RECENT NEWS
 

Loki and McConaghy - Winners at Hamilton Island

The McConaghy built Loki 63' won the IRC Grand Prix division at Hamilton Island, and became the 2010 Audi IRC Australian champion.

Since Loki's launch in 2008 Stephen Ainsworth and his crew have been going from strength to strength. This year they have taken this Reichel Pugh design to victory in two of the main offshore races and have put up a fantastic performance in Hamilton Island with five wins out of nine races in IRC Grand Prix.

Winning the Hamilton Island week also meant the crew won three out of the four Audi IRC Australian championship events, and therefore snatched the overall victory.

Darren Senogles - Captain of Loki was over the moon when we spoke to him earlier today and he had this to say about  the boat "it is awesome, everyone comments when we are out sailing, it is so reliable and a credit to McConaghy's and the crew who maintain it. The Southport race was great, and held up well on the first night, it also did really well in the lighter conditions when we got to Hamo, we have a really great all round boat"

McConaghy's would like to congratulate the crew of Loki on their fantastic win.

Image courtesy of Christophe Launay
 

 

The Australian Nathan Outteridge wins the SYZ & CO MOTH EUROPEANS in the Open category, in front of the American Bora Gulari and the Australian Scott Babbage. The British Simon Payne is the European Champion before the two Swiss Arnaud Psarofaghis and Matthias Renker. Two superb regattas finished a splendid week today, with Bora Gulari winning the first one and Nathan Outteridge the second one.

Summer heat, "Lord of the Rings"’ like landscape, amazing sun, blue skies, one had it all for the last day of the competition except for… the wind. But the competitors did not have to wait for too long. Finally the Maloja wind rose, weaker and more irregular, between 10 and 15 knots, and allowed a start at 2.05 pm.

Nathan Outteridge explains his day: "I was not very good in the first race. I was winning, but I made a mistake on a tack and Bora and Simon took advantage of it and overtook me. Then, I managed to pass Simon again, but not Bora. Between the two races, Bora told me he was not feeling too well and that he was thinking of giving up the second race. He nevertheless tried, but had to stop. I still decided to go on full speed, because I wanted to win the last race of the championship." He continues: "I am happy because I got much closer to Bora. I changed boat and material and I feel much nearer to Bora. I was second at the World Championships in the USA last year, but I was not as close. I intend to participate in the next year’s Worlds at home in Australia and hopefully I will win again! " The Australian is a great champion, no doubt. He started to sail the moth hardly two years ago, but he is seriously concentrating on preparing the Olympic Games with the 49er. Moreover, he explains he had just won the "Sail for Gold", a leg of the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Wheymouth, South of England. He then drove all night long to get into Engadin on time and to win the European Championships! "A successful trip!"

In bad shape after a food poisoning last night, Bora Gulari nevertheless managed to win the first race, but did not finish the second: "I did not have the strength to finish the second race. I am however happy with my second place, because I decided to come here a last minute. I’m going back home and will get ready for the next World Championships in Australia and I intend to take my revenge on Nathan!"

Arnaud Psarofaghis who finishes second of the European Championship explains: "I had no speed today. I fought more against my boat than against the other competitors. I could not really go for it." He continues: "The week was fantastic, with very varied and very tactical conditions. It was fantastic to sail with the other competitors, we had so much fun! " What is coming next? "I will get ready for the World championships in Australia and I will carry on with the D35 season on Lake Geneva."

"I am really happy, it has been a fantastic year for me so far! " says the new European champion, Simon Payne, just off his boat. "Three important victories this year, the World Championships, the British Nationals and now the European championships, I am really happy! " Let’s remember some of Simon’s achievements, as this is his 5th European championship victory and he has been World champion already twice (2006 and 2010).

How did the duel with Arnaud go today? "I had a good day, also I was not very fast down-wind. I was very carefully watching Arnaud’s position. I sailed in a very conservative way, in particular in the second race, when the general recall and the black flag was announced. I made a very careful start, but I succeeded to overtake Arnaud at the last mark. »

Jean-Pierre Ziegert, organizer and President of the Swiss Moth class is happy: "I was hoping for superb championships, but the reality went beyond all my hopes. The weather conditions, the number of races, the quality of the navigation on the water, the atmosphere, all has been there. The week has been extraordinary. I couldn’t have dreamed better!" As a participant, the President finished in 5th position of the European championship (and 11th of the Open): "I started the championship with a surprisingly good ranking. I started full speed, since the sailing came as liberation after the stress of the championships’ organization. However as the days went by the tiredness took over and I finished the championships with a superb result, but not as good as I thought at the beginning of week."

