WOW! New TP52 "Georgia" Launched in Auckland, New Zealand

Thursday 8 October 2009

New TP52 "Georgia" Launched in Auckland, New Zealand

The newest edition to New Zealand's Auckland Yacht Racing Scene was  launched today outside Emirates Team New Zealand. ‘Georgia’, is the sixth boat by the same name built  for Auckland QC Jim Farmer, and will take part in several of the major New Zealand Sailing Events over the coming Summer Season. She is a sister ship to Emirates Team New Zealand's Audi Med Cup winning yacht -  A Transpac 52 or, as they are better known, a TP52, designed by Marcelino Botin, and built by Mick Cookson.  The same hull mould was used with some alterations to qualify the boat to race under IRC Rules.

The two boats are almost identical until you look more closely. Outside Georgia's decks are conspicuously free of hardware as special attention has been given to running all halyards below decks. The ropes emerge on either side of the companionway and are controlled with two sets of vertically mounted rope clutches at the front of  the cockpit.

With hydraulic winches replacing the traditional manual winch pedestals, the boat could be sailed with as few as eight crew  instead of the usual sixteen. Jim hopes this means he will miss out on fewer races as large crews are not always easy to find.

If the exterior is impressive in its clean and spacious deck area, The interior is stunning by comparison. Jim is a firm believer that a racing boat does not have to be uncomfortable or dull. Neither adjective applies to this interior, in fact stunning and amazing are more likely words to spring to mind. Though not everyone's cup of tea, No one could walk away unimpressed by the interior layout and design of this boat.

Bold use of colour, carbon and lighting have created an exciting interior that astounds as you go below decks. Bright red leather squabs run the length of the boat on both sides, providing stark contrast to the soft edged silver cabinetry and black carbon galley fittings and trim. The flooring, while still skid resistant is a feature in itself and accentuates the length of the boats interior, pulling together the varying features that make this boat's interiors so unusual - beautiful and yet practical.

Jim has made compromises in the design to allow for more space inside, but in doing so has created a sleek and comfortable living space, which still caters for the needs of an offshore race crew. The removal of some of the interior ballast has meant that the boat carries a heavier than normal bulb on a traditional keel. The boat is still expected to reach 25 knots, and with 350 square meters of sail area, there is much anticipation to see her out on the water and going through her paces.

In two weeks she takes part in the HSBC Coastal Classic, the biggest event in New Zealand sailing with over 140 yachts entered in the annual race from Auckland to Russell in the Bay of Islands - a distance of 125 nautical miles. The race is expected to gain plenty of attention with Neville Crichton's Transpac winning Alfa Romeo entered and expected to make a serious attempt at breaking  the race record.

Georgia will also compete in the Bay of Islands Sailing Week regatta, where the 1st division will provide plenty of exciting racing with the inclusion of Alan Brierty's 'Limit', winner of the Auckland to Noumea 2009 Race. Auckland BMW Regatta and The IRC Nationals in Wellington are also on her calendar with a trip across the Tasman planned  to compete in the 2010 Hamilton Island Regatta.

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Tags: TP52 Georgia ETNZ Emirates Team_New_Zealand Auckland NZ Botin Cookson