With new Velum sails, sizzling new wrap and seasoned crew eager to add to recent wins, The Boat Works Extreme 40 will be a hot contender at the 2018 Hamilton Island Race Week, 18 to 25 August.
The sizzling speedster, owned by motor racing legend and owner of The Boat Works, Tony Longhurst, is taking on the racing multihulls again, hoping to replicate results of 2016, when it took line honours and gave sponsors and celebrities such as Champion surfer, Layne Beachley and Wallaby George Gregan a taste of racing on foils.
Decked out in slick new wrap by Print Image Signs and 3M, the livery reflects the bright orange decal of the Bathurst-winning BMA M4 GT4, The Boat Works Extreme 40 is also sporting new sails through Ben Kelly of Quantum Sails, available through Sea Spray Marine onsite at The Boat Works.
As Ben Kelly explains: “The new sails are a new product called ‘Velum’, unique to Quantum. It’s a jet-black super-strong taffeta over the carbon fibre sails. The idea is to create a fresh new look, enhance performance and increase durability, still in a grand prix product.”
In March, with the new sails, The Boat Works Extreme 40 won the RQYS Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta.
“The boat performed well, we were able to lower the rating through optimizing the new sail designs, compared to what the standard boat had, and tailor the designs to our Australian racing environment,” adds Ben.
This year, team’s sole focus will be on bringing home the silverware. Helmed by Julian Griffiths, owner of Noosa Marine, the crew comprises Zebb Peters, Max Marian, Ben Kelly and Tony Longhurst. They will look as sharp as their boat in full racing kit (and onshore apparel) from Sail Racing thanks to the team at Quality Marine Clothing.
Skipper, Julian Griffiths, said he was looking forward to returning to the Hamo circuit in BOat WorAugust.
“Hamilton Island Race Week has a great atmosphere, excellent track, incredible scenery, awesome onshore events and it’s a great place to network with sponsors, clients and industry. Everybody’s in the one spot at the one time. You can make a holiday out of it as well, which is great for partners and families.
“There are some strong boats in the racing cats class, such Morticia, as well as Ave Gitana and Romanza from NZ. Some of the best multihull sailors will be competing in this year’s regatta and we’re looking forward to sailing against them.
“As far as the Extreme 40 goes, it’s at the top of its level, with new sails, experienced crew all fully prepped on the boat. We feel comfortable with our team work and the new sails have made the boat more manageable, which is a help.”
EXTREME 40’ specs;
§ High tech production tech – Finest carbon rigs – carbon fibre one design
§ Originally from the World Extreme Sailing series circuit – ex Denmark SAP sponsored vessel
§ Short inshore Grand Prix style racing
§ Speed & style – estimated to reach speeds of 30knt on flat water in around 20-25 knots of wind
§ They will fly the hull in as little as 8knots an exciting spectacle
§ The boat fits in a 40’ shipping container and can be assemble around 6hrs for 3 crew
§ Highest quality construction built entirely in an autoclave from prepare carbon fibre with a nomex core
§ Incredible to watch with great emphasis on the enjoyment for the spectators giving them the thrill of what its like to sail this Extreme 40
§ The excitement of a beach cat yet the power of an ocean racing multihull
§ Boat specs – LOA 40’ | 26’ beam | displacement 1250kg | mast height 62ft | mainsail 75msq | jib 25msg | gennaker 78msg | top speed 30kts
§ Boat designer – Tyves Loday in collaboration with TornadoSport
§ Boat Builder – Marstrom composite
Hamilton Island Race Week
