Artemis 2 on a diet

Open 60 undergoes major refit, out of the water in Saxon Wharf

The Artemis Ocean Racing Team is keeping very busy, discovering new territories, and optimising their flagship IMOCA Open 60, Artemis II. The boat is currently undergoing a major weight reduction refit prior to the IMOCA season kicking off properly with the Artemis Challenge during Cowes Week and the Rolex Fastnet Race, but with the next major IMOCA race in the calendar, the two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre, firmly in the team’s sights. The Artemis crew for the race from Le Havre in France to Puerto Limon in Costa Rica, will be announced in July.

In the meantime, Artemis I skippered by Simon Clay took part in the classic Round the Island Race this weekend. Artemis I won her class in the 2007 edition and this time she finished 2nd in the IMOCA class just 10 minutes behind Seb Josse's newer-generation BT IMOCA 60 after eight and a half hours of racing

Shore manager Graham Tourell reports: " Artemis II is currently undergoing a refit at Saxon Wharf in Southampton, and is barely recognisable! We have brought in a great team of boat builders led by Paul Quinn to aid in our quest for a lighter boat. The key actions of the refit which we are undertaking have been decided from the results of the testing that was carried out in France alongside BT. Whilst being a well-built and strong boat, Artemis II is significantly above her fighting weight, and we need to do everything we can to close the gap in this refit. In particular this disability will hurt most in the Transat Jacques Vabre, which this year is a predominately light airs downwind race to Costa Rica.”

Technical Director, Neil Graham, summarises the current phase of work: “There were a number of positive points that came from the testing in particular in upwind conditions, but performance downwind is compromised by being overweight at present. Objective for this season, is to get as close to the performance of the leading division of new IMOCA 60’s as we can in the TJV, but without making changes to the major elements of rig and keel. However, we have embarked on studies in this areas for the project in 2010 should it continue after the TJV in November.”

Tourell continues on the detail of the work: “The main modifications underway in the refit are the removal of the entire steering system, and replacement with much lighter tiller arms. The Fleet 77 ‘dome’ satellite antenna needs removing and will be replaced with a smaller unit on the foredeck. The mainsheet track is to be reduced in length and the supporting structure removed. There are a million other jobs or modifications that are taking place, such as the relocation of the nav station, and full review of the electronics systems."

Meanwhile Jonny Malbon continues his intensive training campaign aboard his Bénéteau Figaro II One-Design, and multiple singlehanded trips between Cowes and Brittany, where he trains alongside Figaro classmates. After a convincing first solo race across the Channel (the Transmanche), Jonny is now fully concentrated on the ‘big one’, namely the famous Solitaire du Figaro.

"The Solitaire is an institution and if you look at the names of past winners it's really humbling. Poupon, Parlier, Desjoyeaux, Cammas, Le Cam… quite a role call! I know it's going to be tough mentally and physically, as sleep is not really an option during the four legs that last up to 3-4 days. We'll be 55 on the start line, some of the guys have participated more than 10 times and could sail the boat blindfolded with one arm tied behind their back!”

The race starts from Lorient on 30 July, and this year boasts a bumper fleet of Rookies (first time Figarists) with whom Jonny will be in most direct competition.