Entries for Julys ACC Bank Cork Week are already stacking up, and in addition to a rush into the Laser SB3 Class at the south end of the size band, theres a formidable line-up of seriously-raced big boats.
The word is that Numbers, Daniel Meyers new Judel-Vrolik-designed 66-footer which was the star of Key West Regatta at the end of January (with Colm Barringtons TP 52 Flash Glove next in line), will be making the scene at the Royal Cork.
Theres also distinct interest from Roger Sturgeon, the Florida-based owner of Rosebud, the 65ft Farr-designed flyer which made an impressive debut by winning the Sydney-Hobart Race. And the mighty 90ft. Rambler, which American George David enthusiastically campaigns with Kenny Read in command, is also coming to Ireland in July.
Rambler is on a roll. She became overall winner of the Buenos Aires-Rio Race in February; the south Atlantic classic in which the big boat took line honours set a new course record, and she took the overall handicap win with other boats still at sea.
Back in November, Rambler did the same three-way slice with the Middle Sea race out of Malta. But before that, in August, she had to be content with the bridesmaids role in the Fastnet Race, beaten by two hours for the top prize by Ger ORourkes Farr-designed Cookson 50 Chieftain.
Theres a new Chieftain on the way. And after that great Fastnet win, its a matter of international speculation as to which way the ORourke attention is focused. One line of thought is that its going to be a Farr 66, a development of Rosebud. Others tell us that it will be a Judel-Vrolijk 68, drawing on the Numbers success at Key West. Either way, its going to be a massive achievement to improve on that historic Fastnet win.
Published in News From the Afloat.ie Archive
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News From the Afloat.ie Archive
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