420 sailboat parts

Club 420 Sailboat Parts

Club 420 ClamCleat Keeper

Club 420 Ring Ding

Club 420 Bailer Guard SS60 PrNew '22

Club 420 Cover 420 Hull w/Drain

Club 420 Retainer C420 Mast w/Cleat

Club 420 Rudder rigged C420 WhiteV2

Club 420 Tiller C420 w/36" LP width

Club 420 Tiller C420 Al LP width

Club 420 Shim Rudder C420 LP Extr

Club 420 Ring Ding bag 0f 10

Club 420 Hiking Strap Web 420E

Club 420 Traveller bar end mount RAC

Club 420 Shackle D 5mm

Club 420 Trapeze wire C420 *wire only*

Club 420 Sail Spinnaker C420 BK & WH

Club 420 Block 20mm Single Standup

Club 420 Clevis pin3/16"10 bag w/ring

Club 420 Clevis pin 1/4"x110pk w/ring

Club 420 Spare parts Kit 420 Pro

Club 420 Spare parts Kit 420

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420 Inter Sailboat Parts & Equipment

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Harken 40mm Carbo T2 Auto Ratchet Block

3/16 x 5/8 clevis pin.

US One-Design

US One-Design C420 Sail Bag

1/4" x 11/16" Clevis Pin

1/4" x 5/8" Clevis Pin

C420 Bow Line/ Tow line

Beckson Drain Plug

C420 Halyard Cleat

RUDDER HEAD 6MM PIVOT BOLT RWO

Upper Pintle, Zim C420

Lower Pintle, Zim C420

Spinlock Rig Sense Tension Gauge

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We have put the boat on this trolley but not yet used it for launch and recovery. First impressions are very good, It fits together well and is super easy to assemble - it's made to put together and take apart fast if you want to put it in a vehicle etc. It is very lightweight which should be a boon launching and recovering the boat - at the same time it looks strong and well made. Being aluminium we won't have a rust problem either. I was impressed how it fits perfectly wherever it supports the boat. So assuming it performs well in use we are pleased we got this. Very helpful guy on the phone and it came quickly so all good, thanks,

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Top 420 Replacement Parts

Top 420 Replacement Parts by Bo Williams, Sales Manager

Here at Zim Sailing we're channeling our inner Kenneth Grahame, Author of The Wind in the Willows, and encouraging all sailors out there to uncover their sailboats, give them a good bath and start to tinker for the upcoming season. After all, "There is NOTHING - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."

I decided to look at our Top 420 Replacement Parts so folks could see the highest volume replacement parts we sell and use it as a guide to look through their boat and equipment to see what work needs to be done. 

Roller Pin for Spin Guy

The beauty of the roller pin is that it has eliminated the need for guy hooks, which break and bend all the time and are a pain to replace. Our roller pins fit the Zim and LP/Vanguard shroud adjusters. As time as moved on, people have removed guy hooks or stopped using them and started to use these exclusively, which is why they're such a high volume replacement part.  Click this link to see the Roller Pin for Spin Guy on our online store .

Hiking Straps

420 hiking straps get used hard, and you need to make sure they're in good shape, so you don't end up in the drink. Because they're exposed to the elements and used hard, they typically need to be replaced regularly.  Click here to see the 420 hiking strap on our online store.

Sails - Main, Jib, Spin

There's nothing like a new set of sails! Avid racers usually replace sails once a year or once every other year, depending on how often they sail and what conditions they're sailing in. Jibs typically wear out faster and may want to be replaced more frequently.  Click here to see our 420 sails on our online store .

Spinnakers are generally paid attention to less than the main and jib sail, but they're just as important and should also be replaced on an annual or bi-annual basis for avid racers. Here at Zim, we have the most extensive offering of 420 spinnakers, and we love bringing some color into the sport. My personal favorites that we offer are the Stars and Stripes Spin and the Rainbow Spin.  Click here to see our 420 spins on our online store. If you're feeling creative, you can also get your own custom 420 spinnaker. Lead times are usually around 6-8 weeks.  Click here to see the custom 420 spinnaker options on our online store.

Forestay, Shrouds

Standing rigging is a critical component of your boat and should be inspected frequently. If you see any corrosion, discoloration, or unraveling, it means it's time to replace. Here at Zim, we have three 420 shrouds that we sell. 

1.) Standard shroud for Zim Club 420's -  click here to see the standard shrouds on our online store. 

2.) Shrouds for Vanguard/LP/PS2000 420's -  click here to see the Vanguard/LP/PS2000 shrouds on our online store.

3.) Shrouds for Zim ZFORCE C420's that use the link plate shroud adjusters. The link plates and the link plate shrouds allow sailors to adjust their rig tension while on the water safely. These are becoming something that almost all avid racers are installing on their boats and should be considered by anyone actively racing the club 420.  Click here to see the link plate shrouds. Click here to see the link plates.

Shroud Adjusters, Shroud Adjuster Covers

Shroud adjusters are a commonly replaced item. It seems to me that they're damaged frequently from collisions, traveling/towing, or improper use (pins not installed correctly, faulty pins, etc.). We sell two shroud adjusters: 

1.) Zim Shroud Adjuster -  click here to see the Zim shroud adjuster on our online store.

2.) Vanguard/LP Shroud Adjuster -  click here to see the Vanguard/LP shroud adjuster on our online store.

Also pictured above is our shroud adjuster cover, which I highly recommend to make sure your shroud adjusters and related pins and ring dings are covered.  Click here to see our shroud adjuster cover on our online store.

