Aegir 2 soon to launch

Brian Benjamin looking forward to his new maxi

Brian Benjamin’s new yacht, the Carbon Ocean 82 maxi, Aegir II, is just days away from being launched in Newport, Rhode Island. The boat is in the final stages of systems and hardware installation, prior to extensive sea trials, to ready the yacht for the Caribbean season, early next year. The boat will replace Benjamin's Maxi Dolphin Aegir that this season  won its class at the 2010 Giraglia Rolex Cup and took the World Championship for Mini-Maxi cruiser/racers at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Aegir II is constructed entirely from pre-preg carbon utilising the latest aerospace technologies, in race-mode, velocity prediction analysis suggests an upwind speed of 10.5 knots and a capability of 20 knots downwind. The Carbon Ocean 82 has elegant lines but the three spreader carbon rig, towering 35 metres above the deck, will provide some serious horse-power. The masthead asymmetric kite is 650sqm.

Benjamin explains that he can't wait to get on the water in his new boat: "A Beauty and a beast. An enormous amount of time and effort has gone into refining Aegir II, to deliver immense power and performance but also a yacht that can be cruised in style. Carbon Ocean Yachts have been meticulous in the build programme.

"Aegir II is state of the art, incorporating the latest in construction techniques from the top of the rig, to the tip of the keel. I like to cruise in style as well as race and probably as much thought has gone into the interior as anywhere else.

"After the sea trials, Aegir II will be in the Caribbean and I am delighted to say that the yacht's first duty will be as a wedding carriage for my daughter's honeymoon. The first time Aegir II will be raced will be in February, competing in the RORC Caribbean 600. I can't wait to put her through her paces, on a race course that will really show her true potential."