First Volvo Extreme 40 team

Team Holmatro announced

Team Holmatro will be the first of the Volvo Extreme 40 teams to be launched and today have revealed the graphics of their new 40ft catamaran.

Purpose-designed and built for grand prix racing, the Volvo Extreme 40, will initially compete in a series forming part of the in-port entertainment during the Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06 stopovers. Team Holmatro, the first of this series of one designs to be launched will venture out onto the water for the first time next Wednesday, 27 July.

The Holmatro sailing team will include multihull veteran Mitch Booth as helmsman and his Tornado crew Herbert Dercksen as tactician. The remaining crew members will be finalised shortly.

Holmatro are world leaders in hydraulic rescue equipment and now continuing to expand into the Marine industry with a range of hydraulic hardware under the name Holmatro Marine.

“We are so excited in this new project and really looking forward to having our first sailing ride. We saw this class and series as a great opportunity to bring our marine products to the market at the highest level, “ said Jaap Meijer, chairman of Holmatro.

The fleet of Volvo Extreme 40s will be fitted with Holmatro hydraulic downhaul and mainsheet systems. The boats will also come with custom built Meissner winches that have been designed specifically for these high speed race cats. Holmatro are official class supplier for hydraulics and winches (the winches are promoted under the brand name Meissner).

“It is great to work together Holmatro who share the same passion for the sport of sailing and enthusiasm for this extreme project,” commented Mitch.

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