosophy of Hermes and Wally Yacht, and this has been ultimately revealed in the brand new yacht.

why-58?38-yacht-3-handbagsoutlet.biz

This yacht is named as WHY 58X38, which provides some basic information about it. 58 meters long, 38 meters wide, WHY should be the abbreviation of Wally Hermes Yacht. It is first launched in Ancona, Italy.

why-58?38-yacht-4-handbagsoutlet.biz

The WHY 58X38 has three stories, besides a 25 meters long indoor swimming pool, there is a 36 meters wide ‘beach’ design at the end of the yacht.

why-58?38-yacht-handbagsoutlet.biz

Huge areas of solar panels have been installed at the top and side of the yacht. Using the environmentally friendly solar energy as power supply, the WHY 58X38 can save at least 200 tons of diesel oil one year. And the unique design of the ship hull can save more energy at the same cruising speed compared with yachts of the same size.

trackback:http://blog.handbagsoutlet.biz/index.php/2009/10/the-first-luxurious-hermes-yatch-unveiled/ handbags outlet

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 5:59 pm by ssy

Despite announcing a new partnership with Caffari last month as the racing team’s founding partner, a search of the company’s website brings back:

Your search – dee caffari – did not match any documents.

No pages were found containing “dee caffari” .

Meanwhile, Dee herself is still sailing and winning awards. Last night Dee Caffari received an Exceptional Achievement award yesterday from the United Kingdom Sailing Academy. The UKSA held their Celebrating Achievement Award ceremony in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and the prestigious award was presented by HRH The Princess Royal.

On receiving the accolade Caffari said:

‘I carried out my training at the UKSA on the Isle of Wight and they provided me with a fantastic grounding for my sailing career. I have very fond memories of my time at the academy and it is a great honour to be recognised with this award today.’

She also said on her Twitter account :

I received the award for exceptional achievement sponsored by peter harrison. It is lovely to have such recognition.

Caffari will next month take part in the double handed Transat Jacques Vabre race from France to Costa Rica aboard her yacht, which is still called Aviva. Dee is now actively searching for a new title sponsor to support her 2012 Vend?e Globe campaign.

Tags: activation , aviva , dee caffari , sailing , Sponsorship , synergy

Puma Logic has been awarded the ‘RORC Yacht of the Year’ and her skipper, Phillippe Falle will collect the Somerset Memorial Trophy at the RORC Prizegiving dinner in проталкивавшиеся#13; The famous award is made by the RORC Committee with many factors taken into consideration: In recognition of not only a successful season, but also and in particular, for consistent racing performance while introducing a large number of people to the sport at a highly competitive level.

On hearing the news, Philippe was ecstatic to say the least, and also incredibly proud to be associated with such a prestigious group of yachts that have received the accolade before him.

“It was quite an emotional moment when I heard the news.” Said Philippe. “I have had an amazing two years with the most remarkable team I have ever sailed with. What makes it so amazing is that we are a sailing school boat; when people join us they have never been racing before. I will treasure the memories of my time with this crew. Winning the Cherbourg Race was a just reward for the efforts of our dedicated team. This honor is the icing on the cake.”

The RORC Season’s Point Championship was won by Bill Blain’s  J 133, Batfish III  who had a tremendous season. Puma Logic were second overall and Robin Taunt’s J 109, Jibe was third.

The RORC Season’s Points Championship’s winners:

IRC SZCK  Artemis Ocean Racing. IMOCA 60

IRC Super Zero Venemous, Derek Saunders. CM 60

IRC Zero Tonnerre de Breskens, Piet Vroon. Ker 46

IRC One  Quokka 7, Andrew McIrvine. Corby 36

IRC Two Exile/Mirabaud, N. de la Fourniere & M. Imbert. X 34

IRC Three  Hephzibah. David Lees. High Tension 36

Two Handed Exile/Mirabaud, N. de la Fourniere & M. Imbert. X 34

A host of other trophies and awards will be given out at the Annual Dinner at the Banqueting House, Whitehall, London on 7th November 2009.

The famous award is made by the RORC Committee with many factors taken into consideration: In recognition of not only a successful season, but also and in particular, for consistent racing performance while introducing a large number of people to the sport at a highly competitive level.

