NEWSLETTER

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ASSAULT

“So, who’s really faster ICAP Leopard 3 or Speedboat?” It seemed a perfectly logical question to ask. After all, two of the world’s fastest yachts were sitting nearly side by side at Newport Shipyard today, with Leopard preparing for an assault on the outright monohull transatlantic record of 6 days 17 hours 52 minutes set by Mari Cha IV in 2003 . “Well we were really hoping to find out in a few days, but Speedboat isn’t going for the record for a number of reasons” was the reply from Chris Sherlock, Leopard’s skipper and captain. As it turns our, getting the right crew was a major issue. “We have a crew list of around 40 guys for the program”, Sherlock continued, “but a bunch of the guys are in Sardinia (WSTA event) or Capri. Fortunately, we only need 17 and some Volvo guys (Green Dragon crew Freddie Shanks and Anthony Merrington) needed something to do, so we’re pretty set.” As we toured the boat, Sherlock seemed quietly confident about finally besting Mari Cha’s record. “Right now, the latest weather from Clouds (Roger Badham) has us finishing in less than 6 days. But to be totally honest with you, I’d be perfectly thrilled to just beat them. One of these days, either Speedboat or us will set a new benchmark, and I want it to be us!”

ICAP Leopard 3 has been gunning for records since her launch in 2007. Unlike other record breakers, though, she was designed with a second life as a fast cruiser from the start. That design tradeoff means that she is several thousand pounds heavier than her main rival, the Juan K 100 Speedboat. Once aboard, though, these tradeoffs seem worth it. Bright natural light fills the main saloon area from the panoramic windows. After being on other maxi yachts and Volvo 70’s, it was a really nice feeling to not be trapped in a carbon coffin. Leopard also features hydraulically operated daggarboards, which can be adjusted while sailing at up to 18 knots. “The hydraulic boards give us more precise control than Speedboat. They really have to slow up to adjust their boards. Plus, it will be great when this boat becomes the world’s fastest cruiser.” Sherlock said. With her wide 22 ft beam carried fully aft, the nav station and galley is downright palatial. Even loaded up for her record run, Leopard seemed roomy. Once in the nav station, Hugh Agnew ran over the theoretical record run. “We’ll be leaving New York around 2pm local time on Saturday. Even though we will be at less than record pace at the start, we need to hook into the front, and expect to be sailing over 25 knots within a few hours.” Agnew explained. “From there, the winds should build for most of the crossing, and we hope to stay in relatively flat seas, even when the wind pipes up to 40 knots. The finish also looks a little light, but it’s too far off to predict that right now.”

ICAP Leopard will be carrying a GPS tracker during her record attempt, allowing spectators to follow her progress online at www.leopard3.com, and we hope to have daily reports from Justin “Juggy” Clougher, as long as he finishes the Around Block Island Race in time to make it to Leopard. - Ryan O' Grady - more pics here.

Wild Oats XI

Rolex Middle Sea Race:

The McConaghy built 100-foot Maxi “Esimit Europa 2” (Reichel Pugh Design) secured victory in the 31st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea race, crossing the line with an elapsed time of 2 days, 6 hours and 52 minutes. Second placed “ICAP Leopard 3” (Farr Yacht Design), also built by McConaghy Boats was victorious in the 2009 Rolex Middle Sea race, while the McConaghy built Maxi “Rambler” (Reichel Pugh Design) still holds the course record since 2007 when she secured handicap and line honours victories on a gale swept race course.

“Esimit Europa 2” has had a stellar season, taking line honours at the Giraglia Rolex Cup and winning its class at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Sardinia. 

 It is no surprise that Rolex and McConaghy Boats have a strong affiliation. Since the first Rolex Middle Sea race in 2003 – when “Alfa Romeo” (Reichel Pugh Design) took line honours, McConaghy Boats have secured line honours victories in 6 out of 8 races, and handicap victories on 3 separate occasions.


Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race:


McConaghy Boats record in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race is just as impressive. Since the first Rolex race in 2002 when “Alfa Romeo” won line honours, McConaghy Boats have secured line honours victories in 6 out of 8 races. It was 2005 when “Wild Oats XI” (Reichel Pugh Design) took the line honours, handicap victory and smashed the race record, for the following 4 years “Wild Oats XI” dominated the Rolex Sydney Hobart, only to have their winning streak broken by another McConaghy Boat “Alfa Romeo”. In last year's 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart race, McConaghy boats secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, finishing 82 nautical miles ahead of the fourth Maxi.

