Waverider - IRC Yacht of the Series

Marie-Claude Keys receives trophy from Hamble Winter Series

The J/109 Waverider, helmed by Marie-Claude Heys, won the coveted ‘IRC Yacht of the Series’ prize for the 2003 Tyco Healthcare Hamble Winter Series. The trophy was presented to Marie-Claude at the prize-giving on Saturday along with the prize for first place in IRC Class 2.

18 boats competed in IRC Class 2 including three X362s, two Swan 42s and a Beneteau 36.7. The J/109, which was never beaten on the water, scored six impressive wins and, discarding a second place, won the Class from the HOD 35 Carpetbagger by 12 points. Over 150 yachts were eligible for the Yacht of the Series prize but Waverider's consistent form proved unbeatable.

2002 was the first full year on the race track for the J/109 and the boat has scored an impressive list of results. Marie-Claude Heys and Waverider were overall winners of the Black Group at Skandia Life Cowes Week earlier in the year but the model has proved itself throughout the UK and Europe, racing inshore, offshore and two handed .