Supermaxi Alfa Romeo for Sale

by Edward Rowe on 10 Sep 2007 The 30 metre (98 footer) Alfa Romeo, described as the fastest and most successful super maxi in the world, is available for sale after its second highly successful European season ends in October, with its owner and skipper, Neville Crichton looking forward to his next sailing challenge.

'I have had a fantastic time with Alfa Romeo over the past three years, from guiding its design and development, the production of its cutting edge technology to helming her over the finishing line in first place time and time again, but now I want to look for a new sailing challenge,' explains Neville Crichton. 'This does not mean that Alfa Romeo is no longer competitive. I am sure with the right crew and skipper she will remain the yacht to beat for many seasons to come!'

The Reichel-Pugh designed Alfa Romeo has enjoyed an unrivalled list of victories, most recently a clean sweep of line honours wins in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

This has made Alfa Romeo the yacht to beat in every regatta and race in which she has been entered. Among its cutting edge technology is the canting keel and extensive use of carbon fibre for low weight and superior strength. At the same time, Alfa Romeo had been acclaimed for her graceful, elegant and beautiful good looks, matched inside by a high-tech carbon fibre interior.

Alfa Romeo has been immaculately maintained and serviced by the world's leading yachtsmen and is, therefore, in virtually new condition. She is being sold with two complete containers of spares and sails.

Given that her success has also been driven by the skill and management of her crew, Neville Crichton says that he is willing to put together a package for training, crewing and management for the new owner.

'This is a unique opportunity to enter the highest level of the sport,' says Neville Crichton. 'To replace Alfa Romeo would cost in excess of Euro 9.5 million, making the price of Euro 3.9 million we are asking exceptional, especially as it includes parts, sails and cradle as well as a magnificent yacht in ready to win condition.'

The sale of Alfa Romeo will also mark the end of the Alfa Romeo sponsorship of Neville Crichton's yachts - at least until his next yacht is built. Alfa Romeo first came on board with 'Shockwave', with the Italian car maker taking up primary positions for its logos on the yachts sails. Naming rights came with the first 'Alfa Romeo' which went on to win the 2002 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Flushed with worldwide exposure Alfa Romeo signed up for another two years to support the second 'Alfa Romeo', the yacht which is now available for purchase.

'We have developed an excellent relationship with Alfa Romeo,' says Neville Crichton. 'Their support for us has been second to none and their creative and skilled use of the sponsorship has taken sailing to millions of people who would have not followed the sport in the past. Thanks to Alfa Romeo, this exciting, dynamic and technologically advanced sport now has millions more fans.'

But what of Neville Crichton's next sailing challenge?

'It is too early to say what my plans are,' he explains. 'But our aim will be to be as successful, fast and exciting as Alfa Romeo!'

Full details of Alfa Romeo are available on www.alfaromeo.com.au/maxiyacht . Sales queries for Alfa Romeo may be directed to sreeve@ateco.com.au or +61 2 9701 3510.

If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/37344