With a string of victories for Alfa Romeo, Wild Oats XI, Leopard 3, Rambler, Morning Glory, Alexia and Black Dragon in the Rolex Middle sea race, Rolex Maxi World Championships, Giraglia Rolex Cups, and Rolex Fastnet races, it is clear that endurance, reliability and precision engineering are hallmarks of both McConaghy's and Rolex.

With anticipation mounting for the 2010 Rolex Sydney Hobart race, all eyes will be on the McConaghy built Wild Oats XI, striving for its fifth Line Honours Victory. It will also be joined by two other McConaghy Built Boats Wild Oats X and Loki - winner of the IRC Grand Prix division at Hamilton Island and the 2010 Audi IRC Australian championship, will be leading the charge south for both line honour and handicap victories.
 

What's Next from McConaghy's?


December 2010 will also see the completion of the first Harry Dunning designed McConaghy 38 OD at McConaghy’s Zhuhai facility in China, before being shipped to Sydney in January, in readiness for test sails and racing during the 2011 Australian summer. Jono Morris and his team at McConaghy’s have high praise for the McConaghy 38 OD.

 “Everyone is very excited by this boat. We have taken a very strategic approach to the design, the construction and the equipment supplied with this boat, whilst keeping costs down as much as possible we haven’t compromised performance. At USD$226k, the boat offers extremely good value for a state of the art 38 foot boat. With its more than generous sail plan and sleek hull form, the boat will have exceptional performance characteristics that will out perform much larger boats, and ultimately will be great fun to sail.”

Alongside the McConaghy 38 OD, the Jason Ker designed Ker 40 IRC Race Yacht has generated substantial interest and excitement in this high performance IRC forty-footer. There are six Ker 40's already sold to buyers in the UK, Singapore and Australia, and several potential buyers interested in the United States, Europe and Asia. The first Ker 40 will be launched in March 2011, ready to provide fast, competitive and exciting sailing in the northern hemisphere summer.

By Blue Robinson

Esmit Europa 2

McConaghy's proven performance.
Rolex Middle Sea Race:

The McConaghy built 100-foot Maxi “Esimit Europa 2” (Reichel Pugh Design) secured victory in the 31st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea race, crossing the line with an elapsed time of 2 days, 6 hours and 52 minutes. Second placed “ICAP Leopard 3” (Farr Yacht Design), also built by McConaghy Boats was victorious in the 2009 Rolex Middle Sea race, while the McConaghy built Maxi “Rambler” (Reichel Pugh Design) still holds the course record since 2007 when she secured handicap and line honours victories on a gale swept race course.

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Esmit Europa 2

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Jason Ker

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On board with Loki

Loki and McConaghy - Winners at Hamilton Island

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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.

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

The greatly anticipated MC 36
MC 38

Apparently Size DOES matter......38

The MC 36 has grown to 38! This exciting new one design yacht is now called the McConaghy 38.

After a number of design considerations by McConaghy's Management, it was decided there would be considerable benefits in increasing the length of the boat for performance and wider market appeal.....hence we have the MC 38!.... Size does matter!

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13th SMU-RM Western Circuit Sailing Regatta 2010
AY Race Report 1

The world famous Moth Class made there debut in Asian waters this weekend. Whizzing in and out of the fleet made the keelboats look like they are standing still. On close inspection in the rigging area there are a lot of tweaky strings to adjust and getting it all right can make all the difference between flying around the course verses floundering around waist deep in water. Mark Robinson expertly guided his Mach 2 VIVA LA VIDA around the course to score two wins and one second place. Over the last couple of years James Cole has extensively promoted the class by displaying his Bladerider BLITZ KRIEG BOP sailing skills and today scored one bullet plus second and third places to be hot on Robinson's trail. Initially Nicholas Leo Francis had trouble with the settings on his ASSASIN but came good in Race 3 with second place to hold third overall.

Wild Oats XI

The results speak for themselves!   

1st and 2nd over the line;  1st, 2nd and 3rd on IRC Handicap in this years Audi Sydney Gold Coast Race.

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McConaghy's Rob Brown with Jessica Watson

BIA/YNSW Optimist Sailing Boats for Kids Program

The Optimist Sailing Boats for Kids program was announced on Friday at the Sydney  International Boat Show (SIBS) Opening Breakfast by BIA’s  General Manager Roy Privett.

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

July 19th 2010  

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 last week, bunkered down over three days putting the final touches to the new McConaghy 36 one design production yacht.

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June 14th 2010  

May 3rd 2010  

April 14th  2010  

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!

March  2010  

“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!

March  2010  

Over the last few months we've been working hard on finalizing the drawings of the M36 One Design.

March 10th 2010  

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 6^th place.  Click here for results!

What a great series for the McConaghy built Mach 2 which won not only the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd 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!

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 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd 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 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!  

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!