Vizual Marine, the creators of the Artemis 20 keelboat that has been specifically designed to be sailed by both able bodied and disabled sailors alike, has announced a new management structure and a busy and high profile schedule to promote and race the Artemis 20 during 2008, kicking off with the RNLI Pursuit Race at Hayling Island on Easter Monday, 24th March. Four boats will be participating in this event which is anticipated to deliver some extremely close racing.
This enterprising Sussex-based yacht design and build company reports that there is an increasing number of enquiries coming in for the Artemis 20 from as far afield as the USA and Australia, so much so that Vizual have introduced a series of test sails held on a monthly basis at Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC) and they welcome anyone to come along and try these magnificent boats. The Artemis 20 is the ideal match-racing boat whether in seated mode or tiller mode and she really comes into her own in light winds, although she’s capable of sailing in 20 knots plus.
New management team Vizual Marine has also announced a number of senior management additions and the company is looking forward to a positive and buoyant year ahead.
Nick Sherriff, General Manager, was previously at Force 4 chandlery running their sales programme. He has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the sailing industry.
Matt Grier is a Paralympic Coach and has joined VM to assist in running events, training and coaching as well as an adviser.
Chris Knight has thousands of miles as a professional skipper under his belt and is working on specialist projects.
Dave Rutter, Managing Director, says, “I’m very impressed with the amount of interest being shown in the boat this early on in the year. A lot of doors have started to open for us after a tough 2007 (mostly down to weather!). Some very good sailors are coming forward wanting to race the boats for us. I can see I’m going to end up standing on the pontoon whilst everybody else is ‘out there’ enjoying themselves!
“I am also extremely happy and proud that Artemis Investment Management is still sponsoring us for 2008; they have been an ideal partner in helping us move the project forward,” adds Dave.
The 2008Artemis 20 Schedule includes:
HISC Open RNLI Pursuit Race 24th March 2008 HISC Glyn Charles Pursuit Race 26th April 2008
Artemis Transat 9th – 11th May Plymouth JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 28th June 2008 Cowes ACCBankCork Week – 12th – 18th July (tbc) Skandia Cowes Week 2nd – 9th August 2008 Cowes Sailability Multi-Class Regatta Rutland SC 8th - 10th August Falmouth Week 9th – 16th August 2008 tbc PSP Southampton Boat Show 12th – 21st September 2008 Whyte & MackayEarls Court Boat Show 28th November – 7th December 2008