22nd December 2008
ICAP LEOPARD TO COMPETE IN HEINEKEN CAPE TO BAHIA RACE
On 10th January 2009, ICAP Leopard, the record breaking British
supermaxi yacht, will compete in the Heineken Cape to Bahia Race
(formerly the 'Cape to Rio') - one of the longest and toughest offshore
races of its kind. This will be the first race for ICAP Leopard,
following modifications to improve speed predictions by 7.5%, and she
will be looking to set an impressive record on the new race route.
Owner Mike Slade commented: "ICAP Leopard has been a wonderful performer
since her launch in June 2007. She has achieved a total of four world
speed sailing records, five course records, undertaken 100+ corporate
charters in Australia, the US and the UK and has sailed over 15,000
nautical miles! We are really looking forward to kicking off the 2009
season with a good performance in this tough offshore challenge."
ICAP Leopard will compete in this traditionally downwind race with a
world class crew that includes Whitbread and Volvo Round the World Race
sailors Gordon Maguire (IRE), Jason Carrington (GBR) & Paul Standbridge
(GBR), as well as members of America's Cup syndicate Team Shosholoza,
David Rae (RSA) and Joey Heywood (RSA). ICAP Leopard will be the largest
boat in the fleet, however she will face stiff competition from the 90ft
American maxi Rambler. Having crossed paths in last years Rolex Fastnet
Race, in which ICAP Leopard took line honours but conceded to Rambler on
handicap, the race between these two boats is sure to be tight.
At the end of the British summer season, ICAP Leopard underwent a 10
week refit programme at Hamble Yacht Services in Southampton led by
Captain Chris Sherlock with help from refit manager Paul Quinn. After
recent changes to the supermaxi class regulations, it was decided that
it would be the perfect time to optimise the yacht, utilising what has
been learnt over the last 14 months. Alongside modifications, such as a
switch to twin rudders, the team has had the opportunity to dismantle
the whole yacht, piece by piece, in order to service every hydraulic,
electrical and deck component and add a scoop to the stern, increasing
waterline length to 100ft precisely.
Following on from the Heineken Cape to Bahia Race, ICAP Leopard will
compete in the RORC Caribbean 600 and Antigua Sailing Week, before
heading to North America for a number of corporate events. She will then
return to the UK for the summer racing season and her corporate charter
commitments.
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contact:
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Leopard
Leopard follows in the footsteps of super-maxi yachts Ocean Leopard
(1988-1999) and Leopard of London (2000-2006). Like her predecessors she
is aimed towards top-level race sponsorship, day charters in the Solent
and, longer term, charters in the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and
the Caribbean.
Farr Yacht Design provided Leopard's basic naval architecture and
construction engineering, whilst styling and interior was designed by
Ken Freivokh. The boat was built by McConaghy Boats in Sydney,
Australia, with Chris Sherlock acting as owner's representative.
For more information regarding Leopard, please visit: www.leopard3.com
ICAP
ICAP is the world's premier voice and electronic interdealer broker and
the source of global market information and commentary for professionals
in the international financial markets. The Group is active in the
wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, energy, foreign exchange
and equity derivatives. ICAP has an average daily transaction volume in
excess of $1.5 trillion, more than 60% of which is electronic. ICAP plc
was added to the FTSE 100 Index on 30 June 2006.
For more information regarding ICAP, please visit: www.icap.com
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