Marten 49 stars at Hamilton Island Race Week

by Azzura Marine Media on 3 Sep 2007 Nothing could compliment the Marten 49 better than the magnificent location of Hamilton Island and the crisp clear waters of the Whitsundays.

After making her Trans Tasman crossing, New Zealander's John Meadowcroft's Marten 49 ‘Carrera’ became one of the star attractions at Hamilton Island Race Week. Blending her unmatched style with her dynamic performance, Carrera drew the attention of competitors on the water and magnetized a crowd of viewers at her berth – she was truly one of a kind.

Having started the week with a crew who had never met, let alone sailed together and many who had never raced onboard a Marten, the Marten 49 went on to prove she was more than just a magnificent looking yacht. Winning two races and placing second overall in Premier IRC, the combined crew of New Zealanders and Australians finished the regatta with smiles on their faces and new found friendships.

After the final race it was evident why this yacht is so popular. Ready for a well-earned change of pace, Carrera was transformed her from her racing form into her cruising form, ready to explore The Great Barrier Reef.

Meadowcroft commented 'This was my first offshore regatta. The location was world class, the facilities excellent, the racing close, exciting and of a very high standard. The onshore activities were friendly and added significantly to the success of the event. The event staff were easy to deal with, helpful, knowledgable and very efficient.

We will be back. The tentative plan is to compete in the Auckland Fiji race then travel on to Hamilton Island for another Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.

'I attended a meeting at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadon last week and recommended the race week to all the other skippers present. Hopefully we will have more than three NZ boats attending next year.'

'However for me the combination of a great regatta and a great boat is what was so great.

'The Marten 49 is the ultimate definition of the term Racer Cruiser. Our results have proven the competitiveness of the yacht as a racer and one day after racing concluded she departed with six crew for a weeks comfortable cruising.

'The number of approving comments during race week would seem to support the claim of the best looking yacht of its type at Hamilton Island and it is my belief that it is unique in the world with its combination of sports car performance and luxury car comfort.

'It is an exciting yacht to sail responsive and alive. Our results far exceeded my expectations in what proved to be a very competitive fleet.'

Featuring elegant lines, a luxuriously appointed interior and innovative engineering, it is no wonder why production of the Marten 49 is doing so well.

With two currently under construction and a slot deposit from the Sydney International Boat Show, the Marten 49 has generated a momentum of interest and excitement.

Designed and built with panache and precision, the Marten Yachts range, consisting of the Marten 49, Marten 67, Marten 72 and Marten 85, delivers unique yachts of distinction.