MELGES IC37 CLASS BEGINS INAUGURAL SEASON

UK based Fibre Mechanics is to join Californian boatbuilder Westerly Marine as an official builder of the new Melges IC37 keelboat.

The move is in order to accommodate demand for the 37ft one-design boat.

The class will begin its inaugural season of racing this summer, taking part in the Rolex New York Yacht Club (NYCC) Invitational Cup.

Designed by Ireland-based Mark Mills and powered by Japanese manufacturer, Yanmar, the Corinthian yacht was chosen to enable a wide range of amateur sailors to participate on a level playing field.

Development

Yanmar's three-cylinder, four-stroke, vertical, water-cooled 21hp 3YM20 engine was chosen due to its compact dimensions and low weight together with the accompanying SD25 saildrive units which are double sealed for extra protection.

“Yanmar is a widely known engine with the best reputation,” said Andy Burdick, president of Melges Performance Sailboats. “Not only are they easy to work with for sales but they also provide the best ongoing service for the owners of the boats for years to come.”