New boat in Fremantle to Canarvon yacht race
CARNARVON DEBUT FOR OPTIMUS PRIME - 23rd April2008.By John Roberson
The Fremantle to Carnarvon race, which starts on Friday,will be the debut offshore race for Trevor Taylor's brand new yacht OptimusPrime, which was launched in Sydney back at the beginning of March.
However the owner's shiny new pride and joy has been well tested in offshore conditions, having been sailed back to Fremantle from Sydney, a tough passage by any standards.
Trevor, who started the season well with his previous boat, Ausmaid, has his sights set on a line honours win in the Carnarvon race, but having not raced her under IRC handicap yet, isn't game to make any predictions on that score.
"I'd like to think we'll be first there," he said from the comfort of his office, "but who knows on handicap. We haven't even got our certificate yet, but I hope it'll be here by Friday."
The 49 footer (11.88 m) was designed by the well know American based design team of Reichel & Pugh, and built by Marten Marine in Nowra, just south of Sydney, a company owned by America's Cup skipper Iain Murray.
Unlike his previous boat, Optimus Prime is a fully fitted out racer/cruiser, giving a little added comfort on long races and passages,though Trevor points out, she is built of carbon fibre throughout.
Though the boat will be based in Fremantle over the winter and the early part of next season, the plans are to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart race in December, then stop in at Geelong Race Week on the way back, and have a good crack at Geographe Bay Week when they get back to W.A.
Future plans, after Trevor retires in a few years, and Optimus Prime has had a few hard racing seasons, include a round the world cruise, when the full fit-out will be appreciated.
