The Seiko 49er Speed Challenge
Since 2006, SEIKO has been the main sponsor of the International 49er Class, one of the fastest and fastest-growing classes in Olympic sailing. Through this agreement, SEIKO has assisted the growth of the sport and has supported the future development of 49er sailing through the supply of funds and equipment to the new generation of sailors. In return, SEIKO has gained valuable insights into the needs and wishes of the top athletes in world sailing,
and is incorporating this knowledge into each new generation of Velatura, its marine watch collection.
The 49er at speed
To a 49er sailor, speed is everything. The skiff is capable of speeds of over 20 knots, and maybe much more, but no official speed record has yet been recorded. The “SEIKO 49er Speed Challenge “ provides a great opportunity for the sailors to see just how fast this remarkable craft can go!
The “SEIKO 49er Speed Challenge ” was launched at the UK National 49er Championships in Weymouth, England on August 23 to 26. Teams were invited to take the new look 49er with an all carbon rig and square top mainsail onto the water, and maximum speeds were recorded. The winners were the team of Simon Hiscocks and Rick Peacock with a maximum speed of 19.4 knots. Their efforts were rewarded with the donation by SEIKO of two Velatura Yachting Timer watches. Simon and Rick are worthy winners of the prize. Simon is a two-time Olympic medallist and Rick, with his race partner John Pink, won the 2008 UK 49er National Championships.
Yachting Timer SPC007 awarded to winners
Over the next year, any 49er sailor who, during the ISAF World Cup Series or 49er European and World Championships, uses the new carbon rig and approved speed measurement equipment, beats the time set by Simon Hiscocks and Rick Peacock, will also be given Velatura watches in recognition of their achievement; and, at the end of the 2009 season, the overall Speed Kings of the 49er Class will be crowned and given a prize of 49er equipment to a value of $5,000.
The CEO of the International 49er Class, Marcus Spillane, said at the launch, “It's great that SEIKO have created this “Speed Challenge”. It has provided a wonderful opportunity for our sailors to try new techniques and to go right to the limit, and it should result in some fantastic competition between our top teams. We are very grateful for SEIKO's support. ”
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