9:51 AM Tue 9 Mar 2010 GMT
First it was the Archambault A35, then the Archambault A40rc and now the Archambault A31 - that's three different models from the same stable that have all led the Audi Australian IRC championship during the past four years.
The A35 and A40rc both went on to convincingly win the coveted title in 2007 and 2009, and the newly launched A31 is currently leading the way at the half-way stage of the 2010 series.
While the three models differ markedly in size and scope, they share common DNA from experienced French naval architects Joubert/Nivelt. No other design group or indeed boat manufacturer can lay claim to such consistent achievement.
'It will be like Groundhog Day for the trophy engravers as Archambaults are clearly the most competitive IRC yachts in Australia and probably the world stage,' Archambault Australia spokesman Glenn Coulton said.
'They perform in all wind strengths and all sea conditions. I think we have the edge in design and in construction
quality because they simply don't have a weakness.'
The new A31, called Aroona, was launched in November last year by Harvey Milne who assembled a team of Pittwater-based club sailors, including helmsman Andy MacPhail.
Their first major regatta was Audi Victoria Week in January and they showed great consistency, finishing second overall in IRC Division 3 with a string of second-placings behind the winning Borrensen 10 Surprise.
At the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta last weekend they posted the perfect score in a 13-boat IRC Division 3 fleet that included French rivals the Dufour 34 Performance (5th) and Beneteau First 35 (11th) . both sailed by their respective importers.
With Milne having just returned to the yachting scene after a 20-year absence, he couldn't be happier with the results.
'I'm thrilled to bits,' Milne said when he was handed the leader's flag for the Audi trophy. 'Who wouldn't be?
'The boat is sensational. We regularly exceed our target speeds, and on reaches in particular she's an absolute flyer . on Sunday we came surfing through Sydney Heads at 17 knots!'
Aroona also won a lead-up ocean passage race held in late February by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at Newport, powering to a 5? -minute handicap win over the new King 40 Canute.
The A31 is far from being a stripped-out racer, having full headroom, six berths, an enclosed head compartment, dedicated galley, chart table and a dinette, all trimmed with an attractive moabi timber fitout and microfibre upholstery.
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The cabin is spacious and comfortable - 2010 Audi Australian IRC Championship - Mark Rothfield
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Archambault uses vacuum-bagged foam sandwich construction with full vinylester resin for the hull, while resin infusion technology is employed for the deck.
'The A31 has great potential as a family boat, and it proves you don't have to be a millionaire to win Australia's top IRC prize . not when you can buy this yacht for under $200,000,' Glenn Coulton said.
Two events remain in the Audi IRC Australian Championship race; the Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race which starts on July 31 and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week from August 20-28.
The best three of the four events scores count in each yacht's tally.
For details on the Archambault range and national dealer network please contact Newcastle Yachting on (02) 4962 5288, email sales(at)newcastleyachting.com.au or visit
www.newcastleyachting.com.au
.
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A sistership to Aroona surfing at 15 knots - 2010 Audi Australian IRC Championship - Mark Rothfield
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by Mark Rothfield
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