Recent News
Lutra 80 Interior Virtual Tour
Just days away from fitting the deck to the hull, the next major milestone of the Lutra 80 project will soon be complete. With all major structural aspects finished Marxcraft will begin to deliver the interior furnishing components that they have been meticulously constructing offsite in there Queensland facility.
Employing the Airbus approach to construction, McConaghy is building this yacht in their Sydney facility while coordinating the construction of various major components off site which will be delivered just in time for installation.
Marxcraft brings style and elegance to the interior with light weight solutions whilst other top rated companies such as Central Coasts Hydraulics, Olectric Systems, North Sails Sydney and Southern Spars New Zealand are contributing their expertise in helping to build this outstanding performance racer / cruiser.
Click here to experience the Lutra 80 interior first hand!
McConaghy Managing Director Jono Morris Interviewed for Harken eNews
Harken recently produced an interview with McConaghy Australia Managing Director Jono Morris for their eNewsletter. It was one of the most successful E-Newsletters that they have every produced. Click for your copy of the Interview!
Stephen Ainsworth, owner of the McConaghy built RP 63 Mini Maxi "Loki" and skipper Cameron Miles nailed down another big win taking Line Honours, IRC Overall and IRC Division 0/1 in 15hrs 57 minutes 53 seconds while setting a new course record in the process.
Stephen Ainsworth Pulls Off Stunning Trifecta at the Audi Sydney Newcastle Yacht Race
Prior to the start of the 213 nautical mile Audi Sydney offshore Newcastle Race, he told his crew that he wanted a 'Wild Oats' victory and take line honours, IRC Overall and create a new race record. 'I wanted the 'Wild Oats' styled trifecta,' said Ainsworth after the results were verified Saturday night. It was a wild ride, reaching and running the entire way in favourable winds. Both crew and "Loki" delivered big time. Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 brought in impressive results in his McConaghy built RP Maxi Sled finishing 2nd in all 3 categories. Final results ...
Line Honours
Loki (Stephen Ainsworth)
15hrs 57 minutes 53 seconds - New Course Record
IRC Overall
1. Loki (Stephen Ainsworth) McConaghy RP
2. 2. Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 (Andrew Short)
1. Loki (Stephen Ainsworth)
2. Andrew Short Marine Shockwave 5 (Andrew Short)
McConaghy China Expansion
We’re pleased to announce the expansion of our China operation. Within the next few weeks we’ll be moving into our third 2,500 square meter facility located right next to our two existing buildings.
Some of the bigger projects on the production floor include a 70 foot carbon fibre race yacht and a 130’ power trimaran designed by John Shuttleworth. On the production side McConaghy has 3 major dinghy projects on the go and is building not only the boats but the majority of the small components that go with them.
The Audi Melges 20 project continues to tick along nicely and was recently awarded Boat of the Year by Sailing World magazine. The Mach 2, the next generation of foiling moths made a spectacular début and finished second in the Zhik Australian Moth National Championships, a stunning result for the boat's first regatta. Australian Olympian Nathan Outteridge won the regatta while at the helm of a McConaghy built Blade Rider proving yet again that McConaghy Boats really do build the fastest boats on the planet. In late 08 McConaghy was selected to build the Elliott 6m, the newly appointed Women’s Match Racer for the 2012 Olympics. Production has begun and first boats should emerge in June. Click on "Production Boats" for details!
McConaghy China builds a full range of products including industrial and marine components, high performance dinghies and complete racing and cruising vessels. Mark Evans, Managing Director of McConaghy China states that “with 7,500+ square meters of production space; autoclave capabilities, CNC routers and mills, a metal shop, in-house drafting capabilities and 3D modelling we can provide our customers with a complete range of production capabilities not found easily in combination elsewhere and under one roof. Well, actually 3 rooves now.”
Lutra 80 – The First Glimpse
Construction of the new Lutra 80 is well underway for this high performance canting keel, racer / cruiser for use in the Mediterranean.
Employing the Airbus approach to construction, McConaghy is building this carbon fibre sailing machine in their Sydney facility while coordinating the construction and delivery of the various major components, being built off site and to be delivered just in time for installation.
SP Gurit Australia are supplying the carbon fibre materials along with their engineering expertise while Marxcraft in Queensland, brings style and elegance to the interior whilst conforming to the minimum weight restrictions imposed by the owner and designers. Other top rated companies such as Central Coasts Hydraulics, Olectric Systems, North Sails Sydney and Southern Spars New Zealand are contributing their expertise in helping to build this outstanding vessel due for launch in early 2010.
McConaghy Australia Managing Director Jon Morris elaborated on the Lutra 80 project. “It’s McConaghy’s exceptional staff, the use of CAD, 3D modelling and full size mock-ups that makes this approach possible.”
"McConaghy boats are known internationally for building high performance boats that win races and break records as soon as they leave the factory. We have always been proud of the level of finish of these race boats - both inside and out, so it’s exciting for us to now be able to use those skills on a project where the owner’s philosophy includes cruising along with racing."
Leopard 3 - More Records!
McConaghy built ICAP Leopard 3, owned by Mike Slade took line honours in the inaugural RORC Caribbean 600. Completing the course in 44 hours and 5 minutes, ICAP Leopard 3 set an awesome pace for competitors to beat in future editions of the race.
ICAP Leopard 3 also took line honours in the Heineken Cape to Bahia Race in January, setting a new course record and completing the 3,330 nautical mile course in 10 days, 5 hours, 46 minutes and 35 seconds. ICAP Leopard 3 closest rival Rambler was approximately 230 nautical miles behind when she crossed the finish line in light conditions.
Mike Slade, owner of ICAP Leopard 3, said shortly after the finish: “This has been a truly fantastic race and I’m delighted to set a new course record. We’ve pushed ICAP Leopard 3 hard throughout the race and it’s a great feeling to add yet another course record to our collection.”
These two new records represent ICAP Leopard 3’s 11th and 12th record since her launch in Australia in 2007. McConaghy Australia Managing Director Jono Morris stated that this is an outstanding achievement for all those involved; owner Mike Slade, FARR Design and McConaghy Boats and their network of outstanding suppliers.
McConaghy Yacht Wild Oats XI Makes History
The McConaghy built Wild Oats XI has created history, with an unprecedented fourth consecutive line honors victory in the 63rd running of the 630 nautical mile Rolex Sydney - Hobart Yacht Race. Crossing the finish line with a time of 1 day 20 hours 34 minutes and 14 seconds - just two hours outside the race record Wild Oats XI set in 2005, the record breaking Maxi was met by delighted owner Bob Oatley, who praised the skipper, crew and members of the McConaghy build team who were dockside to welcome the boat.
Prior to the race, skipper Mark Richards made it clear that victory for the race favourite would not be easy, "The boat will be flying downwind at 25 -30 knots, and it has been built to withstand hitting something hard." East of Tasmania, Wild Oats XI collided with a two metre shark whilst sailing at 20 knots which wrapped itself around the rudder. Once this was freed, Wild Oats XI took control of the race, finishing an hour and seven minutes ahead of its main rival. Congratulations to Bob Oatley, Mark Richards and the crew!
Loki Launched and Racing in Record Time!
Stephen Ainsworth is a happy man. Standing in the cockpit of his new 63-foot Loki at the launch party at McConaghy boats, he is radiating excitement. Pre-launch modifications threatened Loki competing in this year's Rolex Sydney-Hobart race, something he and his team were very keen to do.
"We spoke with the designers on the modifications to the aft section of the boat, rudder and rig placement and decided to implement them now, rather than after we sea-trialed. All this meant the boat launch date would be delayed to late December. The guys at McConaghy worked hard and brought that date back to December 15th, tantalizingly close to allowing us to race in the Sydney to Hobart, so I asked them to see if they could find me another week. Jono Morris sat down with all the build team, made a decision and then worked very hard to do a fantastic job of getting us over the line to have Loki ready for this launch party on the 8th of December and more importantly ready for the Sydney / Hobart. As I have just said publicly and to all the McConaghy team here, this boat means a great deal to me. The boat looks sensational and I really appreciate all they have done".
Post launch party, Loki was whisked away by truck in the early hours of the morning to Sydney Harbour to have her rig, keel and rudder fitted. She was in sea-trials by the weekend under bright skies and heavy winds. By Tuesday the 16th of December Stephen Ainsworth and helmsman Cameron Miles were on the start line of the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, part of the warm-up series for the Rolex Sydney Hobart. Wild Oats XI (also by McConaghy) took line honours but it was Loki that won on handicap. 100+ McConaghy staff and friends were aboard a charter boat that day to witnessed this great event.
McConaghy Sole Suppliers of Elliott 6m for 2012 Olympics
Following ISAF decision to select the Elliot 6m for the Women’s Keelboat Match Racing event, which will make its Olympic debut at the London games in 2012, McConaghy boats have been selected as sole suppliers of the Elliott 6 to ISAF.
A maneuverable, proven, three person match racing keel boat with a crew weight limit 205kgs, the E6 will have small modifications to the keel and hull shape before full production at McConaghy boats China, where two boats will be produced per week from June 2009 to supply to ISAF for distribution. The E6 will have a carbon fibre mast, rudder and spinnaker pole, and with detachable keel, four E6's can comfortably fit in a standard 40-foot shipping container, complete with rigs, keels and rudder.
With its wide cockpit, quick acceleration and no bow prods to damage in close racing, the E6 will be an exciting class for competitors, umpires and spectators in lead up regattas and of course the 2012 Olympics in Weymouth.
Green Dragon - Third at the end of leg one of the Volvo Ocean Race
With a first at the midway scoring gate and a fourth place into Cape Town, the McConaghy built Green Dragon is third in the overall race standings after a brutal first leg.
Skipper Ian Walker “We had 3 or 4 heinous days onboard. The moment we hit a submerged object was the worst moment of the leg. The boat went from 25 knots of speed to a dead stop. Whatever we hit was stuck on the keel but a few hours later it seemed to have cleared. In the morning we could see clearly on the keel that we hit something hard. It has certainly been an amazing experience and makes me wonder what lies ahead."
