Quantum Racing back in the Med

New appointments on board the TP52

Quantum Racing returns to the Mediterranean for the 2013 summer circuit with Ed Baird at the helm and four new team members including Terry Hutchinson as Tactician. The team also welcomes Jordi Calafat, Spain, as Strategist; Romolo Ranieri, Italy, at the Mast and new shore crew Rowan Swanson from New Zealand.

The team gathers this weekend in Barcelona, Spain where it will be training for the first European event of the 52 Super Series, the Trofeo Conde De Godo, over 23-26 May.

Commenting on his return to the team he led in taking Audi MedCup and World Championship titles in 2010 and 2011, Hutchinson says: “Behind every closed door, a new one opens. I’m really looking forward to the four events this summer. To be welcomed back into the Quantum family is incredibly special.”

The 52 Super Series returns for its second year with a growing and highly competitive fleet that has seen different boats winning races at every regatta and standings separated by only a point or two. Ed Reynolds, President of Quantum Sail Design Group and Quantum Racing Managing Director, says the level of competition is what sets the TP52s apart and attracts the world’s top sailors: “Nowhere else in the world do you see this type of Grand Prix monohull racing. It’s incredibly competitive, not only on the water, but also behind the scenes where we’re working to assemble a team of top-flight talent. We have a strong and highly experienced core group that knows the program and our new members bring a dynamic and expertise we expect will serve us well this season. We’re very excited about welcoming Terry, Jordi, Romolo and Rowan to the team.”

For Quantum Racing, the 52 Super Series provides an unparalleled opportunity for testing and validating the company’s sail design technology. The team’s continuing partnership with Bravo Systems and VSPARS is a key component of this process. “The data gained through our validation process with Bravo and VSPARS provides the team with critical knowledge for refining sail shapes and delivers a competitive advantage,” explains Reynolds. “And more than that, it ultimately leads to better designs for all types of boats powered by
Quantum sails.”

Quantum Racing also welcomes technical gear manufacturer Gaastra and 11th Hour Racing as new partners in 2013 and Amway Corporation and Sebago as returning sponsors. Through its new relationship with 11th Hour Racing, Quantum Racing has converted to a system for refillable water bottles nearly eliminating plastic bottle waste. The effort is just one of several initiatives spearheaded by the environmental non-profit organisation to advance sailing practices that improve the energy profile and performance of racing boats, while improving the health of our waters.