44th Rolex Fastnet Race: Prestigious Sailing Challenge Begins August 14

IROMIGUY, FRA, Jean-Yves Chateau, IRC 3 Rolex Fastnet Race 2005 Daniel Forster ROLEX

The Rolex Fastnet Race is the next thrilling event in the AORS series. The registered fleet is comprised of 350 spectacular entrants possessing individual quality and diversity that is no less than breathtaking. With an impressive fleet of inspiring and exhilarating yachts, the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race is destined to maintain the event’s prestigious tradition.

RAMBLER and ICAP LEOPARD, sailing around the Fastnet Rock: Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The Rolex Fastnet Race commences from Cowes on Sunday 14 August. Ambitious crews hope to finish after only one or two nights at sea, but many are likely to spend closer to a week in potentially punishing conditions. In 2007, Mike Slade`s Farr-designed 100ft Maxi, ICAP Leopard (GBR) crossed the Rolex Fastnet Race finish line in an incredible elapsed time of 1 day 20 hours 18 minutes.

RAN rounding Fastnet Rock

This year the fastest boat on the water will be the 100-foot trimaran, Banque Populaire (FRA), which just broke the round the Britain Isles record by almost a day and a half. However, the much anticipated battle for monohull line honors will between ICAP Leopard, first elapsed-time finisher in the past two editions, and arch-rivals George David’s Rambler 100, which eased to line honors in the 2011 Transatlantic Race after ICAP Leopard lost her bowsprit.

BEAU GESTE rounding Fastnet Rock

No less than six Volvo 70s will be competing, including Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Groupama IV (FRA). The Mini Maxi class includes defending Rolex Fastnet handicap winner, the 72 ft. Rán (GBR), 68 ft. Alegre (GBR), a fantastic campaigner in the Mediterranean in recent seasons. American challengers include the STP65 Vanquish, and the Reichel-Pugh 66 Zaraffa, who like ICAP Leopard and Rambler 100 competed in the Transatlantic Race.

The main trophy for overall victory in the Rolex Fastnet is the Fastnet Challenge Cup. In addition, there are more than 30 additional trophies that will be awarded at the prize giving on Friday, 19 August at the historic Royal Citadel, home of the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, overlooking Plymouth Sound and Sutton Harbour, where the majority of the fleet will berth.

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French Superyacht Builder JFA Delivers Luxury Charter Yacht AXANTHA II

Axantha II: Photo credit JFA

French superyacht builder JFA Chantier Naval has delivered AXANTHA II, a 141ft luxury yacht built for charter that is destined to create big waves on the Mediterranean circuit this season. AXANTHA II is an all-aluminum expedition yacht designed by the renowned Dutch firm of Vripack. The yacht features 340m2 of interior space and expansive deck spaces that include a characteristically massive foredeck.

Axantha II Main Saloon: Photo Credit B. Muncke JFA

Luxury superyacht AXANTHA II is endowed with stylish interiors that reflect a lavish nautical stateliness through the use of a color palette in shades of blue and the generous application of stained cherry wood paneling, teak or douka sole and bold wenge accents. Accommodations are for 11 guests in five ensuite staterooms all located on the lower deck.

AXANTHA II is engineered for long distance cruising with reduced fuel consumption. Powered by two 750hp Cummins engines and three Onan generators, AXANTHA II attains a cruising speed of 12.5 knots and has an impressive 8,000nm range. Based in Nice this summer, the yacht is available for cruising the Western Mediterranean at weekly rates starting from €140,000 during the high season.

L.O.A.: 43 m

LWL: 38.8 m

B.O.A. 8.75 m

Draft: 2.5m

Displacement: 305 t half load

Engines: 2x 750 Hp

Gensets: 2x 80 kW + 1x 50 kW

Cruise speed: 12.5 knots

Range: 7995 nm à 11.3 knots

Capacity: 11 guests

8 crew members

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Mar Mostro winners of IRC Class One and IRC Overall for the Transatlantic Race 2011

PUMA Ocean Racing Team: photo courtesy of PUMA

PUMA’s Mar Mostro is not only the second boat across the Transatlantic Race 2011 finish line at The Lizard on the south coast of England (at 05:40 UTC on July 11) but also the current overall standings leader based on corrected time.

Skipper Ken Read and crew completed the 2,975 nautical mile course in 7 days, 11 hours and 40 minutes.  After careful calculations, the race committee has confirmed that none of the 24 yachts still racing has a mathematical probability of beating PUMA’s Mar Mostro on corrected time, and they shall be declared provisional winners of IRC Class One and IRC Overall for the Transatlantic Race 2011.
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Princess Yachts Receives RINA Green Plus (Y) Notation for V Class and Flybridge Yachts

Princess 78 Flybridge

Today, UK boatbuilder Princess Yachts has been awarded the RINA Green Plus notation for its eco-friendly line of V Class and Flybridge yachts. The award provides an independently verified environmental accreditation from the Italian classification society RINA and applies to each individual model that is assessed for its environmental impact.  The rigorous testing investigates all aspects of the craft from engines and electrical systems to materials and substances employed and Princess are the first brand to demonstrate the compliance of every vessel applicable for the process.

Princess also adheres to responsible manufacturing practices and in 2010

Princess 85 Flybridge

became the first major motor yacht manufacturer to be awarded ISO14001 in recognition of achievements in reducing environmental impact.  The award process requires a review of every aspect of the company’s manufacturing activities, products and services, from materials usage, noise and emissions, to energy management and waste disposal.

Princess V78

A significant part of the company’s environmental initiative is the use of large scale resin infusion technology, a closed mold process that almost completely eliminates emissions in the workplace and local environment. This advanced technique also offers significant quality, weight and structural benefits resulting in better hull performance and fuel efficiency.

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Transatlantic Race 2011 Rambler 100 LINE HONORS

Record holding Rambler 100 (photo credit TR2011/Mark Lloyd)

Rambler 100, skippered by George David (Hartford, Conn.) crossed the finish line of the Transatlantic Race 2011 on Sunday 10th July at 16h 08m UTC.

Elapsed time for Rambler 100 was 6d 22h 08m 2s.

It has established a new record for the 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport, RI to Lizard Point, South Cornwall, UK, which is to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

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