Ricardo Payro, the Head of Communications of the SYZ & CO Private Bank, gives us his impressions of the week : "One absolutely splendid week for everyone! For the organizers, as the European championships were at the level of a world championship, with exceptional athletes competing. For the competitors, all the conditions were met: they sailed under idyllic conditions, with wind and flat water. For the public on-site, it was amazing to be able to watch this spectacle from the shore, in the beautiful Engadin region. A large public has also followed the races on Internet thanks to the GPS tracking system. If everyone is happy, then the title sponsor is obviously happy!.

European Open Championship final ranking:

1. Nathan OUTTERIDGE (AUS 3750) - 18 points
2. Bora GULARI (USA 6) - 20 points
3. Scott BABBAGE (AUS 7) - 44 points
4. Simon PAYNE (GBR 1) - 44 points
5. Arnaud PSAROFAGHIS (SUI 4) – 52 points
6. Rob GOUGH (AUS 3731) – 76 points
7. Matthias RENKER (SUI 3626) – 103 points
8. Chris GRAHAM (UAE 9) – 106 points
9. Chris RAST (USA 3768) – 106 points
10. Jason BELBEN (GBR 3619) – 113 points

Podium European Championship :

1. Simon PAYNE (GBR 1)
2. Arnaud PSAROFAGHIS (SUI 4)
3. Matthias RENKER (SUI 3626)
 

Podium Swiss Championship :

1. Arnaud Psarofaghis (SUI 4)
2. Matthias Renker (SUI 3626)
3. Jean-Pierre Ziegert (SUI 3464)

 

 


The Team left to right: Kirst Feddersen, Harry Dunning, Mark Evans, Jono Morris, Dirk Kramers, Rob Brown.


McConaghy 36 Hull Plug


Team working on deck layout - Deck Plug

McConaghy 36 – The new Bench Mark in one design yacht racing.

What are the top Americas Cup designers and engineers doing with their time whilst waiting for the button to be pushed on the next AC?

Well,  three prominent Americas Cup designers and engineers, were spotted at the McConaghy Boats facility in Zhuhai China this week, bunkered down over three days putting the final touches to the new McConaghy 36 one design production yacht.

Harry Dunning, current yacht designer for Mascolino Latino AC syndicate, was joined by Dirk Kramers and Kirst Feddersen, who were both involved in the last three Americas Cup matches with Alinghi, have been engaged to take the design and engineering for the new McConaghy 36 to new levels in one design yacht construction.

Jono Morris and Mark Evans principals of McConaghy Boats, were asked about the McConaghy 36 and said,

“They are very excited by the McConaghy 36 and having the calibre of these people involved, in no uncertain terms, has raised the bar significantly. This has enabled McConaghy to step up once again to a new level, leading the way in the yacht construction.”

“We have been at the cutting edge in custom yacht construction for many years, having added the experience which this team brings to the mc 36 project will enable us to apply the latest technology and techniques. 

Our production products will benefit significantly from this initiative. Currently we have a good range, building the Mach 2 Foiler Moth, which has been so dominant over the last few years, the new M1 & M2 Optimist Dinghy, the Elliot 6m Match Racing Boat; and of course our world renowned Carbon Components, ... and now this great boat, the McConaghy 36.”

The first MC36 is expected to hit the water in December. Stay tuned for more updates along the way
 
MCCONAGHY WINS 2010 ASIA BOATING AWARD FOR MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY!



McConaghy China recently exhibited at the China International Boat Show held at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre in April.  Over 400 exhibitors and 17,000 local and international visitors attended the 4-day event. 

At the show McConaghy was nominated, and won the for Most Innovative Company.  There to accept this prestigious award at the Shanghai Boat Show was Paul Scholten from McConaghy’s Zhuhai China facility.  Congratulations to everyone at McConaghy China!
 

LUTRA 80 - SINGULARITY, SEA-TRIALS COMPLETE

“Singularity”, the most recent yacht to immerge from McConaghy’s Sydney facility has now finished her 3 weeks of sea-trials and is now packed up and on her way to Europe along with her support crew and containers. Singularity’s key personnel consist of the creme de la creme of the yacht racing world including several Volvo Cup professionals. During the 3 week period these seasoned pro’s put Singularity through some gruelling trials in all conditions. By week 1 it was clear that they had a winner on their hands and by week 3 it was clear she was solid and dependable. What’s unique about “Singularity” is that she’s not just a carbon fibre race machine but a fully fit out luxury yacht with a stunningly beautiful interior commensurate with the best luxury yachts in the world today! Boats International have been granted exclusive publishing rights for this fabulous yacht, so be sure to pick up the May issue to see this truly amazing yacht. Once the Boats International issue is published we’ll be able to bring you more detail on the McConaghy built Singularity – stay tuned!



