Countdown to JP Morgan Round the Island Race

by Annabel Merrison, Pitch PR on 21 Jun 2007
Ocean Marine, the British sailing team owned by Mike Slade, today confirmed the line up aboard the brand new 100 foot ICAP Leopard for the annual JP Morgan Round the Island Race on Saturday 23 June.

America’s Cup sailor Adrian Stead and Volvo Ocean Race veterans Jules Salter and Tim Powell will join Mike Slade in the afterguard, with Volvo Ocean Race sailors Jason Carrington and Justin Slattery on the bow. Other well-known names such as Team Shosholoza’s Paul Standbridge join Mike and his 28 man crew plus guests aboard ICAP Leopard. They will line up against over 1715 boats in one of the UK’s largest regattas.

ICAP Leopard was designed by the world famous Farr Yacht Design, with styling and interior designed by Ken Freivokh. She was built by McConaghy Boats in Sydney, Australia, and arrived in Southampton, UK, earlier this month where she was christened on 15th June. One of the fastest and most exciting new charter yachts on the circuit, ICAP Leopard is undergoing rigorous sea trials this week in preparation for Saturday’s Round the Island Race.

Mike Slade currently holds the record for the fastest boat round the island in this event; 4 hours, 5 minutes and 40 seconds, aboard Leopard of London, during the 2001 race.

ICAP Leopard represents a new concept in blending the often-opposing demands of a 100 foot luxurious charter yacht which is also able to perform on the maxi circuit and compete for passage world records.

In terms of design style, she has moderate beam for her length compared to the narrow 30m designs that favour CBTF (Canting Ballast, Twin Foil) technology, or the very wide IMOCA Open 60’s.

More similar in design to a Volvo 70, ICAP Leopard is expected to be at ease among the super-fast monohulls while offering sufficient interior volume for comfortable charter accommodations.

The rig design is focussed on providing power and flexibility for the many modes of sailing that ICAP Leopard requires – from offshore racing to thrilling charter outings. With her high performance racing features and her luxurious interior removed, Mike Slade and his team will be looking to break the record once again in the Round the Island Race this Saturday.

Owner Mike Slade commented: 'The Round the Island Race is one of my favourite British events and is a great opportunity for ICAP Leopard to stretch her legs and see what she can do. We have some of the best sailors in the world onboard for this annual dash around the island and I look forward to some great racing aboard this wonderful new predator.'

Following Saturday’s race, ICAP Leopard is set to compete in a number of high-profile races and regattas all over the world. These will include Skandia Cowes Week, the Rolex Fastnet Race, the Middle Sea Race and the infamous Rolex Sydney Hobart Race which starts on Boxing Day.