Lyons designs in 2001 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

by David Lyons on 1 Jan 2002 I'd like to congratulate the crew, builders and designers of Bumblebee V
for their IMS win in the 2001 Sydney to Hobart. Great effort.

I'd also like to take the opportunity to draw your attention to the
following strong results by Lyons designs in the race to Hobart:

IMS
NINETY SEVEN - SECOND Overall...Not 'just another Farr design'. We
designed a new keel, rudder, ballast package and after-body modifications
to the hull, together with modifications to the righting moment,
displacement and sail plan which lead to an improvement in the yacht's IMS
handicap versus rating of more than 15 seconds per mile. The IMS Division
is the toughest in the race and there have been no new designs built in
Australia to this rule since 1999, leading owners of these evergreen yachts
to focus on continual improvements. We're pleased to have played our part,
keeping this yacht in the top three places two years running (3rd place
overall in 2000). The design program relied on a strong background
understanding of the IMS VPP derived from five years' involvement with the
ORC/ITC.

PHS
Lyons designs FIRST and SECOND overall
VALTAIR - A performance cruising design (20m/66 feet overall) racing under
the experienced ownership of Matt Allen.
ASPECT COMPUTING - A 2000 launching (16m/54 feet overall) racing for
Sailors with disAbilities.

IRC
WAHOO - Fifth overall. Brian Emerson's Frers/Prestige 40 was upgraded in
late 2001 with a new Lyons rudder design and complete keel refairing to new
templates, as well as strengthening of the bilges with new keel floors.

Happy New Year to All!

Best wishes,