Over the last few months we've been working hard on finalizing the drawings of the M36 One Design. Click here for Rob Brown's recent update on the exciting M36 One Design currently under development at McConaghy's!
 


Mach 2’s Simon Payne, is the winner of the 2010 International Moth World Championship recently held in Dubai. 
45 year-old Simon Payne finished with a 9 point lead ahead of 2nd place finisher 56 year old Australian Mach 2 designer Andrew McDougall and 3rd place finisher American and rising star Brad Funk while light winds foiled last years winner and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Bora Gulari who finished in 6th place.  Click here for results!

What a great series for the McConaghy built Mach 2 which won not only the 1st, 2nd and 3rd spots but the first 19 positions!  With 26 out of 42 competitors (61%) at this years event sailing a McConaghy Mach 2, it appeared to be a bit of an owners regatta.  Clearly if you’re going to do battle you need to choose your weapon carefully!  Congratulations to Simon Payne, Andrew McDougall and Brand Funk from everyone here at McConaghy!

ELLIOTT 6m


With the Canadians famously "Owning the podium" in the Vancouver Olympics behind us, thoughts now turn to the preparation needed to step up to the dais at the London Olympics in 2012. For the Women's match racing event, seventy Elliott 6's built by McConaghy Boats have been shipped to teams in eighteen countries, to train and race in Olympic lead-up events.

In a recent interview Managing Director Mark Evans commented; "The response has been fantastic from the teams. The boats perform really well and have been pushed hard in training - as you would expect!  But there are a couple of points I would like to clarify on the Elliott 6m.  Some of the teams in training reported some flexing in a hull panel, which we reported straight back to the designer Greg Elliott, and High Modulus - who engineered this design.

High Modulus recognized their structural calculation was not correct, and asked McConaghy boats to assist. High Modulus re-engineered this area, we then built a reinforced section to their drawings. Clearly it is important for us to support the teams and our product, so we flew a McConaghy staff member from the Sydney factory to all the teams around the world to install the High Modulus modification, while incorporating it into our production. It was simply a case of High Modulus putting their hand up early and saying they had a problem - and McConaghy boats were the best people to fix it."

The McConaghy 36 is an owner/driver one design class that takes high performance yacht racing to a whole new level combining results driven design with state of the art construction all supported by solid one design class management setting the stage for truly exciting, fast, competitive racing.
Click here to read more.

McCONAGHY RAISES $22,100 FOR VARIETY CLUB IN MACH 2 CHARITY AUCTION

Brian and Tanya Sherring of Queensland Australia are the successful bidders of the Mach 2 donated by McConaghy to Audi Victoria week to the benefit of International Children's Charity Variety Club.  The auction was launched on Thursday 21 January, the first day of Audi Victoria week and ran until the end of the last race and official close of the regatta.  There were 34 bids, steadily rising in value in the early days and accelerating in a flurry of online activity in the final hours.  

The Sheerings bought the the Mach 2 for their 15 year old son and said that they are "thrilled to have purchased through our charity".  The Sherring's will receive a complete boat including the carbon fiber hull, spars and foils, sail, covers and wooden travel box. Also included is one day of lessons (where available) and free entry into the first bidder’s first regatta in this competitive international class.

Produced in our Zhuhai China facility the first Mach 2 was sailed just one year ago in the 2009 Australian Moth championships at Geelong last January, and during the 12 months since then no less than 85 have been sold, and the new design has won both the Australian and World championships in the class.  

The owners of McConaghy, Mark Evans and Jono Morris, said the aim of their partnership with Audi Victoria Week is to support the sport of sailing and benefit the community.  Variety is Audi Victoria Week’s official charity and proceeds from the auction will provide equipment, facilities and experiences for children with special needs.

McCONAGHY FINISHES 1st, 2nd & 3rd FOR LINE HONOURS IN THE 2009 SYDNEY ROLEX HOBART YACHT RACE

The McConaghy built 100 foot supermaxi Alfa Romeo with Neville Crichton at the helm led from start to finish, taking line honours in the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. This is the 144th win Crichton has enjoyed at the helm of Alfa Romeo, a remarkable achievement for a boat launched in 2005. 

