|
(Photos: Neil Rabinowitz / BMW ORACLE Racing)
BMW Oracle Racing says it is just about ready to launch it’s new 90-foot carbon-fiber trimaran, built here in Anacortes.
The boat emerged from under wraps at its Anacortes construction shed for the first time today. The trimaran is the third yacht constructed for the team in Anacortes.
Racing team spokeswoman Jane Eagleson said they expect to launch the boat here "soon," but wouldn't say when. She said there is still some work to do before launch, including attaching the mast. She also indicated the launching probably wouldn't be a public event.
“This is a very special boat and represents a special achievement by a hugely committed team who are among the world’s best at what they do,” the team’s CEO and skipper, Russell Coutts said. We have learned a lot in getting to this point and now we are looking forward to testing it on the water.”
The yacht is a key element of the team’s preparation for the next America’s Cup, representing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC), on which a ruling is expected from the New York State Court of Appeals in the next six months.
Led by Mark Turner and Tim Smyth, the BMW ORACLE Racing construction team has worked in a purpose-built composite yacht construction facility housed in a 100-foot x 200-foot, three-story shed. Janicki Industries in nearby Sedro-Woolley provided high-tech precision tooling.
“Today, everyone is proud to have reached this milestone in the final launch preparations,” Turner said. “Our team has worked hard and we have enjoyed great local support.”
Turner said the team is delighted by the expertise available in Anacortes, which has a well developed cluster of marine infrastructure, aerospace-quality tooling and other support operations required for such a high-tech undertaking.
 |
