Newsletter nº3 Mean Machine
February 29, 2008 by Mean Machine Sailing Team | 0 comments
Well, it’s certainly been another exciting month in the Mean Machine camp... everybody’s anxiously waiting for the arrival of the new addition to the family, the brand new Mean Machine TP 52 which will soon be unveiled for one and all to see.
February 2007
Hello again everybody!
Well, it’s certainly been another exciting month in the Mean Machine camp… everybody’s anxiously waiting for the arrival of the new addition to the family, the brand new Mean Machine TP 52 which will soon be unveiled for one and all to see. It’s hoped the new kid on the block will be the boat that sees Peter de Ridder win the 2008 MedCup Circuit… all we can say is: ‘watch this space!’
The TP 52 aside for a moment, in other news we’ve got glossy new photos for you, a quick Farr 40 update and we’ve also been having a good old chat with Jono Swain in our endeavour to bring you right to the heart of the Mean ‘Machine’:
Jono Swain, a body of experience
In the second edition of our “Up close and Personal” feature we quizzed the South African trimmer about everything from sailing to his childhood ambitions, to what he really thinks about his team-mates. We found out that he likes cycling and kayaking, that he once ran a marathon, he LOVES what he does and that if he could sail anywhere in the world it’d be Hawaii because it’s warm and there are good waves. He also told us that while he’s not a superstitious kind of guy himself, there are some people who don’t like sailing with bananas onboard!!?? (That’s sailors for you… just a wee bit odd.)
It was a great chat, and a privilege for us to have this expert sailor share those experiences with us… see Part II for Jono’s take on all the classes he’s sailed in from dinghies to the TP 52 class and to hear what he thinks about the future of the sport.
FARR 40
Just a quick note to you all to remind you to jot down the 6th of March in your diaries, for the start of the Acura Miami Grand Prix. The 4-day event will play host to the world’s best sailors and some fierce competition. It’s where the crème de la crème will be baring their teeth before the Farr 40 World’s in April, and then, for most, on the MedCup 2008 Circuit in the TP 52 class.
The Farr 40 competition is hotter than ever this year, with big names and lots at stake. Next week in Miami the one-designs will be fighting for the Acura Miami Grand Prix title, as well as the Acura Grand Prix combined trophy for the best overall performance in both the Key West regatta, held in January and this event.
Mean Machine is currently sitting in sixth place on the overall class rankings, and with this regatta the boat with the black hull the pink flames will be one step closer to the Rolex World Championships in April.
The family grows: Mean Machine TP52
Ok, so we know you’re all dying to hear how it’s all going and WHEN the new leading lady’s going to make her début… so we can tell you that the newest Machine is just weeks from leaving the Salthouse shipyard in New Zealand. According to Captain and build Manager Chris Reid, who’s overseeing the construction, things are right on schedule. Mean Machine founder Peter de Ridder also revealed that the new Vrolijk design is going to feature a brand new innovative deck layout, which the whole team have been working on.
If you want a sneaky peek, we’ve got a special treat for you:
Want to see the new Machine being brought to life?
Yes, we’ve decided to give you all a taster of what’s to come… and it’s a great chance to see how the new Mean Machine TP52 looks at the various stages of construction. We’ve uploaded some brand new pics onto our website for you to enjoy
Click on the “Gallery” link at the top of our homepage and take a look at how the new Machine’s taking form.
Fan question time: This is where we hand you the mic, so to speak…
Terry C: My introduction to the sailing world was through watching the last VOR. Through doing research about Pirates of the Caribbean/Dirk de Ridder, I discovered this site. After some more research and looking around, I couldn’t find an answer so here’s my question…
Was the (great) name choice of “Mean Machine” in any way influenced by the cartoon character of the same name from the British comic, Judge Dredd?
Given the flame motif, my guess is “no”
If you’ve got any questions you’d like to put to the Mean Machine team (any or all of them!), just send them to: helena@mean-machine.nl
We’ll be back next month for another Mean Machine news ‘in short’, but in the meantime check out our website www.mean-machine.nl for all the latest team news and photos.
