Phaedo^3 video of taking part in The Artemis Challenge 2016
by Rachel Fallon-Langdon 14 Aug 2016 12:08 BST
11 August 2016
Screaming around the Isle of Wight at top speeds of over 30 knots, Lloyd Thornburg's MOD70 covered the 50 nautical mile course in 3 hours and 56 seconds, 50 minutes ahead of M32 Tranwall.
Powering over the Royal Yacht Squadron start line in a flash of gold and white, Phaedo3 flew past the Needles at 27 knots. Executing just three tacks the along the north west coast past Yarmouth.
Nevertheless, skipper Thornburg was elated at his crew's impressive performance on the water and thoroughly enjoyed the race today.
"The team were great today," he said on shore. "And Ard (Matthews) was a really valuable member of the crew. It was a great day, everyone was relaxed, but actually that can make you fast because you're not under pressure. Today we were fast and smooth."
Also on board Phaedo3 was guest sailor Ard Matthews, a popular musician. Joining the crew for the first time today, Matthews was blown away by the power of the MOD70.
"It was a privilege to sail on Phaedo3," he said. "I don't think there are many people in the world who would get the opportunity to ride on a boat like that." "We reached top speeds of 35 knots and got round the island in three hours. It just goes to show the quality of the crew on board, we did 50 miles in three hours which is an amazing average of over 16 knots, and they were looking at their watches and a bit blasé about it because last time they were 40 minutes quicker. Meanwhile I was mind blown, it was incredible," the singer concluded.
To commemorate a decade of the Artemis Challenge at Cowes Week, Artemis Investment Management LLP will split the £10,000 prize money 50/50. Both teams take home £5000 for their chosen charities. Phaedo3 will donate their winnings to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Tranwall will split their prize money between Swedish children's charity Childhood and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation – all three are great causes.