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Follow on Google News | Leopard’s Fight for the FinishLouay Habib JP Morgan Round the Island Race starts June 1, 2013
By: Leopard3 Slade’s record breaking 100ft Maxi ended the 2012 season in style, scorching across the Atlantic in just over 7 days, to win The International Maxi Association’ Mike Slade has had a love affair with the Round the Island Race for 25 years. “It’s where it all began.” smiled Mike. “The first race we ever did was on Ocean Leopard back in 1991, we broke the record then and we have held it with three different boats since, it has become something of an enigma. It is an intriguing race, no wonder it draws 1800 yachts each year. It is a wonderful sight to see all of those boats, some of them have been doing it since the 1930s. This year, we will have some fantastic yachts challenging Leopard; Alex Thompson’s Hugo Boss, Brian Thompson’s Artemis and Andy Budgen’s Monster Project are all capable of giving Leopard a run for her money. For me that makes this fascinating race even more exciting.” ICAP Leopard will have a stellar crew for the race including Volvo Ocean Race and World Champion sailors; Hugh Agnew (GBR), Ryan Godfrey (AUS), Zane Gills (AUS), Andy Meikljohn (NZL), Nick Bonner (GBR), Phil Harmer (AUS), Mark Thomas (AUS), Ian Budgen (GBR). Chris Sherlock has been Leopard’s Captain for over 20 years. “I can’t remember a more competitive fleet for Line Honours in The Round The Island Race.” admitted Chris. “Since Leopard 3 was launched, Volvo 70s and IMOCA 60s have been getting more and more powerful and this year it should be one hell of a race. Last year, Leopard was just 5 minutes outside the current record, which we set in 2008. However, we will need to be in top form this year just to be the first to finish. Taking the gun will be our objective and if the conditions are right, we know we are capable of beating our own record.” For more information about ICAP Leopard: http://www.leopard3.com End
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