Kate Fischer launches Nicorette

by Susan Rutherford on 3 Dec 2004 In time-honoured tradition, the new Nicorette 90 foot super maxi yacht had champagne poured over her bow as the Rolex Sydney to Hobart hopeful was officially launched by the stunning Australian actress and model, Kate Fischer, at Woolwich Dock on Thursday.

The yacht, which has taken a record five months to design and build, is now fully rigged and ready for sea trials in preparation for the 60th Sydney to Hobart race.

Nicorette is the only new super maxi yacht competing in the 60th Anniversary Sydney to Hobart race, which starts on 26th December.

In yachting tradition, the Nicorette yacht becomes the 'godmother' of the boat and crew. 'It’s a great honour to be asked to be the official godmother of the Nicorette yacht. I can’t wait to see them first across the line in Hobart!'

Skipper Ludde Ingvall said 'It’s fantastic having Nicorette as a sponsor because they believe in the value of innovation. Innovation drives success, and that could very well be the difference between first and second place in this year’s race'

'With Nicorette's sponsorship we have the most innovative yacht we could design, now in combination with the crews willpower, we have what it takes to get over the line in first place'

The new 2004 Nicorette yacht has been designed with stability in mind. She sports a very powerful hull shape and the canting keel ensures her static heel does not exceed 10 degrees.

Speed and safety is obviously crucial too, and this year the foil is asymmetrical by means of a trim-flap, enabling less change in overcorrecting when at the helm and reducing drag.