Charters
Archived page (captured 2009). Model details, prices and dates may be out of date; check the manufacturer for current information.
Two Winning Transpac 52 Racing Yachts Acquired by Newport Racing, LLC.
Former "Mean Machine" and "Pisco Sour" are Heading to Southern California
February 25, 2009 – (NEWPORT BEACH, CA and SAN DIEGO, CA) Newport Racing LLC announces the acquisition of two distinguished Transpac 52 (TP52) sailing yachts, the former "Mean Machine," winner of the 2006 Mediterranean Cup ("Med Cup"), and the former "Pisco Sour," winner of the 2005 Med Cup. Both yachts, currently in Spain, are undergoing preparations for transfer to their new home base in Southern California. The yachts will be available this summer for charters via Newport Racing LLC based in Newport Beach, California.
The 52-foot "Grand Prix" racing-class yachts were initiated in Southern California in 2001, but the Class migrated to Europe in 2004 and 2006 to compete in the Med Cup. Only a handful of TP52s are currently based in Southern California, making the return of these two vessels widely anticipated by racing enthusiasts. With over 40 yachts in its fleet, the TP52 class now spans across ten nations and three continents.
"We're very excited to be bringing such high-end sailing boats to Southern California. They should make for some very competitive, local and international racing," says Jim Madden, CEO of Newport Racing.
"It's great to see these fast boats back in their 'home town.' They truly represent the best of competitive sailing," adds Tom Pollack, former TP52 Class Executive Director, widely recognized with launching the class.
The 2006 Med Cup winner, the former "Mean Machine," was designed by Judel-Vrolijk and built by Hakes Marine in New Zealand. The 2005 Med Cup winner, the former "Pisco Sour," was designed by Botin-Carkeek and built by Longitudo in Spain. The former "Mean Machine" will be rechristened as "Stark Raving Mad V." A new title for the former "Pisco Sour" is still to be determined. The boats are expected to arrive in San Diego in late April. Additional electronics, upgraded sails and offshore racing equipment will be added to increase their competitiveness. "Stark Raving Mad" stylized graphics will also be added to both yachts. Reichel-Pugh Yacht Design will oversee the performance optimization process.
"We've been pleased to be a key part of the Stark Raving Mad programs including wins at Key West Race Week, San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, Newport to Ensenada and New York Yacht Club regattas. We are very excited to see the addition of two Grand Prix boats, continuing our ongoing partnership," says Gary Weisman, President of North Sails.
They will be sailing in late May, with a planned racing debut at the 2009 "Hoag Cup" in Newport Beach, CA. Both yachts are also intended to participate in the 2009 TransPac Race. "With the 3rd biannual Hoag Cup Regatta coming up on June 12-14, these two yachts should help make this a truly extraordinary event this year," adds Ron Guziak, Executive Director of the Hoag Foundation. Newport Racing will be donating the bulk of charter proceeds for any charter for the "Hoag Cup" to the Hoag Hospital Foundation.
ABOUT NEWPORT RACING, LLC:
Newport Racing, LLC was founded in 2005 for the purpose of charter and program management of Grand Prix racing yachts. Headquartered in Newport Beach, CA, the company currently manages race programs and charters for yachts on the West and East Coast of the U.S.
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