[This media release has been written by Rob Mundle OAM. Rob has been recognised as "the voice of sailing" in Australia for his media background in television and newspaper journalism. Rob has written multiple books on and about sailing, including Fatal Storm, the best seller which recounts the tragic 54th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race,]
An impressive trimaran (Rapido Trimarans) designed in America, built in Vietnam (by Triac Composites) and owned by a New Zealander, is the 150th entry for Australia’s premier offshore regatta, Hamilton Island Race Week (18-25 August 2018).
Named Romanza and owned by Auckland yachtsman Dougall Love, the 18.2 metre long Morelli & Melvin Rapido 60 design is a fast cruising trimaran that won’t be disgraced on the race course.
Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin’s record as designers leaves little doubt that this yacht could be a wolf in sheep’s clothing at Race Week, which will be staged from August 18 to 25. The Los Angeles based duo has been at the forefront as designers of both conventional and foiling multihulls for more than two decades. Their expertise has also been evident in the America’s Cup, the Olympics, general multihull racing and large cruising concepts.
The good news for Romanza’s Race Week campaign is that Pete Melvin has advised he will be aboard for the regatta.
“It’s certainly going to be an exciting week for me in every sense,” Dougall Love said. “Hamilton Island Race Week has been on my radar for many years, and I can think of no better way to make a debut.”
With Race Week complete, Dougall and his partner, Jaz Knowles, will take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely cruise through the 74 mainly uninhabited tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday group. After that experience, Romanza will be Auckland-bound.
The fleet for 2018 currently comprises 27 IRC class yachts, including three supermaxis, 70 cruiser-racers, 27 non-spinnaker cruising yachts, 11 trailable yachts and 23 multihulls. The final fleet is expected to top 200.
One of the many highlights during the regatta is the Lay Day, which will be on August 22 this year. It provides all participants, their families and friends the opportunity to party, cruise or simply relax. The highlight of the day will be a vibrant beachfront pool party.
Alternatively, crews can sail their yachts to nearby Whitehaven Beach for the day or enjoy some of the many island activities, including a round of golf.
All information relating to the regatta is on the website: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Rob Mundle
Promotions Manager
Hamilton Island Race Week 2018
e: rob.mundle@bigpond.com
Related items
Three hulls create a milestone for Hamilton Island Race Week 2018, by Rob Hulls, Sail World, 20 June 2018.
Three hulls create a milestone for Hamilton Island Race Week 2018, by Rob Hulls, Yachts & Yachting.com, 20 June, 2018.
Hamilton Island Race Week 2018, Yacht Boat News.com
Three hulls create a milestone for Hamilton Island Race Week 2018, Hamilton Island Race Week website.
What if you built it in composites?
Could it eliminate those issues (eg rust, fatigue, weight, weakness etc) associated with other materials?
Could it open up new possibilities and horizons?
Why not ask us? You'll never know if you never ask... Email phil@triaccomposites.com