Ultra 30 - Series Finale Preview

ULTRA 30s STAGE FINAL ROUND ACTION OFF CASTLE CORNET, GUERNSEY SEPTEMBER 3rd – 5th

The beautiful Channel Island of Guernsey will once again bear witness to the exciting climax of the Hoya Vision Care Ultra 30 Grand Prix Series. Sponsored by the Guernsey Tourist Board, the final regatta is a three-day event and, undoubtedly, the fleet will enjoy close and eventful racing as borne out in previous regattas held in Guernsey, with the likelihood of the top three places being undecided until the last race.

The Ultra 30 six-boat fleet, known as the Formula 1 of yachting, will be racing on Havelet Bay between 3rd – 5th September to decide the overall winner for the Hoya Vision Care Trophy. The harbour wall and Castle Cornet provide perfect spectating areas within easy walking distance of the town centre and Albert marina where the boats will be berthed. Racing will be hosted by the Guernsey Yacht Club and supported by the Guernsey Sailing Trust and Guernsey Harbour Office.

The lightweight Ultra 30’s are one-design monohulls with an expansive sail area, which can power them up to speeds of 25 knots. To increase the speed and excitement of the racing, trapezes are used with the nine crew out on the wire, a feat not undertaken by any other racing boats of this size in the UK.

The boats have three 30-minute races per day over very short courses in Havelet Bay, providing spectators on Castle Cornet and its ramparts with spectacular entertainment close to the shore. A resident Ultra 30 commentator will be on hand to provide on-shore explanation of the action as it unfolds and spectators can visit the ‘pit lane’ at the Albert Marina to see the boats prepare for the race or post-racing to meet the skippers and crews.

The crew aboard DBS skippered by defending champion and two-time winner of the Series, Russell Peters, have so far shown their championship class during the 1999 Circuit, to lead Team David Mclean skippered by 21 year old Rob Greenhalgh by an overall 3 points.

International Match Race Champion, Eddie Warden Owen, for Team Hoya, whose brand new Ultra 30 was launched only days before the first Regatta of the season, secured an encouraging start to the 1999 Series. Heading for Guernsey, Team Hoya are in overall joint 3rd place with Star Alliance, skippered by Kevin Sproul. This year’s newcomers include Mark Rushall, Laser 5000 European Champion steering United Airlines and James Hunt, helmsman of Team Gul, who has won the Solo World and National Championships and was Flying Fifteen Champion two years ago.

Commenting on Guernsey’s involvement in the Hoya Vision Care Ultra 30 Grand Prix Circuit, Tony Dawson, Marketing Manager Special Interest at the Guernsey Tourist Board said: “We are delighted once again to welcome the Hoya Vision Care Ultra 30 Series back to Guernsey for the final regatta of the 10th anniversary of the Circuit. We look forward to an exciting three days of action on the water, where there is still very much all to play for.”

Ultra 30 Website: www.ultra30.com