Volvo Extreme 40 unveiled

by Sacha Oswald on 26 Jul 2005 The Volvo Extreme 40, an exciting new mid-size multihull has been purpose-designed for grand prix racing and in its first series, will form part of the in-port entertainment during the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06 stopovers.

Holmatro, designers of the multihull, are world leaders in hydraulic rescue equipment and are continuing to expand into the marine industry, with a range of hydraulic hardware under the name Holmatro Marine. The first of the design will be on the water from this Wednesday in Europe.

‘We are so excited about this new project and really looking forward to having our first test sail, said Jaap Meijer, chairman of Holmatro, adding, ‘we saw this class and series as a great opportunity to bring our marine products to the market at the highest level.’

The fleet of Volvo Extreme 40's will be fitted with Holmatro hydraulic downhaul and mainsheet systems and will come with custom built Meissner winches that have been designed specifically for these high speed race cats, while Holmatro is official class supplier for hydraulics and winches, under the brand name ‘Meissner’.

The Holmatro sailing team will include multihull expert and Tornado Olympic medallist Mitch Booth as helmsman and multi world champion Herbert Dercksen as tactician. The remaining crew members will be finalised shortly.

‘It is great to work together. Holmatro shares the same passion for the sport of sailing and enthusiasm for this extreme project as we do,’ commented Booth.

For further information on the Volvo Extreme 40 class go to: www.VolvoExtreme40.org

*Amended by Sail-World