Ocean Racing Magazine - #2 - April & May 2007 - (Page 52)

NEW PRODUCTS THE LATEST W The 100-foot Maxi circuit, that for many has turned into a duel between brothers that have become sworn enemies Alfa Romeo 2 and Wild Oats XI, designed by the Californian studio of Reichel/Pugh, is getting ready to receive a new contender designed by Farr. A wild cat that can turn into a cuddly kitten, Leopard3 wants to be just as at ease in ocean classics as in fast cruises. Attempting to make a boat that is adaptable to different uses is not common in this category, where usually we see wealthy owners participating, with winning all that matters. In this battle for getting the best boat (which we can add would see some exceptional developments if one of the most prestigious events, the Sydney-Hobart, did not impose a length limit of 30 metres), radical choices are the favourite path, with budgets only a secondary issue. In the case of Leopard3, things are changing, as her owner has not forgotten that he is a first and foremost a businessman, even if he is wearing wet weather gear. Mike Slade, looking good in his sixties, made his fortune in real estate and absolutely refuses to think about a building programme, even that of a boat, without taking into account profitability. He is not going to go all out to offer himself a big toy, as the boat must be put to work after the race and should have a high resale price. It would appear that this last goal was achieved with Slade’s previous craft, the RP design, Leopard of London, which was not given away at the end of a fine career (2000 – 2006). For Leopard3, the career plan has already been drawn up: the boat will be managed by the Ocean Marine company (Mike Sanderson has been called up as a consultant), and her programme includes a range of events, which fit in perfectly with high quality corporate operations, concerning both the fact that it offers exclusivity and particular race locations (Antigua, Sardinia, Antilles etc.). Comparison between Leopard 3 (brown) and a VO70 (orange). Ocean Racing - april 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ocean Racing Magazine - #2 - April & May 2007

Contents
What they said
News
Portfolio
Report
Records
America's Cup
Sponsoring
Ocean Planet
Class 40
Imoca
New products
Launch
Lab
Portrait
Practical tips
Profession
Mini Class
Design
Thirty years on
New launches
Equipment
Chronicle

Ocean Racing Magazine - #2 - April & May 2007

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