New GP42 Fermax presented in Valencia

The brand new GP42 Fermax took Valencia by storm on Tuesday night. A couple of miles from the still-sleepy Port America's Cup, the city's yacht club was packed with guests attending the official presentation of this newcomer to the up and coming GP42 class.

This is the second Spanish unit, after Jan Santana's GP42 Zurich, and will make her racing debut in the Trofeo de la Reina, here in Valencia from July 12 to 15. She was designed by Botín & Carkeek and built in Croatia at the Murtic Yachts boatyard. Unlike some of the other Spanish GP42 teams, the Fermax crew will only consist of amateur sailors from the region of Valencia. Still, they feel confident their new boat will allow them to perform equally well if not better.

Starting tomorrow, the GP42 class is making its racing premiere at the Croatian Grand Prix, taking place in the city of Cres, with three boats taking part. The true test will be here in Valencia three weeks from now.

The brand new GP42 Fermax, officially presented. Valencia, 19 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The brand new GP42 Fermax, officially presented. Valencia, 19 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The brand new GP42 Fermax, officially presented. Valencia, 19 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The brand new GP42 Fermax, officially presented. Valencia, 19 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

It was packed house at Valencia's yacht club. Valencia, 19 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing

The brand new GP42 Fermax, officially presented. Valencia, 19 June 2007. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia Sailing