Foxall is back in Ireland next week 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. The boat 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 appeals to the Kerry
Round the World professional.
But before he heads off round the world again – most likely as a watch leader on Ireland's entry into the Volvo Ocean race – expect to see him on the Liffey or the Lee at high speed if this next extreme project comes off.
