MC38s to debut at Hamiliton Island

One of the world’s most exciting keelboat classes of recent times, the MC38 one-design, will make an impressive debut at the 30th Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in August.

Six of these high-performance yachts are destined to be at the regatta, which will be staged from August 17 to 24. The class will also bring added international flavour to the series as one of the crews will be from New Zealand, and it is possible another team will be led by a high-profile American. Race Director, Denis Thompson, has agreed to establish a special division for the MC38s within the regatta, which is likely to see a fleet of near 200.

"We are very excited about the class being at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week," said Chris Hancock, owner of the Sydney-based MC38, Vino. "The sailing conditions and the courses around the Whitsunday Islands will definitely give us the opportunity to enjoy some great racing, and really show everyone what these high performance boats can do."

Four of the six boats committed to being at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week are Menace (Howard Spencer, NSW), Ginger (Leslie Green, NSW), Ghost Rider (Ross Hennessey, NSW) and Vino.

Designed by four-time America’s Cup designer, Harry Dunning, out of Newport, Rhode Island, the first of the class was launched little more than 18 months ago. Their performance and the close racing being enjoyed by the owners have seen them being dubbed a ‘mini TP52’ -- one of the world’s elite racing classes. Built of carbon fibre in China by the highly respected Australian company, McConaghy, the MC38s are 11.35 metres long, and designed so they can be easily transported by road on a trailer or in a standard 40ft shipping container.

Entries for this year’s much-anticipated 30th edition of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week continue to be lodged at a record rate. The 100th entry is expected shortly.

Luxury carmaker, Audi, returns as the Title Sponsor of Hamilton Island Race Week in 2013. The German premium brand will host a range of special events on the island for yacht owners and guests to enjoy during the week.