Gasket Sets 

Gasket sets get worn out over time from frequent use and should be replaced regularly. Here at Zim, we sell two types of gasket sets: 

1.) Avid racers typically prefer the mylar gasket set that comes on all our 420's.  Click here to see the mylar gasket set on our online store.

2.) Dacron Sailcloth gasket set is typically preferred by club-owned boats.  Click here to see the dacron sailcloth gasket set on our online store.

Also pictured above is our aluminum gasket retainers.  Click here to see our aluminum gasket retainers on our online store. 

Complete Tillers, Tiller Extensions, and Universals 

From time to time tillers, tiller extensions, and tiller universals break, bend, or get lost. Our 420's come standard with a 36" extension but we also over a complete tiller with a 33" extension:

1.)  Click here to see our complete 420 tiller with a 36" extension.

2.)  Click here to see our complete 420 tiller with a 33" extension.

We have tiller extensions in a ton of sizes on our website here are the links to the 36" and the 33" extensions: 

1.)  Click here to see our 36" tiller extension.

2.) Click here to see our 33" tiller extension.

Tiller universals are something that should be inspected frequently and replaced regularly.  Click this link to see our tiller universal on our online store.

Spinnaker Poles

Spin poles are commonly lost when sailors capsize. Here at Zim, we sell two spin poles. 

1.) Our tapered spin pole is preferred by avid racers and is lighter weight.  Click here to see our tapered 420 spin pole on our online store.

2.) Our club spin pole is preferred by sailing programs. It's a bit heavier than the tapered spin pole, and it has floatation inside of it.  Click here to see our club 420 spin pole on our online store . 

Spreader Sets

Spreaders are sometime's damaged but more frequently lost in the shuffle of rigging and de-rigging boats and traveling/towing to regattas etc.  Click here to see our spreader set on our online store. 

Spinnaker Bags

Last but not least, another frequently replaced part is the 420 spinnaker bag. These can eventually break down from UV or get ripped etc. It's important they're in good working order so spinnaker hoists go off without a hitch.  Click here to see our spinnaker bags on our online store.

As always please feel free to call or email us anytime! We're looking forward to hearing from you and helping you get prepped for the upcoming season! 

Bo Williams

Sales Manager

[email protected]

• #Bo Williams

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

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Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
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ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

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The ‘black swan’ sinking of the bayesian.

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Divers of the Vigili del Fuoco, the Italian Corps. of Firefighters work in Porticello near Palermo, ... [+] on August 21, 2024 two days after the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian sank. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

The storm-related sinking on Monday, August 20, 2024, off the northern coast of Sicily of the British-flagged superyacht the Bayesian has been called a “black swan” event. What does that term mean, and why is it being used now given that oceanic storms are common?

The term was coined by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh who, in 1697, was surprised to find darkly plumed swans in Australia. At the time, Europeans thought all swans were white. Originally signifying any startling statistical improbability , Vlamingh’s term took on darker meaning when, in 1921, economist Nassim Nicholas Taleb used it in reference to unlikely and unanticipated financial calamities. The meaning of “black swan” continued to generalize, and today it’s being used in reference to the Bayesian tragedy. According to the New York Times and the Independent , twenty-two people were onboard the superyacht when it sank. Twelve were crew members. The remaining were celebrating a recent court victory of British tech mogul Mike Lynch, who had been accused of fraud when he sold his company to Hewlett Packard for $11 billion.

Fifteen people — including a mother and her one-year-old baby — survived by swimming to a raft. The body of the onboard chef Ricardo Thomas was found early in the search for survivors. Since then, CNN reports that the bodies of five of the following six people have been found: Mike Lynch; Lynch’s daughter Hannah; Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer; Bloomer’s wife, Judy; Lynch’s lawyer Chris Morvillo; and Morvillo’s wife, Neda. No names other than that of Thomas have been released.

While no official pronouncement about cause has been made, media are widely reporting that the Bayesian’s “black swan” event seems likely to have been a waterspout. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), waterspouts are ocean- or lake-based tornadoes that can originate either in storm clouds, in which case they descend to the water, or in the water, in which case they ascend to the clouds. Indeed, the New York Times has reported that a few early morning fishermen saw a waterspout over the yacht. Even so, no certainty is at hand. According to the Times , speculations include the possibility that lightning from the storm struck the yacht’s tall aluminum mast and caused a catastrophic shock that defeated electrical systems and sank the boat. Regardless of how the storm sank the ship, CNN has reported that a villa owner on shore reviewed CCTV security footage from his home and said that it took fewer than 60 seconds for the ship go to down.

Tornadoes aren’t unusual — certainly not in the United States, which has more than any other country. (NOAA pegs the number of reported tornadoes in the United States in 2022 at 1,329. Most occurred in “tornado alley” or, more specifically, all or parts of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, Montana, Ohio, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and New York.) Tornadoes and waterspouts may not be as common elsewhere in the world, but they’re not unusual in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Quoting AtmosphericG2 , a company that provides historical and forecast weather data to traders, Bloomberg.com reports that about 100 tornadoes a year strike Italy. Seventy percent are waterspouts.

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Given that tornadoes and waterspouts are not startling statistical improbabilities for Italy, why would a waterspout sinking a superyacht off the shore of Sicily be considered a “black swan?”

Granted, it’s a catchy term for a tornado forming without warning immediately over a superyacht carrying principal players from a lawsuit only recently in the news. “Black swan” sounds about right — but only if the waterspout formed almost miraculously over the boat, did its deadly business with astonishing speed, and disappeared. We may eventually learn that that’s what happened.

Meanwhile, the storm pattern over Italy continues. MSN.com is reporting that storm alerts are in place in “Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria and part of Sicily.”

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