Cowes Week class preview 2

Andy Rice takes a look at the form book for the bigger boats in IRC Classes 0-3

The IMX-40s have been cleaning up on the IMS circuit in the Mediterranean this summer, and they could cause one or two upsets under IRC too. But the real surprise package - although not for anyone who witnessed Roaring Meg's meteoric performance in the Rolex Commodores Cup last year - is the Ker 11.3. These boats don't look 38 feet long, but they say that it is the mark of a good design when a boat appears to be smaller than it actually is. The brainchild of designer Jason Ker and Phil Crebbin of Race 1, they can't get these production one-designs out quick enough.
Former Commodore's Cup winner Jarrod Simpson is awaiting the delivery of a brand new Ker 11.3 in time for Cowes, but whether he can get up to speed in time is questionable. Hyde Sails's David Lenz and Crebbin himself are likely to pose a more potent threat in their respective Kers, and when sailed to their optimum these boats appear capable of beating most 40-footers through the water.

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