Second over the line was Wild Oats XI, two hours behind Alfa Romeo and 16 hours outside her own 2005 race record. Skipper of the four-time line honours winner Mark Richards vowed to return next year, after finishing second to arch rival and near sistership, supermaxi Alfa Romeo just after midnight. Mike Slade's ICAP Leopard crossed the finish at 05.45 this morning make it a remarkable 1, 2, 3, for McConaghy boats. 

The three supermaxis opened a huge 80 nautical mile gap on the remainder of the fleet by emerging first from calms and light air created by a high pressure ridge in Bass Strait, then ran into more frustrating light patches off the east coast of Tasmania. 

It had been a long haul up the Derwent River for Alfa Romeo, with the variable breeze on the River forcing two headsail changes in the last seven miles. At one stage they dropped down to two knots of boat speed as the breeze evaporated and for 15 minutes  it looked as though the dreaded Derwent midnight doldrums were about to descend.  But the breeze picked up and the giant yacht powered up again to about 13 knots for the final lunge to the finish line, crossing at 10.02pm. “I’m glad Wild Oats XI wasn’t at our heels then,” Crichton joked dockside.

McCONAGHY TRIPLE 

The McConaghy built 30 meter super-maxi Alfa Romeo scored the first points on the board in the lead up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart race against arch rival Wild Oats XI in the CYCA’s SOLAS Big Boat Challenge in Sydney. Wild Oats XI led until the final run of the 14 nautical mile sprint around the harbour, when a twist in her spinnaker gave Alfa Romeo the opportunity to slide past and grab the gun. It was close sparring all the way, with little separating both boats that emerged from the McConaghy yard in 2005. Third over the line was Bob Oatley’s McConaghy built Wild Oats X.

As intense as the Wild Oats XI and Alfa Romeo rivalry may be, both skippers are aware Mike Slade's McConaghy built ICAP Leopard 3 has already taken line-honors in the Rolex Fastnet and Middle Sea races earlier this year, and the British challenger will be on the start line on Boxing day in a bid to make it three out of three. 

McCONAGHY 2009 ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART SHOWDOWN
Alfa Romeo, Wild Oats & ICAP Leopard Battle It Out

Seven Maxi Yachts take centre stage at this year’s running of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. In the spot light are McConaghy built WILD OATS XI, ALFA ROMEO and ICAP LEOPARD. For the first time ever these 3 Maxi’s, considered the most prolific winners in Maxi history, will duke it out for line honours while trying to beat the current record of 1 day 18 hours 40 minutes and 10 seconds set by McConaghy built WILD OATS XI at her Sydney Hobart debut in 2005.

Determined to defend and better her speed record while adding to her historical four consecutive Sydney Hobart wins, WILD OATS XI has undergone several modifications including increasing her overall length to 100 ft matching that of ALFA ROMEO 2 and ICAP LEOPARD. With 142 line honours and wins to her name and most recently smashing the Transpac record in July, ALFA ROMEO has left a trail of race records across the Pacific as she heads towards Sydney determined to put an end to WILD OATS XI Sydney Hobart dominance. Fresh from taking their second line honours in a row of the Rolex Fastnet Race, ICAP LEOPARD has been racking up wins at a blistering pace of almost 1 every 6 weeks over the last several years. ICAP LEOPARD has their sights set on line honours in all three of Rolex’s offshore events in this calendar year – the Rolex Fastnet Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race and now the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Jono Morris and Mark Evans, owners of McConaghy Boats since 2000 and builders of these mega sailing machines, are thrilled to have Alfa, Oats and Leopard and their owners in town for this historical homecoming event. When asked why so many of the top race yachts come from the McConaghy shed, Morris and Evans agreed that it’s their passion for, and understanding of high-performance yachts combined with their companies culture of innovation that makes the difference.

For over 40 years McConaghy Boats has been at the cutting edge of yacht racing construction, pioneering, innovating and constantly exploring new materials and technologies in pursuit of lighter, stronger and faster race yachts. With their mastery of composite lightweight technologies, the McConaghy name is synonymous with some of the world’s biggest and fastest racing yachts built for the sport’s most demanding conditions and owners.
 

ALFA ROMEO 3 WIN AT MAXI YACHT ROLEX CUP

Neville Crichton and his recently relaunched Alfa Romeo 3 won the Mini Maxi Racing (Owner/Driver) Class at the recent 20th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Sardinia, Italy.

