GP42 "Madrid about Sailing" presented today

The 2009 season of the "Madrid about Sailing" GP42 team was presented on Wednesday in the offices of Madrid's Tourist promotion agency. Skippered and helmed by Olympic gold medalist José Maria Van der Ploeg, the GP42 yacht will start its second season in the GP42 circuit sponsored once again by the Spanish capital's government that aims to, obviously, promote itself as a tourist destination but also reinforce its campaign to host the 2016 summer Olympics.

The MADRID GP42 yacht is a 2008-generation Botin & Carkeek design and was built at the Longitud Cero boatyard. As Van der Ploeg indicated she underwent significant modifications this winter and will race in the 2009 season with a new mast and rigging, designed by naval architect Iñigo Toledo of Barracuda Yacht Desing. Toledo was also in charge of the technical co-ordination during the design and construction of Desafío Español's ESP-88 and ESP-97 racing yachts in the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia.

The MADRID GP42 team will participate in the 2009 AUDI Medcup circuit, like the rest of the GP42 class, as well as the Copa del Rey in Palma and the GP42 World Championship in Cascais next fall.

Last but not least, the MADRID GP42 team will be reinforced with the presence of Rafa Trujillo, Finn silver medalist in Athens, who comes aboard as tactician.

From left, Rafael Trujillo (tactician), Jose Maria Van der Ploeg (owner and helmsman), Santiago Fisas (Madrid Tourism Manager), Iñigo Toledo (designer), Robin Imaz (genoa trimmer). Madrid, 11 March 2009