M32 SAILING IS HEATING UP

The Road To The Worlds Is Always Exciting In These High Adrenaline Cats

Eight M32s will meet in Miami for the fourth and final event of the 2019 class Winter Series. A single point separates the top two boats, who have their eyes on the “Rooster” series trophy.

After Miami, M32 seasons are heating up on both sides of the Atlantic. In North America, the fleet will compete at Charleston Race Week before heading north to Newport, Rhode Island, for the NYYC Annual Regatta, the inaugural Midtown Cup. Meanwhile, the European fleet will start their season with two regattas in Italy before heading north to Holland and Sweden. Both European and North American seasons culminate with the 2019 World Championship in Riva del Garda, Italy at the end of August.

The M32 is a fast, fun, one design catamaran class. Designed in 2011, this dynamic class saw dramatic growth two years later when Aston Harald Composite, under the leadership of sailing enthusiast Hakan Svensson, acquired design and production rights. Through his involvement with the Volvo Ocean Race, Hakan knew North was the right choice to supply one design sails for the class. Since 2014. North Sails have provided fast, consistent sails for the entire class.

“The North 3Di RAW mainsail has been an excellent product,” said Dave Doucett, Director of M32 North America. “It’s a great value because owners are delivered a fast, yet bombproof sail that is competitive for several seasons. Class sails are built to the exact specifications of the strict one design class rules.”

With an owner-centric mentality, the class has planned a sailing schedule that provides easy logistics to amazing sailing venues. Owners in both North America and Europe are able to hone their speed and boat handling skills during a full regatta schedule in global sailing hotspots, and also close to home with their local fleets.

A strong M32 fleet is expected on the start line at the 2019 Worlds. Located at the northern end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is one of the best-known yacht racing venues in the world. Northerly wind in the morning and the southerly Ora kicking in the early afternoon, combined with the funneling effects of the mountains, provide the perfect flat water, strong wind sailing conditions for these high-performance catamarans.

Throughout the 2019 M32 European Series, manufacturer Aston Harald will have two circuit boats available. The first will be loaned to a ‘development team,’ which might be a youth, women’s, or local team looking to try a professional racing circuit. The second will be a test boat for teams coming from monohull classes who wish to experience high adrenaline racing against a mix of pro and owner-driver teams. The M32 Europen organisers can set up potential owners and teams with M32 crew, as required: Contact Mattias Dahlström: mattias.dahlstrom@astonharald.com

In North America, potential new owners and teams will have the opportunity to test sail an M32 at the New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta (June 14-16) and The Midtown Cup (July 12-14) in Newport RI. Test sailing will also be available at the North American Championships in Miami FL (November 15-17). Contact Dave Doucett: dave.doucett@astonharald.com