On hearing the news, Philippe was ecstatic to say the least, and also incredibly proud to be associated with such a prestigious group of yachts that have received the accolade before him.

?It was quite an emotional moment when I heard the news.? Said Philippe. ?I have had an amazing two years with the most remarkable team I have ever sailed with. What makes it so amazing is that we are a sailing school boat; when people join us they have never been racing before. I will treasure the memories of my time with this crew. Winning the Cherbourg Race was a just reward for the efforts of our dedicated team. This honor is the icing on the cake.?

The RORC Season?s Point Championship was won by Bill Blain?s J 133, Batfish III who had a tremendous season. Puma Logic were second overall and Robin Taunt?s J 109, Jibe was third.

The RORC Season?s Points Championship?s winners:

IRC Two Exile/Mirabaud, N. de la Fourniere & M. Imbert. X 34

Two Handed Exile/Mirabaud, N. de la Fourniere & M. Imbert. X 34

A host of other trophies and awards will be given out at the Annual Dinner at the Banqueting House, Whitehall, London on 7th November 2009.

Related Articles:

Philippe Falle and his crew rounded off an excellent season in their Reflex 38, Puma Logic, by winning the Cherbourg Race. Sailing Logic carried home the Cherbourg Trophy for IRC Overall and the Troph?e Deux Manches for IRC One.

RORC Drag Race to Cherbourg -Preview – 04 Sep 2009

The final race of the RORC Season?s Points Championship looks like it could be a fast sleigh ride to Cherbourg. Current weather models predict a WNW gradient wind of 15 to 20 knots and there is the expectation of gusty conditions.

The RORC Channel Race started in beautiful sailing conditions with 10-12 knots of wind and bright sunshine but as the fleet beat East down the Channel, the wind built and by Royal Sovereign Lighthouse was at over 20 knots.

This Saturday morning sees the start of the last RORC offshore race prior to the Rolex Fastnet Race in August. It is the last chance for competitors to tune themselves, their equipment and their yachts prior to this year?s big event.

  RORC Cowes ? Dinard ? St. Malo Race – 13 Jul 2009

Hugues Rich??s Grand Soleil 44, Spineck, was declared winner of the RORC Cowes ? Dinard – St. Malo Race after finishing the 164 mile course in less than 23 hours.

Since the Hotel arrived the shoreline of Lagos State, there had been raging controversies as to who owns it, with the Lagos State Government consistently denying ownership of the multi-million naira state of the art hotel now on the Lagoon.

The state government had publicised the arrival of the hotel in Lagos last year. While the hotel had been lying fallow ever since its arrival, the ownership of the hotel had been a subject of controversy as the newspapers have fed the public with diverse stories, especially attributing ownership of the hotel to the Lagos State government.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Opeyemi Bamide had last Sunday said the Yacht did not belong to the state government and that the government had not contributed a dime to its procurement while also debunking some media claims that the hotel belonged to the government.

He had said that at the appropriate time, the ownership of the hotel would be made known to the public.

However, at a meeting yesterday, between the state government officials and Diamond Capital Limited, a subsidiary of Diamond Bank Nigeria Plc, the bank laid claims to ownership of the Yacht.

After a meeting chaired by the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to resolve the various issues surrounding the hotel, the Managing Director of Diamond Capital Limited, Mr. Tony Onwu confirmed that the Lagos State Government and the taxpayers in the state had no hand or financial commitment to the hotel.

According to a statement read by Onwu, “Lagos State Government and the taxpayers in Lagos State do not have any financial commitment or otherwise to the entire investment that has brought this project this far.

“We are grateful to the governor for his wise counsel in ensuring the protection of what is a private enterprise between Diamond Capital Limited and its business customers.”

He said several issues relating to the commencement of operations of the Sunborn Yacht Hotel were discussed.

“We have every confidence in the programmes of the governor in ensuring conducive environment for commercial enterprises in Lagos State and we look forward to working with Lagos State in actualizing this dream.”

Special Adviser in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Sunny Ajose, said further mediatory meetings between Diamond Bank and their business customers concerning the Sunborn Yacht would still be convened at a later date to resolve some issues surrounding the hotel.

