Gentoo is now back on the water after her winter re-fit at Marine Rigging Services in Gosport. Last week after being launched, the rig was stepped in the spring sunshine.
The off-season is a perfect opportunity to undergo annual services of hardware, electronics, hydraulics, and the other systems onboard a yacht like Gentoo. Part of our annual service includes the testing of certain areas of the boat, notably the keel and mast - two areas of particular focus due to the severity of a potential outcome associated with a failure in either of these areas.
One important part of competing in the IMOCA Globe Series, is ensuring that the boat meets the various and evolving requirements set out by the class rules. This year, there have been changes to the materials used for elements of the boat, changing some titanium parts for stainless steel, new power system and safety equipment.
Areas of the boat under the water line were also examined and underwent work including touching up paint and re-fairing to ensure the bottom of Gentoo is as slippery as possible. Slippery = fast.
Several of our Youth Program sailors were also involved with the refit, providing them with experience in all areas of boat work and management.
We're now itching to start training ahead of our first race at the end of May; RORC Myth of Malham Cup!
A reminder of our 2023 races:
Myth of Malham - May
Round the Island Race - June
Rolex Fastnet - July
Défi-Azimut - September
Transat Jacques Vabre - October
Retour A La Base - November
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