Fresh from a stunning win in the boats first outing at the Copa Del Rey Regatta in Spain, owner and skipper Neville Crichton  showed once again to be the fastest skipper at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and confirmed that the recent fine tuning of Alfa 3 has shown her to be a force to be reckoned with.


McCONAGHY MACH2 WINNER AT MOTHS WORLDS

 Bora Gulari (USA) became the Moth Worlds Champion 2009 at Cascade Locks, Oregon, USA. Gulari and his McConaghy Mach 2 handily took two races in the final day to bring the Moth World Championship back to the USA for the first time in 33 years.
 

ALFA ROMEO 3 TUNED UP & READY TO RACE

After completion of last year's European summer circuit, Neville Crichton's über cool 70' Mini Maxi Alfa Romeo 3 was sent to the McConaghy facility in China for some fine tuning, where amongst other modifications her hard chine's were removed.

Unchanged of course is the coolest interior ever seen on a race yacht.  Styled in the manner of an Alfa Romeo roadster, the navigation station is complete with an automobile like console, bucket seats, engine cover and wheel wells.  Even the companionway ladder is that of an Alfa Romeo grill.
 
Now complete and on her way back to Europe, she'll meet up with the Alfa Romeo Team in France to be prepped, launched and sea trialed in time for her first race.
 
All eyes will be on her, not just for her outstanding good looks of course but to see how she fares after her modifications in the highly competitive Mini Maxi fleet.  Click here to see images of Alfa Junior prior to leaving the McCongahy facility in China.


ALFA ROMEO 2 SMASHES TRANSPAC RECORD

 McConaghy built super maxi Alfa Romeo 2 owned and skippered by Kiwi yachtsman, Neville Crichton, has smashed the race record in the TransPac race by more than a day, arriving in Hawaii in the fastest time in the 103 year history of the event, further confirming Alfa Romeo as the yacht to beat in the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart race in December.

Alfa Romeo and Neville Crichton crossed the finish line just after midnight on Saturday 11 July Hawaii time, with an elapsed time of 5 days, 14 hours and 36 minutes, beating the previous race record by one day, one hour, 27 minutes and 51 seconds. Indeed, so quick was Alfa Romeo's completion of the 2225 nautical mile race from Los Angeles to Hawaii, she came tantalisingly close to beating the multihull record - an amazing feat for a monohull.

The only issue faced by the crew was the problem of ocean debris. Six times they had to stop - or back down - and take down all the sails so that fishing nets, sheets of plastic and seaweed caught up in floating debris could be removed from the keel and the rudder. Each time they stopped it cost more than 30 minutes, or more than three hours in total, around the same time Alfa Romeo came within the multihull record.

But Alfa Romeo 2 has added the two prizes that really matter - her 141st line honours and a new race record to - her race record.

LUTRA 80 INTERIOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Just days away from fitting the deck to the hull, the next major milestone of the Lutra 80 project will soon be complete.  With all major structural aspects finished, Marxcraft will begin to deliver the interior furnishing components that they have been meticulously constructing offsite in their Queensland facility.

Employing the Airbus approach to construction, McConaghy are building this yacht in their Sydney facility while coordinating the construction of various major components off site which will be delivered just in time for installation.
 
Marxcraft brings style and elegance to the interior with light weight solutions whilst other top rated companies such as Central Coasts Hydraulics, Olectric Systems, North Sails Sydney and Southern Spars New Zealand are contributing their expertise in helping to build this outstanding performance racer / cruiser.

Click here to experience the Lutra 80 interior first hand!  

 McCONAGHY MANAGING DIRECTOR JONO MORRIS INTERVIEW WITH HARKEN

Harken recently produced an interview with McConaghy Australia Managing Director Jono Morris for their eNewsletter.  It was one of the most successful E-Newsletters that they have every produced.  Click for your copy of the Interview!

STEPHEN AINSWORTH PULLS OFF STUNNING TRIFECTA AT THE AUDI SYDNEY NEWCASTLE YACHT RACE

Prior to the start of the 213 nautical mile Audi Sydney offshore Newcastle Race, he told his crew that he wanted a 'Wild Oats' victory and take line honours, IRC Overall and create a new race record.  'I wanted the 'Wild Oats' styled trifecta,' said Ainsworth after the results were verified Saturday night.  It was a wild ride, reaching and running the entire way in favourable winds.  Both crew and "Loki" delivered big time.  Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 brought in impressive results in his McConaghy built RP Maxi Sled finishing 2nd in all 3 categories. Final results ...

