The new Patches TP52 is getting ready in Valencia's yacht club

Eamon Conneely’s brand new Reichel Pugh designed ‘Patches’ is getting in Valencia's yacht club. In what could turn out to be an increasing trend to build race boats in the Far East, this boat was built by McConaghy’s International in their Chinese facility in Don Guan. The six month build program involved 40 local Chinese workers and supervision from boat builders from McConaghy’s yard in Sydney, Australia. Skipper Ian Walker, whose company High Aspect project managed the build process, is delighted with the results

‘it was a brave decision by Eamon to build in China, but McConaghy’s are one of the best boat builders in the world and we were confident they would build a very high quality boat on time. We are thrilled by the work of Mark Evans and his team. With the first Breitling MedCup regatta starting in one month we could not afford any delays.’

Owner Eamon Conneely who visited the yard in China in January to monitor progress explained the decision to build a new boat

‘We have had two great seasons in the old Patches. Last year it was terrific to win the Copa del Rey and finish 3rd overall in the Breitling MedCup circuit. We are also aware that as in all sports the standards go up year on year. We are looking to improve in every area. I asked John Reichel to make subtle improvements to the hull to improve light air and upwind performance, we have changed some of the deck layout according to the wishes of the crew, we have a new 3 spreader rig and we will be improving the sails and crew’.

The new ‘Patches’ will again have a Hall Spar mast. Like many of the top boats last year it will have 3 sets of spreaders. The sails as in previous seasons will be from the North Sails UK loft in Gosport, overseen by Patches’ trimmer Simon Fry.

‘Patches’ will be commissioned over the next 3 weeks and will then be delivered to Alicante in time for the first Breitling MedCup regatta. Skipper Ian Walker is very aware of the time pressure

‘Time is still tight for the first regatta as new boats always take time to set up and optimise. I would like to thank McConaghy’s and Reichel Pugh for the creating such a great looking boat and it is now up to the crew to do the rest. We have a very experienced team who have been together a long time. I have high hopes for the season’.

Of interest to any potential new TP52 teams will be the very competitive 2005 Patches that is still available for sale or charter in time for this season’s circuit.

For information on sale or charter of the first TP52 ‘Patches’ or sponsorship of the new boat please contact Ian Walker at Ian@HighAspect.co.uk

Note: Due to the vicinity of 2 other TP52 and one GP42 boats, these are the best pictures I could get. A full report will be published on Tuesday morning.

The new Patches TP52 boat being fitted out. Valencia, 11 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The new Patches TP52 boat being fitted out. Valencia, 11 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The new Patches TP52 boat being fitted out. Valencia, 11 May 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing