UK based Niklas Zennstrom’s Rán, a 72-footer from the design board of the noted German-based naval architects Judel-Vrolijk, was launched in April this year.  While conditions in this year’s Rolex Fastnet Race favoured the larger boats, Rán sailed an impressive race to win overall.

The crew of Rán is a veritable who’s who of international offshore yachtsmen including Volvo Ocean Race veterans Tim Powell (skipper) and Steven Hayles and America’s Cup sailors Adrian Stead, Andy Hemmings, Richard Bouzaid and Richard Meacham.  Following the Rolex Fastnet Race Rán returned to the Mediterranean to win the Mini Maxi Division 00 of the Maxi World Rolex Cup in Sardinia in September, beating Neville Crichton’s RP71 Alfa Romeo 3.  Once the crew arrives in Sydney mid December, Rán will compete in lead up events the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge and Rolex Trophy Rating Series.

Link here to interviews with crew of Rán:

Adrian Stead, Tactician - 24 December 2009

Niklas Zennstrom, Owner/Skipper - 26 December 2009 before the start

Niklas Zennstrom, Owner/Skipper - 29 December 2009 after finishing

Steve Hayles - 29 December 2009 after finishing

Adrian Stead - 29 December 2009 after finishing

Name Ran * Race name Ran Launch year 2009 Sail number GBR7236R Owner Niklas Zennstrom Skipper Niklas Zennstrom/Tim Powell (2) Navigator Adrian Stead (2) Crew S Hayles (6), J Robinson (3), C Dougall (3), G Bainbridge, G Reid (3), A Hemmings, R Bouzaid (5), J Stagg, J Taylor (1), M Gray, W Beavis, S Crawford, C Zennstrom, L Varney, R Meacham, C Hoskins, M Auguadro Club RSrnYC Country UK Type JV 72 Designer Judel Vroljik Builder Green Marine Construction Carbon IRC TCC 1.56 LOA 21.9 Beam 5.75 Draft 4.80

. Race Booty Shared  . Overall Race Winner Confirmed  . RAN on watch for Rolex double  . Southerly Slow-Up  . Weather holds the key to race win  . Pre-race favourite now waits for others to decide her fate  . One More Hurdle  . YuuZoo sailing in minefields