Line Honours
Loki (Stephen Ainsworth)
15hrs 57 minutes 53 seconds - New Course Record

IRC Overall
1. Loki (Stephen Ainsworth) McConaghy RP
2. Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 (Andrew Short)

IRC Division 0/1
1. Loki (Stephen Ainsworth)
2. Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 (Andrew Short)
 


McConaghy China Expansion

We’re pleased to announce the expansion of our China operation. Within the next few weeks we’ll be moving into our third 2,500 square meter facility located right next to our two existing buildings.

Some of the bigger projects on the production floor include a 70 foot carbon fibre race yacht and a 130’ power trimaran designed by John Shuttleworth.  On the production side McConaghy has 3 major dinghy projects on the go and is building not only the boats but the majority of the small components that go with them. 

The Audi Melges 20 project continues to tick along nicely and was recently awarded Boat of the Year by Sailing World magazine.  The Mach 2, the next generation of foiling moths made a spectacular début and finished second in the Zhik Australian Moth National Championships, a stunning result for the boat's first regatta.  Australian Olympian Nathan Outteridge won the regatta while at the helm of a McConaghy built Blade Rider proving yet again that McConaghy Boats really do build the fastest boats on the planet.  In late 08 McConaghy was selected to build the Elliott 6m, the newly appointed Women’s Match Racer for the 2012 Olympics.  Production has begun and first boats should emerge in June. Click on "Production Boats" for details!

McConaghy China builds a full range of products including industrial and marine components, high performance dinghies and complete racing and cruising vessels.  Mark Evans, Managing Director of McConaghy China states that “with 7,500+ square meters of production space; autoclave capabilities, CNC routers and mills, a metal shop, in-house drafting capabilities and 3D modelling we can provide our customers with a complete range of production capabilities not found easily in combination elsewhere and under one roof.  Well, actually 3 roofs now.”

Lutra 80 – The First Glimpse

Construction of the new Lutra 80 is well underway for this high performance canting keel, racer / cruiser for use in the Mediterranean.

Employing the Airbus approach to construction, McConaghy is building this carbon fibre sailing machine in their Sydney facility while coordinating the construction and delivery of the various major components, being built off site and to be delivered just in time for installation.

SP Gurit Australia are supplying the carbon fibre materials along with their engineering expertise while Marxcraft in Queensland, brings style and elegance to the interior whilst conforming to the minimum weight restrictions imposed by the owner and designers.  Other top rated companies such as Central Coasts Hydraulics, Olectric Systems, North Sails Sydney and Southern Spars New Zealand are contributing their expertise in helping to build this outstanding vessel due for launch in early 2010.

McConaghy Australia Managing Director Jon Morris elaborated on the Lutra 80 project. “It’s McConaghy’s exceptional staff, the use of CAD, 3D modelling and full size mock-ups that makes this approach possible.”

"McConaghy boats are known internationally for building high performance boats that win races and break records as soon as they leave the factory. We have always been proud of the level of finish of these race boats - both inside and out, so it’s exciting for us to now be able to use those skills on a project where the owner’s philosophy includes cruising along with racing."  

Leopard 3 - More Records!

McConaghy built ICAP Leopard 3, owned by Mike Slade took line honours in the inaugural RORC Caribbean 600. Completing the course in 44 hours and 5 minutes, ICAP Leopard 3 set an awesome pace for competitors to beat in future editions of the race.
 
ICAP Leopard 3 also took line honours in the Heineken Cape to Bahia Race in January, setting a new course record and completing the 3,330 nautical mile course in 10 days, 5 hours, 46 minutes and 35 seconds.  ICAP Leopard 3 closest rival Rambler was approximately 230 nautical miles behind when she crossed the finish line in light conditions.

Mike Slade, owner of ICAP Leopard 3, said shortly after the finish: “This has been a truly fantastic race and I’m delighted to set a new course record. We’ve pushed ICAP Leopard 3 hard throughout the race and it’s a great feeling to add yet another course record to our collection.”

These two new records represent ICAP Leopard 3’s 11th and 12th record since her launch in Australia in 2007.  McConaghy Australia Managing Director Jono Morris stated that this is an outstanding achievement for all those involved; owner Mike Slade, FARR Design and McConaghy Boats and their network of outstanding suppliers.

