Giacomo

New Zealander Jim Delegat, Managing Director of Delegat Wine Estate (distributor of Oyster Bay wines), purchased the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race winner, Groupama, earlier this year.  Renamed Giacomo, itis expected to line up against at least two other Volvo 70’s amongst the other line honours chasers come Boxing Day.

Has a canting keel, dagger boards and the latest in rigging. Was built for fresh off the wind conditions and will be impossible to stop in the right conditions. Will give a fellow winemaker Bob Oatley and his Wild Oats XI crew something to think about.

Delegat has chosen Kiwi whizz, Rodney Keenan, as second in command of his new yacht after contesting the Auckland Noumea race with him on Beau Geste, which nearly sank off Norfolk Island mid-race when a large crack emerged in the hull. Established yachtsman, Steve Cotton, a Whitbread Race/VOR veteran, is boat captain. Navigator is Juan Vila, who was among the victorious Alinghi America’s Cup crew in 2007. 

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