PSYCHIC BENEFIT. Fundraiser for homeless animals, with Maria Halvorsen, medium. “An Evening of Spirit Communication,” connecting to loved ones, Saturday, Oct. 17, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Memorial Middle School, 502 Cabot St., Beverly. Suggested donation $40 in advance (at www.friendsofbeverlyanimals.org or call Karen at 978-922-3148 or Janice at 978-969-1921). $45 at the door.

WALK FOR AUTISM. “One Piece at a Time,” team of 20 walkers including Katie Manuel, of Beverly School for the Deaf/Children’s Center for Communication, participating in Walk for Autism, Sunday, Oct. 18, in East Boston. To join or support the team, contact Katie Manuel at 413-204-7456 or katiemanuel@beverlyschoolforthedeaf.org.

MEET THE DOGS. Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Petco, 239 Newburyport Turnpike, Topsfield. North East All Retriever Rescue, with retrievers for adoption, purebred and mixed Labs, goldens, golden mixes, and other retrievers from local shelters and owners who can no longer keep or care for their dogs. All NEARR dogs evaluated for temperament. www.nearr.com, 978-453-9567.

HOT TO TROT. Dance benefit for Windrush Farm, Boxford, therapeutic equitation programs. Starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, with friends of Salon Bogart and others, at the American Legion Hall, Manchester, and World Premier Band. Tickets $40 per person at Salon Bogart, 4A Summer St., Manchester, or by calling 978-525-3221.

OCTOBERFEST. Friday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m., Corinthian Yacht Club, 1 Nahant St. Beer, wine and food tasting from restaurants and beverage distributors, live and silent auctions. Fundraiser for Marblehead Chamber of Commerce and Marblehead Public Schools, through Magic Hat Thrift Shop. With Veterans Middle School Choral Group. All are welcome, tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Call 781-631-2868 or e-mail kkoch@marbleheadchamber.org.

INDOOR YARD SALE. Saturday, Oct. 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Centerville Improvement Society Hall, Essex Street, Beverly. Proceeds to benefit the Beverly High School Boys soccer team. Accepting donations Friday night from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information, call Kathy Surette at 978-927-2332.

“IPSWICH OPENS ITS DOORS.” Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ipswich Visitor Center, 36 S. Main St. Tickets $25 (tickets purchased online available that day at the center). Tour of 10 Ipswich homes, old, new, in between. Tickets at Institution for Savings (Ipswich), Ipswich Shellfish Fish Market, Ipswich Visitor Center or online at www.ipswichma.com/housetours. No children under 10, cameras, backpacks, food or packages allowed. Benefits the Ipswich Visitor Center. 978-356-8540.

Small spill ‘horrifies’ builder of giant yacht, prompts port move to tighten reporting rules — 10/16/09 -01:12 AM

Absentee councilman: Port Angeles candidate’s B.C. obligations would keep him away three months — 10/16/09 -01:12 AM

Alternative sled hill at Hurricane Ridge in works, park chief says — 10/16/09 -01:12 AM

Fall benefits, railroad history talks, carnivals and music are вкушавшем Peninsula this weekend.

Here’s a sample of what’s going on.

PORT ANGELES — The Park View Villas and Crestwood Convalescent Center second annual Harvest Benefit Dinner will feature food, entertainment, a raffle and door prizes Saturday.

The dinner will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St.,

Tickets are $10. They are available in advance and will be sold at the door.

Proceeds go to the senior center.

Cornish game hen, eggplant Parmesan, autumn squash soup and bread pudding will be served for dinner.

Entertainment will be by Luck of the Draw.

A raffle basket and door prizes will be presented.

Advance tickets are available at the center, as well as at Park View Villas, 1430 Park View Lane, and Crestwood Convalescent Center, 1116 E. Lauridsen Blvd.

PORT ANGELES — Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County will host “Soiree by the Sea” at the Port Angeles Yacht Club from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The fundraiser at the club at 1305 Marine Dr., will include a silent auction and complimentary hor d’oeuvres, wine and refreshments.

Items for the silent auction include a one-hour helicopter tour, a boat cruise, a two-night stay in a downtown Victoria condo, a personalized tour of the Dungeness Lighthouse and a full auto detail from Price Ford Lincoln Mercury.

