Busy 2008 calendar

Vizual Marine release Artemis 20 schedule with new staff additions

Vizual Marine, the creators of the Artemis 20 keelboat that has been specifically designed to be sailed by both able bodied and disabled sailors alike, has announced a new management structure and a busy and high profile schedule to promote and race the Artemis 20 during 2008, kicking off with the RNLI Pursuit Race at Hayling Island on Easter Monday, 24th March - in which four boats are participating.



The Sussex-based yacht design and build company reports that there is an increasing number of enquiries coming in for the design from as far afield as the USA and Australia, and so Vizual Marine have introduced a series of test sails held on a monthly basis at Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC) which are open to all. The Artemis 20 is an ideal match-racing boat whether in seated mode or tiller mode and sails well in light winds, whilst she’s also capable of sailing in 20 knots plus.

Vizual Marine has also announced a number of senior management additions and the company is looking forward to a positive and buoyant year ahead. Nick Sherriff, General Manager, was previously at Force 4 chandlery running their sales programme. He has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the sailing industry.

Matt Grier is a Paralympic Coach and has joined VM to assist in running events, training and coaching as well as an adviser. Chris Knight has thousands of miles as a professional skipper under his belt and is working on specialist projects.

Dave Rutter, Managing Director, says, “I’m very impressed with the amount of interest being shown in the boat this early on in the year. A lot of doors have started to open for us after a tough 2007 (mostly down to weather!). Some very good sailors are coming forward wanting to race the boats for us. I can see I’m going to end up standing on the pontoon whilst everybody else is ‘out there’ enjoying themselves!

“I am also extremely happy and proud that Artemis Investment Management is still sponsoring us for 2008; they have been an ideal partner in helping us move the project forward,” added Rutter.

The 2008 Artemis 20 Schedule includes:

HISC Open RNLI Pursuit Race
24th March 2008

HISC Glyn Charles Pursuit Race
26th April 2008

Artemis Transat
9th – 11th May Plymouth

JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race
28th June 2008 Cowes

ACCBank Cork Week – 12th – 18th July (tbc)

Skandia Cowes Week
2nd – 9th August 2008 Cowes

Sailability Multi-Class Regatta Rutland SC
8th - 10th August

Falmouth Week
9th – 16th August 2008 tbc

PSP Southampton Boat Show
12th – 21st September 2008

Whyte & Mackay Earls Court Boat Show
28th November – 7th December 2008

More details can be found on the company's website.