Three hulls create a milestone for Hamilton Island Race Week

by Rob Mundle 20 Jun 2018 19:20 PDT 21 June 2018

Morelli and Melvin Rapido 60, Romanza in Auckland © Antonia Wright

Morelli and Melvin Rapido 60, Romanza in Auckland © Hamilton Island

An impressive trimaran designed in America, built in Vietnam and owned by a New Zealander, is the 150th entry for Australia’s premier offshore regatta, Hamilton Island Race Week.

Named Romanza and owned by Auckland yachtsman Dougall Love, the 18.2 metre Morelli & Melvin Rapido 60 design is a fast cruising trimaran that won’t be disgraced on the race course.

Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin’s record as designers leaves little doubt that this yacht could be a wolf in sheep’s clothing at Race Week, which will be staged from August 18 to 25. The Los Angeles based duo has been at the forefront as designers of both conventional and foiling multihulls for more than two decades. Their expertise has also been evident in the America’s Cup, the Olympics, general multihull racing and large cruising concepts.

The good news for Romanza’s Race Week campaign is that Pete Melvin will be aboard for the regatta.

“It’s certainly going to be an exciting week for me in every sense,” Dougall Love said. “Hamilton Island Race Week has been on my radar for many years, and I can think of no better way to make a debut.”

With Race Week complete, Dougall and his partner Jaz Knowles will take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely cruise through the 74 mainly uninhabited tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday group. After that experience, Romanza will be Auckland-bound.

The fleet for 2018 currently comprises 27 IRC class yachts, including three supermaxis, 70 cruiser- racers, 27 non-spinnaker cruising yachts, 11 trailable yachts and 23 multihulls. The final fleet is expected to top 200.

A round of golf, a huge pool party or a cruise to nearby Whitehaven Beach are among the many activities to be enjoyed on the Lay Day at Hamilton Island Race Week 2018. (Image: Ciaran Handy). - photo © Ciaran Handy

One of the many highlights during the regatta is the lay day, which will be on August 22 this year. It provides all participants, their families and friends the opportunity to party, cruise or simply relax. The highlight of the day will be a vibrant beachfront pool party. Alternatively, crews can sail their yachts to nearby Whitehaven Beach for the day or enjoy some of the many island activities, including a round of golf.

Entries close Saturday August 5 and the Notice of Race and all information is on the website: www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

#HIRW #HamiltonIsland