Foxall is back in Ireland this month attending the Maritime Ball at Dun Laoghaire, hosted by the Ocean Youth trust, but also to finalise plans for an entry into the Extreme 40 circuit.
Captivated by the ultra-light catamarans that are racing in the heart of Europe’s major cities, Foxall says he would like to be the first Irish entry.
The 40s are estimated to reach speeds of 35–knots on flat water when wind speeds reach 20 knots. They will also fly a hull in as little as eight knots.
Foxall believes the ‘high octane’ circuit has a lot of potential because racing takes place in the heart of Europe’s financial districts and represents a commercial proposition for blue chip companies.
The Extreme 40, say its promoters, has been created to fill a huge gap in Grand Prix sailboat racing.
The concept is a simple easy to sail, light-weight, full carbon fibre boat, which will fit inside a normal 40ft shipping container on its own road trailer.
The circuit has a dozen teams – including some America’s cup teams – in operation, and the high-speed aspect of the racing really appeals to the Kerry Round the World professional.
Meanwhile, in perhaps Irish sailing’s worst kept secret, Foxall is to join Ireland’s Green Team boat for the Volvo Ocean race, but an official announcement of his appointment is not expected until May.
He says he is happy with any position he is given on the Irish entry as long as he can “contribute to making the boat go as fast as possible”.
But before he heads off round the world again, expect to see him on the Liffey or the Lee at high speed if this next extreme project comes off.
Having completed eight Round the World races in the last eight years, this summer Barcelona World race hero Damian Foxall is staying inshore.
Published in News From the Afloat.ie Archive
Published in
News From the Afloat.ie Archive
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