Buttons and Bows will provide music.

Proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing for families in need throughout Clallam County.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 728 E. Front St., Port Angeles, and Graphic Detail, 577-B W. Washington St., Sequim.

Tickets also will be available at the door.

For tickets or for more information, phone the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 360-417-7543.

PORT TOWNSEND — The annual WAVE food drive is Saturday.

Now in its 24th year, the community food drive — WAVE stands for What a Valuable Experience — collects donated non-perishable food for food banks.

WAVE volunteers will meet at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church hall at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, then hit the streets at 10 a.m.

Although food can be placed in any kind of bag and left on the porch, QFC donates special bags for the drive.

The drive was started by members of the Jefferson County Ministerial Association as a way to fill food banks shelves before winter.

The drive also nets cash donations, which are used to buy food at discount prices.

The total last year, more than 10,000 pounds, accounted for more than a third of the foodstuffs dispensed by area food banks all last year, said Father John Topel of St. Mary’s.

SEQUIM ­– A train show and swap meet and talks on the history of railroading are scheduled in Sequim this weekend.

The North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders’ 10th annual train show and swap meet will be at the Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The train show will include three running layouts, two scale layouts, a hands-on layout for kids and a wooden model for kids, along with 27 railroad related items and memorabilia vendor tables.

In conjunction with the show, two talks will be presented at the Dungeness River Audubon Center at Railroad Bridge Park, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, Sequim.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, Steve Hauff will present “A History of Railroading & Logging in Eastern Clallam County,” an illustrated talk on the many logging rail operations and the trains that brought timber to market.

At 3 p.m. Sunday, Ken Wiersema will present “A History of the Dungeness Railroad Bridge,” an illustrated talk on Howe trusses, building the bridge and the transition into a public park and natural history site.

Suggested donation is $5 for each talk.

Proceeds will be shared by the River Center and North Olympic Peninsula Railroaders.

For more information about the speakers, contact the center at 360-681-4076, or visit www.dungenessrivercenter.org .

For more information about the train show, phone the group’s president, Lauren Scrafford, at 360-379-3280, or visit www.nop-modelrr.com .

PORT TOWNSEND — The winner of the Bling Your Bra contest will be unveiled during a Passionately Pink for a Cure fundraiser Sunday.

The benefit for breast cancer research will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harborside Inn, 33 Benedict St., Port Townsend.

The event — which will include craft tables, a bake sale and a raffle, as well as decorated bras — is sponsored by Crafts Cottage in Port Townsend.

Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The public can vote for the best decorated bra by putting quarters in the cups.

For more information, phone 360-385-0708 or go to www.craftscottage.com .

BLYN — The Tribal Edge primal arts training center will offer a wilderness survival course on its campus off U.S. Highway 101 in Blyn on Saturday.

The course — which costs $80, with the fee including dinner — will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is open to adults and youth 12 and up, while children under 12 may attend with parents.

To register, or for information, click on www.tribaledge.info or phone 360-683-7641.

PORT ANGELES — Free shredding of your old personal papers will be offered at First Federal, 1603 E. First St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The shredding will be done by LeMay Mobile Shredding.

Papers to be shredded can include old tax returns, account statements or any paperwork with account or Social Security numbers or other personal information on them.

First Federal security personnel will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on identity theft.

There is no charge for the shredding.

SEQUIM — A public safety fair will take place at the Guy Cole Convention Center, 615 N. Fifth Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The fair, hosted by the Sequim Police Department, will include crime prevention, emergency preparedness and a variety of public safety booths provided by 30 public service agencies.

There will also be police, fire and emergency vehicles.

For more information, phone the Sequim police department at 360-683-7227.

SEQUIM — The Stardust Big Band and the Sequim High Jazz Band will perform at Sequim High School, 601 N. Sequim Ave. at 5:45 p.m. Saturday.

The event will include music, dancing, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages.

The event will help raise money for the high school’s band program.

The cost is $15 a person, $25 a couple.

Tickets are available at the high school administration office and at the door.

PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula Pre-3 Co-Op 12th annual Harvest Carnival will be held at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The carnival will include a bake sale, silent auctions, a raffle, photo key chain booth, cake walk, crafts and play areas.

Pizza and drinks also will be available for purchase.

Admission is $4 for adults and children are $3, families of 4 or more are $14.

SEQUIM — A guided bicycle tour will wend its way along the Olympic Discovery Trail on Saturday.

The free tour will begin at 9 a.m. at Robin Hill County Park, in the Pinnell Road parking lot, in Sequim.

The tour will be guided by Stewardship Manager Lorrie Campbell of the North Olympic Land Trust. Riders are to bring their own bicycles, helmets, water and sack lunches.

Covering about 14 miles, riders will visit four conservation easement properties and one property owned by the land trust.

For more information, phone the land trust office at 360-417-1815.

PORT HADLOCK — “Sunfield’s Magical Pumpkin Patch” will be held at Sunfield Farm and Waldorf School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, as well as on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

The carnival at the school at 10903 Rhody Drive in Port Hadlock will have pumpkins available and live music by Harmonica Pocket, fiddler Tony Goldenberg, Rhythm Planet and harpist Paula Lalish as well as baked goods, storytelling and seasonal crafts.

Children can interact with farm animals.

Admission is $4 per person.

Proceeds will be used to support Sunfield educational programs.

PORT ANGELES — Olympic Gentle Paws is looking for children to read to dogs at the Port Angeles library, 2210 S. Peabody St., from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Youngsters can bring a book or read from one of the books in the library.

SEQUIM — Members of the Sequim High School football team and other fall sports teams will be collecting food for the Sequim Food Bank at the Sequim Safeway, забытым. Washington, from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Items needed are food, personal hygiene items, baby or household items.

Financial donations also will be accepted.

All donations will go to the Sequim Food Bank.

For more information, phone Christine Paulsen at 361-461-1866.

FORKS — Survivors of domestic violence will tell their stories at JT’s Sweet Stuffs today.

The event, for adults only, will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the candy store at 120 S. Forks Ave.

It is sponsored by the Forks Abuse Program, which also has placed silver silhouettes around town during October.

SEQUIM — A benefit concert for the Sequim Senior Activity Center is planned Saturday.

The Sequim Health and Rehabilitation concert, with music by the Diamond Experience, will be at 7 p.m. at the Sequim High School auditorium, 601 N. Sequim Ave.

A silent auction will start at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the senior center, 921 E. Hammond St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Reserved seating is $35. General admission is $25.

PORT ANGELES — White Crane Martial Arts will present three martial arts seminars this weekend.

The seminars at 129 W. First St., Port Angeles, will cost $25 per person. Spectators can watch for free.

The first seminar will feature Judo. It will be led by O Sensei R.J. Luedtke from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The second seminar, featuring Ku Ki Won Poomse, will be led by Taekwondo grandmaster R. A. Nicholls from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The third seminar, the first annual Gumdo Sword Seminar, will be led by grandmaster J.P. Wood at noon Sunday.

For more information, phone 360-477-4926, or visit www.whitecranetkd.org .

No comments.

Login to post a comment   [ You must be registered to comment ]

From the PDN:

All materials Copyright © 2009 Horvitz Newspapers. • Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Associated Press Copyright Notice • Contact Us

The U.S. Multihull Championship for the Hobie Alter Cup has become one of the nation?s premier sailing championships, having featured world champions from numerous classes, Olympic medalists and several national champions. Former Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member, Paige Railey, from Clearwater will compete for this year?s championship.

Five days of racing in the Gulf of Mexico will be run by the Clearwater Yacht Club Race Committee. The F-16 Vipers will start from and return to the south end of the beautiful Sand Key Park beach. The teams will return to the beach after each race, to switch teams and boats. Half of the teams will remain on shore during each race.

Spectators are welcome to watch the action, free of charge, and meet the sailors who have earned the privilege to compete through qualifying events.

The championship is sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A., Pinellas County Sports Authority, Doyle Ploch Sails, Salt Rock Grill, Island Way Grill, Rumba Grill, Marlin Darlin, Sheraton Sand Key and West Marine.

All gunds from the regatta will go to the 501 C-3 Clearwater Community Sailing Association.