The Gosport-based specialist boatyard, Endeavour Quay, is entering a very busy period, with several Rolex Fastnet Race entries making use of the dedicated facilities, before the start on 11th August. The boatyard is thrilled to be hosting five high calibre yachts from 20 to 30 metres LOA, ahead of the 608 mile race; this proves Endeavour Quay’s reputation as the yard of choice for plenty of professional yacht crews as well as owners.
Endeavour Quay hosting Esimit Europa 2 Yacht
The famously challenging Rolex Fastnet Race will this year see a record number of competitors take part in the event, with more than 350 boats due to race around the Fastnet Rock, south of Ireland. Sailing yacht Ran2, Bella Mente yacht, superyacht Esimit Europa 2, Caro and Azzam, five of the fastest boats on the start line, will be using Endeavour Quay’s equipment and professional team to ensure the best preparation possible ahead of the race.
JV 72s Ran2 and Bella Mente are both due to arrive in the UK at the beginning of July, heading straight to Endeavour Quay with their containers, cradles, spare rigs, support vessels and other equipment. Luxury yacht Esimit Europa is currently taking part in the Gotland Runt in Stockholm, Sweden and will travel to Gosport in mid-July.
Ran2 (Judel Vrolijk 72 Mini Maxi) – 21.9m LOA, mast height 34m, built 2009.
Owned by Niklas Zennstrom of Skype fame, Ran2 yacht is part of the super competitive, owner/driver, Mini Maxi World Championship series which is made up of the highest level, privately funded racing yachts in the world. This year sees the yacht entering the race for the 3rd time, preparing at Endeavour Quay for the 3rd time, and hoping to achieve a hat trick and win for the 3rd time!
Works on sailing yacht RAN
Bella Mente (JV 72 Mini Maxi) – 21.9m LOA, mast height 34m, built 2012.
Owned by Hap Fauth, a US financier, luxury yacht Bella Mente is another regular from the Mini Maxi World Championship circuit. Currently on its 2013 European Tour which includes the Gaastra Palma Vela (winner), Giraglia Rolex Cup, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, Rolex Fastnet Race, and Mini Maxi Rolex World Championships, this is the boat’s first visit to the UK.
Esimit Europa 2 (RP100 Maxi) – 30 m LOA, mast height 44m.
Superyacht Esimit Europa 2, formerly Alfa Romeo II, is the only boat in the world to sail under the flag of the European Union and has so far taken line honours in all attended regattas. The boat visited Endeavour Quay with her previous owner Neville Crichton ahead of the 2007 Fastnet where they sadly sustained damage and retired. This year, they hope to continue their recent run of success and take monohull line honours, although charter yacht ICAP Leopard, the only other Maxi yacht in the race could prove a tough opposition. This is the first year the boat has left the Mediterranean and travelled North under its new name and European Union campaign.
Caro (Botin IRC 65) – New Botin design, built and launched in Kiel, Germany in June 2013. Little is yet known about this brand new cruiser racer or her owner so we look forward to welcoming her at Endeavour Quay soon to see for ourselves.
Azzam (VO70) – Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s Azzam last year completed the gruelling round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race. The yacht is currently undergoing a mini-refit in one of the dedicated boat sheds at Endeavour Quay, preparing to defend the 2011 Fastnet Race VO70 winners’ title. With a possible fleet of four VO70s there will be some stiff competition on the race course.
Endeavour Quay in Portsmouth Harbour is less than 500m from the Solent and approximately 8 miles from Cowes and the River Hamble making it the perfect location for Solent starting race preparation. The boatyard offers all of the services and amenities required by yacht owners and crews:
• Open Yard Policy
• 180 tonne travel lift
• Mast crane
• Storage ashore
• Undercover storage up to 40m
• Deep water
• No air-draft restriction
• Excellent transport links
• Local marine service providers
• Local provisioning stores
• Local restaurants & bars
• Local accommodation