Freddy Shanks Bowman. "This sums up the mentality of the Green Dragon in big breeze, she just loves picking up as much speed as possible, 35+ knots then smashing as hard as she can into the biggest nastiest wave in that particular part of the ocean. We drove it so hard once it resulted in us having both rudders out the water and the boat standing on her nose!"
Watch leader Damian Foxall. "Really really good, we were certainly seeing 30, 31, 32, 33 knots boatspeed consistently over a period of 3 - 4 days. As the race goes on the racing will get closer and closer. We are very happy with our result and I think all of us to feel part of a great team, a really good group of guys and the boat’s got great potential. I think we can make it faster!"
The 4,450 nautical mile leg two from Cape Town to Kochi starts on November 15th, with the fleet expected to arrive in the Indian port on December 3rd.
For an interview with Green Team Skipper Ian Walker, go to the Projects, Green Dragon Team Section of our website.
Green Dragon Team Volvo 70 - Volvo Ocean Race qualification
The McConaghy built Green Dragon Team Volvo 70 has completed its 2000 mile qualification passage for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09. During the qualifier Green Dragon sailed to a way-point 200 miles south of Iceland, before returning south to their training base in Cork. Skipper Ian Walker "These boats are outrageous and awesome in equal measures, hurtling along at 20 - 25 knots in the pitch black to repeatedly piling into the backs of waves that you couldn't see over 400 miles from the nearest land. Our best run came at the end of the trip when we covered 524 miles in 24 hours, despite a few maneuvers on a very dark and windy night, so very pleased – and we have now really 'beasted the boat."
Alfa Romeo III - passion and performance
The latest McConaghy built boat is onboard a ship is on its way to Europe, and is already turning heads... The R/P 69 has a conventional keel and single rudder, but it is the interior that had those present at the launch party stunned. The concept, styling, design & construction are a McConaghy's in-house collaboration, between Managing director Jono Morris & craftsman Steve Moxham - both inspired by the new Alfa Romeo range.
Photographer Johan Palsson has the interior photographs on his website. Enjoy the experience!
Moneypenny launched in Sydney
Jim Swartz's stunning STP 65 Moneypenny was launched and sailed in Sydney before heading to Rhode Island, to prepare for The Newport - Bermuda race.
Record breaking Leopard
McConaghy built ICAP Leopard, the 100 foot super Maxi built broke the Transatlantic speed sailing record for yachts with powered sailing systems on the 3rd June, then broke the race record for the BMW Round Ireland Yacht Race, followed closely with breaking the JP Morgan Round the Island Race record, becoming the first to ever complete the course in under four hours.
Skipper Chris Sherlock "Believe me we have pushed the boat bloody hard – a deliberate broach on route from Antigua to New York in 69 knots of wind to save the rig and a punishing trans Atlantic, where we were doing 37 + knots of boat speed with one meters visibility - then In the BMW Round Ireland race we crashed and banged upwind for 70% of the race usually wind against tide, so we are really pleased with the way yacht has come through." Congratulations to Mike Slade and his crew!
Green Dragon Team launched
Ian Walkers Green Dragon Team Volvo 70 was shipped from McConaghy's China to England, and on it's third day sailing was out in 30 knots of breeze, testing sails and giving boatspeeds in the mid twenties offwind, and "fully launching it" upwind. The Green Dragon Team are based in the Irish port of Galway, before heading to the in port race in Alicante starting on October 4th. Leg one of the Volvo Ocean race from Alicante to Cape Town starts on 11th October.
Best Builder
Australia's McConaghy Boats had another bang-up year, with boats coming from both their Australian yard and their new Chinese facility. Their quality builds for 2007 included the Fastnet-dominating Leopard 3, Patches, Yendys, and over 150 Bladeriders, while older McConaghy boats like Alfa Romeo 2, Rambler, Wild Oats, and Morning Glory continued to kick ass. McConaghy also landed some pretty sweet projects, including the new Irish VO70 and some STP65s, and the upcoming Melges 20 will come from their China factory. Porn, all of it.
Melges 20 emerges
The first Melges 20 was lifted from its mould at McConaghy's China facility in early May.
A strict one design designed by Reichel/Pugh, the Melges 20 is going to be fast and fun, and can be sailed with 2 to 4 crew, with no crew weight restrictions and no sailmaker restrictions.
McConaghy built Leopard 3 finalist in Boat International’s World Superyacht Awards.
McConaghy boats are delighted to have been nominated builder of one of the finalists in the Boat International World Superyacht awards, following the successful construction,launch and record breaking debut of Leopard 3, one of the most technologically complex yachts afloat.
McConaghy built Wild Oats X1 and Leopard 3 finish first and second in the 2007 Rolex Sydney - Hobart race.
An epic battle between these Super Maxis saw Wild Oats X1 cross the finish line in a time of one day 21 hours and 24 minutes, with Leopard 3 arriving 27 minutes later.
For the 2005 built Wild Oats X1, this is her third consecutive Sydney - Hobart line honors victory, taking the extraordinary line honors, race record and handicap win in 2005.
Congratulations to all on board, & well done to all the McConaghy team!
