Turbocharged Bumblebee 5 set to sting
by Rob Kothe on 18 Dec 2001
Bumblebee 5 - British Trophy series Daryl Krasu
The Sydney Yachts built 62 foot IMS sloop Bumblebee 5 has charged into Hobart favouritism after an excellent win in the British Trophy Regatta sailed off Sydney Heads.
Murray Burns Dovell designed a new keel, a larger version of the Sydney 40 Turbo keel the American Transpac winner Bull is now sporting.
The new keel is deeper and finer with less wetted surface area and lead has been taken from inside the hull to the bulb. This reduces drag and makes the boat stiffer.
As a result of these changes skipper Iain Murray said. 'She is significantly faster to windward and has also improved off the wind, making her a good all-rounder for the Hobart Race.'
Performances over the last few years have lead to dockside expectations that 47-52 footers like Ausmaid, Ragamuffin, Sting and Hollywood Boulevard would provide the 2001 Sydney to Hobart winner.
It seems that the Turbocharged Bumblebee 5 Bee will be followed with equal interest come Boxing Day.
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