|
|
|
|
The Concept A new feature in our continuing development program is the new Rogers Mini wing rig. Nick Bubb has been testing the prototype during the 2004 season and we have all learnt a lot. With some tweaks over the winter, Nick and Tom Braidwood will be using these optimised rigs for the 2005 season and it will be interesting to see how much difference these modifications have made. It is not unusual to hear reference made to the Mini arena being a test bed for the Grand Prix end of racing, namely Open 60’s and Volvo 70’s We can say that this is very much the case and there is little doubt that our Mini’s have proved to be fantastic sailing tank test models and have had an impact on past and current Grand Prix projects. The design is now well proven. Below is a selection of both past and current Skippers with their take on the Rogers Mini.
Brian Thompson Brian Thompson’s CV is impressive. A snap shot includes: Watch captain on the giant Cat Cheyenne which set a new circumnavigation world record. Co-skippered Maiden II where his expert knowledge of giant multihulls allowed Maiden II to break four world records in four months including the prestigious 24-hour world speed sailing record; this record Brian had held previously aboard PlayStation with Steve Fossett and of course his exceptional performance in the 2001 Mini Transat Race in a Rogers Mini. Racing the Rogers Mini he led the second leg across the Atlantic to Brazil only to be narrowly overtaken in the last few miles and beaten by 6 minutes. However, what really cost Brian was the decision to leave the generator behind on the first leg and go for solar power only. This was a calculated risk and one that he clearly thought was worth taking. This did not prove to be the case and as things panned out it was this factor that cost him a top podium position if not first overall.
Jonathan McKee Brian’s boat was sold to Jonathan McKee, a well known and highly respected US yachtie. His accolades include: double Olympic medallist (gold and bronze), Head USA Team Sailing Coach for the Barcelona Olympic Games and he was part of the One World America’s Cup Team in NZ, to name just a few. Jonathan again proved the Rogers Mini beyond doubt never having been out of the top three in the whole qualifying season for 2003. In 2003 Mini Transat he finished second on the first leg and led the second leg by 90 miles until the shattering blow of dismasting, just 800 miles from the finish. Following the race it was discovered that the D1 shroud had suffered a fatigue failure which caused the dismasting. Like Brian Thompson, this bad stroke of luck cost Jonathan the overall win. The boat is now in the ownership of Philippe Druesne from France and Jonathan has now joined Luna Rossa in their 2007 America’s Cup bid.
Tom Braidwood Tom is a top America’s Cup pro. from Australia, currently building a new Rogers Mini in Sydney.
To follow Tom’s campaign: www.tombraidwood.com
Nick Bubb Nick is the UK’s top Mini sailor of the last three years and following to qualifying in 2003 with his old boat, he chose to build a new Rogers Mini for the 2004 season. Nick’s new boat was the first to take advantage of the carbon wing rig rule change and the 2004 season was great training with this set up. 2004 was undoubtedly a good season for Nick in that he has proved his boat is quick and most importantly he has qualified for the 2005 Mini Transat. 2005 started well with Nick sailing on board Daedulus for the Oryx Quest. To follow Nick’s campaign: www.nickbubb.com
Clemency Williams Clemency bought one of the original pair of Rogers Mini’s in the winter of 2004. In her first season of sailing she achieved her milestone of qualifying for the Mini Transat but equally importantly, she learnt how to race Mini’s. Having never sailed a Mini before her learning curve was near vertical but in true Mini style, a number of other sailors and supporters helped her complete her first season. Well done! To follow Clemency’s campaign: www.clemencywilliams.com |
|