 McConaghy Yacht Wild Oats XI Makes History

The McConaghy built Wild Oats XI has created history, with an unprecedented fourth consecutive line honors victory in the 63rd running of the 630 nautical mile Rolex Sydney - Hobart Yacht Race. Crossing the finish line with a time of 1 day 20 hours 34 minutes and 14 seconds - just two hours outside the race record Wild Oats XI set in 2005, the record breaking Maxi was met by delighted owner Bob Oatley, who praised the skipper, crew and members of the McConaghy build team who were dockside to welcome the boat.

Prior to the race, skipper Mark Richards made it clear that victory for the race favourite would not be easy, "The boat will be flying downwind at 25 -30 knots, and it has been built to withstand hitting something hard."  East of Tasmania, Wild Oats XI collided with a two metre shark whilst sailing at 20 knots which wrapped itself around the rudder. Once this was freed, Wild Oats XI took control of the race, finishing an hour and seven minutes ahead of its main rival. Congratulations to Bob Oatley, Mark Richards and the crew!

Loki Launched and Racing in Record Time!

Stephen Ainsworth is a happy man. Standing in the cockpit of his new 63-foot Loki at the launch party at McConaghy boats, he is radiating excitement. Pre-launch modifications threatened Loki competing in this year's Rolex Sydney-Hobart race, something he and his team were very keen to do.

"We spoke with the designers on the modifications to the aft section of the boat, rudder and rig placement and decided to implement them now, rather than after we sea-trialed. All this meant the boat launch date would be delayed to late December.  The guys at McConaghy worked hard and brought that date back to December 15th, tantalizingly close to allowing us to race in the Sydney to Hobart, so I asked them to see if they could find me another week. Jono Morris sat down with all the build team, made a decision and then worked very hard to do a fantastic job of getting us over the line to have Loki ready for this launch party on the 8th of December and more importantly ready for the Sydney / Hobart. As I have just said publicly and to all the McConaghy team here, this boat means a great deal to me. The boat looks sensational and I really appreciate all they have done".

Post launch party, Loki was whisked away by truck in the early hours of the morning to Sydney Harbour to have her rig, keel and rudder fitted. She was in sea-trials by the weekend under bright skies and heavy winds.  By Tuesday the 16th of December Stephen Ainsworth and helmsman Cameron Miles were on the start line of the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, part of the warm-up series for the Rolex Sydney Hobart.  Wild Oats XI (also by McConaghy) took line honours but it was Loki that won on handicap.  100+ McConaghy staff and friends were aboard a charter boat that day to witnessed this great event.

McConaghy Sole Suppliers of Elliott 6m for 2012 Olympics

Following ISAF decision to select the Elliot 6m for the Women’s Keelboat Match Racing event, which will make its Olympic debut at the London games in 2012, McConaghy boats have been selected as sole suppliers of the Elliott 6 to ISAF.

A maneuverable, proven, three person match racing keel boat with a crew weight limit 205kgs, the E6 will have small modifications to the keel and hull shape before full production at McConaghy boats China, where two boats will be produced per week from June 2009 to supply to ISAF for distribution. The E6 will have a carbon fibre mast, rudder and spinnaker pole, and with detachable keel, four E6's can comfortably fit in a standard 40-foot shipping container, complete with rigs, keels and rudder.

With its wide cockpit, quick acceleration and no bow prods to damage in close racing, the E6 will be an exciting class for competitors, umpires and spectators in lead up regattas and of course the 2012 Olympics in Weymouth.

Green Dragon - Third at the end of leg one of the Volvo Ocean Race

With a first at the midway scoring gate and a fourth place into Cape Town, the McConaghy built Green Dragon is third in the overall race standings after a brutal first leg.

Skipper Ian Walker “We had 3 or 4 heinous days onboard. The moment we hit a submerged object was the worst moment of the leg. The boat went from 25 knots of speed to a dead stop. Whatever we hit was stuck on the keel but a few hours later it seemed to have cleared. In the morning we could see clearly on the keel that we hit something hard. It has certainly been an amazing experience and makes me wonder what lies ahead."

Freddy Shanks Bowman. "This sums up the mentality of the Green Dragon in big breeze, she just loves picking up as much speed as possible, 35+ knots then smashing as hard as she can into the biggest nastiest wave in that particular part of the ocean. We drove it so hard once it resulted in us having both rudders out the water and the boat standing on her nose!"

Watch leader Damian Foxall. "Really really good, we were certainly seeing 30, 31, 32, 33 knots boatspeed consistently over a period of 3 - 4 days. As the race goes on the racing will get closer and closer. We are very happy with our result and I think all of us to feel part of a great team, a really good group of guys and the boat’s got great potential. I think we can make it faster!"

