Leopard3 to be fastest charter yacht

by Camilla Green, Pitch PR on 27 Nov 2006
Ocean Marine, the British sailing team owned by Mike Slade, has today announced the build of a new maxi yacht with the aim of becoming the fastest charter yacht on the planet. The boat, to be called 'Leopard3' will be the newest super maxi on the water and, once completed, will compete in some of the worlds most prestigious races.

As well as setting out to break world speed sailing records including the transatlantic record, the 100ft super yacht plans to make an audacious attempt at sailing non-stop, round-the-world in under 80 days.

To be launched in June 2007, 'Leopard3' will be aimed at establishing its reputation on the maxi race circuit with a 2007 programme to include the Fastnet Race, the Sardinia Maxi series and the Sydney-Hobart, before moving on into 2008 and the Caribbean for the Heineken series in St Marten, Antigua race week and finally the Newport-Bermuda race.

Ocean Marine, are now seeking sponsorship and considering the possibility of an attempt, late 2008, for the most sought after record in the world – non stop around the world in under 80 days.

'Leopard3' follows in the footsteps of super maxi yachts 'Ocean Leopard' (1988-1999) and 'Leopard of London' (2000-2006) and like it’s predecessors it is aiming at top-level race sponsorship, day charters in the Solent and term charters in the Caribbean.

The new boat is some 24 feet wide, 100 feet long, has an 18 foot 6 inch canting keel, a 15 foot fixed bowsprit and a 154 foot high mast. Weighing in at a targeted 36.5 tonnes and incorporating high performance racing features, 'Leopard3' will have three double cabins for guests and be luxuriously fitted throughout in an ultra light, airy and modern idiom, as designed and styled by Ken Frievokh of ‘Ken Frievokh Design’ in Fareham, UK. The interior will be removable for racing.

Ocean Marine has timed the construction of the new 'Leopard3' so as to benefit fully from the experience of the recent Volvo 70 campaigns and it is no coincidence that Mike Sanderson (ABN AMRO ONE), who has recently been named ISAF World sailor of the year, has been appointed a consultant to the project.

The yacht is currently under construction at John McConaghy’s Yard in Sydney and will be shipped back to the UK in April 2007 and following her launch at the beginning of June, she will begin her day charter role in the Solent, whilst preparing to endorse her racing pedigree.