Shaw 650 sportboats come aboard as sponsors of HCW regatta

by HCW Event Media on 16 Sep 2009 Shaw650.com, the licensed builder of the Shaw 650 sportboat, has signed up as a sponsor to the 2009-2010 Heaven Can Wait (HCW) 24 hour race and One Lap Dash, with a significant cash donation.

The Shaw 650 is a 6.5 m long, 320 kg high-performance sportboat designed by leading NZ sportboat designer Rob Shaw , with 10 boats already in the water or under construction.

In addition, HCW founder Shaun Lewicki has been appointed Australian dealer for Shaw 650 sportboats.

'Design features include lightweight construction, moderate-sized rig and an efficient easy-to-use layout,' said Shaw650.com owner Lee Beck.

'The Shaw 650 is one of the easiest sportboats to campaign; it has proven performance with easy trailering and low sheet loads and is one of the best value for money boats.'

According to Beck, sponsorship of HCW is an opportunity to combine the joy of sailing with the seriousness of a cancer charity event- and also to raise the profile of the Shaw 650 class in Australia and around the world.

'We are all aware how cancer takes a brutal toll on the families and individuals who suffer from this terrible disease, and research, support and awareness have enormous potential to ease the burden.

'This event is something we feel passionately about, and we are delighted to see what Shaun Lewicki and all participants and sponsors are doing to raise awareness and funds for cancer research,' said Beck.

'We hope this will be the start of a long-term relationship with the regatta and look forward to seeing a one-design start for Shaw 650s in the 2010 HCW regatta.'

Beck said the Shaw 650 is the first Southern Hemisphere one-design production sportboat built in New Zealand then marketed in Australia and beyond.

'To be able to launch and announce our arrival to Australia in the next few months by means of supporting the HCW regatta is a wonderful chance to do something good while also meeting many of the participants in Australian sportboating at what is a 'who's who' of NSW sailing,' he said.

Since their launch in 2001, Shaw 650s have been successfully raced in New Zealand, Thailand, the USA and Hong Kong. The Shaw 650 is now available in composite fibreglass construction, built in New Zealand featuring class sails, carbon rig and high-performance deck gear.

The first deliveries to Australia are set to start in January 2010, with three boats already ordered. The first New Zealand boat is due for delivery in November. In addition, Shaw 650 plans are available for home builders, with two already under construction in Australia.

'Class one-design rules will ensure a fair playing field for all boats, with competitive pricing and strong performance ensuring the longevity and growth of fleets,' Beck said.

'Building in New Zealand means high quality; but in addition, due to NZ carbon rigs plus proximity for shipping to Australia, we have still been able to maintain highly competitive pricing.'

Shaw650.com is the sole licensee building fibreglass Shaw 650, and completes boats on a trailer are priced at $A44,900 (until January 31, 2010) including taxes and delivery ready to race. Qualified builders, owners Lee and Kipsan Beck and designer Rob Shaw are all involved with the management, marketing and production processes, ensuring clients get the best possible value boat.

'During 2010 we expect to see a number of opportunities for new Australian owners to travel abroad and race on Shaw 650s in new locations and markets around the world, as the fleets grow worldwide. Other orders have already been received from as far afield as Singapore and Denmark,' says marketing and sales manager Kipsan Beck.

For more information about Shaw 650 sportboats, please visit the company's website at www.shaw650.com. For design-related enquiries or further information, go to www.shawyachtdesign.com.

For local information, contact Australian dealer Shaun Lewicki on ph (02) 4358 2495, email shaun.lewicki@bigpond.com.

For more information on the HCW 24 hour yacht race, please visit the website at www.heavencanwait.com.au, email info@heavencanwait.com.au.