The 4,450 nautical mile leg two from Cape Town to Kochi starts on November 15th, with the fleet expected to arrive in the Indian port on December 3rd.

For an interview with Green Team Skipper Ian Walker, go to the Projects, Green Dragon Team Section of our website.

Green Dragon Team Volvo 70 - Volvo Ocean Race qualification

The McConaghy built Green Dragon Team Volvo 70 has completed its 2000 mile qualification passage for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09. During the qualifier Green Dragon sailed to a way-point 200 miles south of Iceland, before returning south to their training base in Cork. Skipper Ian Walker "These boats are outrageous and awesome in equal measures, hurtling along at 20 - 25 knots in the pitch black to repeatedly piling into the backs of waves that you couldn't see over 400 miles from the nearest land. Our best run came at the end of the trip when we covered 524 miles in 24 hours, despite a few maneuvers on a very dark and windy night, so very pleased – and we have now really 'beasted the boat."

Alfa Romeo III - passion and performance

The latest McConaghy built boat is onboard a ship is on its way to Europe, and is already turning heads... The R/P 69 has a conventional keel and single rudder, but it is the interior that had those present at the launch party stunned. The concept, styling, design & construction are a McConaghy's in-house collaboration, between Managing director Jono Morris & craftsman Steve Moxham - both inspired by the new Alfa Romeo range.

Photographer Johan Palsson has the interior photographs on his website. Enjoy the experience!

Moneypenny launched in Sydney

Jim Swartz's stunning STP 65 Moneypenny was launched and sailed in Sydney before heading to Rhode Island, to prepare for The Newport - Bermuda race.

Record breaking Leopard

McConaghy built ICAP Leopard, the 100 foot super Maxi built broke the Transatlantic speed sailing record for yachts with powered sailing systems on the 3rd June, then broke the race record for the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race, followed closely with breaking the JP Morgan Round the Island Race record, becoming the first to ever complete the course in under four hours.

Skipper Chris Sherlock "Believe me we have pushed the boat bloody hard – a deliberate broach on route from Antigua to New York in 69 knots of wind to save the rig and a punishing trans Atlantic, where we were doing 37 + knots of boat speed with one meters visibility - then In the BMW Round Ireland race we crashed and banged upwind for 70% of the race usually wind against tide, so we are really pleased with the way yacht has come through." Congratulations to Mike Slade and his crew!

Green Dragon Team launched

Ian Walkers Green Dragon Team Volvo 70 was shipped from McConaghy's China to England, and on it's third day sailing was out in 30 knots of breeze, testing sails and giving boatspeeds in the mid twenties offwind, and "fully launching it" upwind. The Green Dragon Team are based in the Irish port of Galway, before heading to the in port race in Alicante starting on October 4th. Leg one of the Volvo Ocean race from Alicante to Cape Town starts on 11th October.

Best Builder

Australia's McConaghy Boats had another bang-up year, with boats coming from both their Australian yard and their new Chinese facility. Their quality builds for 2007 included the Fastnet-dominating Leopard 3, Patches, Yendys, and over 150 Bladeriders, while older McConaghy boats like Alfa Romeo 2, Rambler, Wild Oats, and Morning Glory continued to kick ass. McConaghy also landed some pretty sweet projects, including the new Irish VO70 and some STP65s, and the upcoming Melges 20 will come from their China factory. Porn, all of it.

Melges 20 emerges

The first Melges 20 was lifted from its mould at McConaghy's China facility in early May.

A strict one design designed by Reichel/Pugh, the Melges 20 is going to be fast and fun, and can be sailed with 2 to 4 crew, with no crew weight restrictions and no sailmaker restrictions.

McConaghy built Leopard 3 finalist in Boat International’s World Superyacht Awards.

McConaghy boats are delighted to have been nominated builder of one of the finalists in the Boat International World Superyacht awards, following the successful construction,launch and record breaking debut of Leopard 3, one of the most technologically complex yachts afloat.

McConaghy built Wild Oats X1 and Leopard 3 finish first and second in the 2007 Rolex Sydney - Hobart race.

An epic battle between these Super Maxis saw Wild Oats X1 cross the finish line in a time of one day 21 hours and 24 minutes, with Leopard 3 arriving 27 minutes later.
For the 2005 built Wild Oats X1, this is her third consecutive Sydney - Hobart line honors victory, taking the extraordinary line honors, race record and handicap win in 2005.

Congratulations to all on board, & well done to all the McConaghy team!

 
   
 
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