News

November 19, 2007

Peter de Ridder names his Mean Machine Farr 40 crew

The Farr 40 Mean Machine now has a crew. Peter de Ridder made the announcement today, naming the Mean Machine sailing platform members set to compete on the 40 foot one-design.

The characteristics of a Farr 40 are such that there are only four professional sailors among the crew. This means the Farr 40 class will be an excellent platform for the Mean Machine team to train new young crewmembers that will become part of the Mean Machine global sailing project.

On this occasion the pro’s on the team are well known Mean Machiners; tactician Ray Davies, trimmers Dirk de Ridder and Jono Swain and recent addition to the crew Allen Smith. Joining Peter de Ridder (skipper and helmsman) will be Dennis Goethals, Joost de Graaf, Sander Van der Borch, Sander Peet and Emily Davies.

Another key member of the Mean Machine core, Tom Dodson, will take on the role of Training Coach for this campaign, while Ed Van Liede and Don McCracken will be taking the reins of the shore crew.



The nautical days on the team schedule will be taking place in the United States, with the crew taking part in the East Coast Circuit, and other regattas such as the Rolex Farr 40 World Championships in Miami, a total of five stateside regattas.

Peter de Ridder was confident in his decision to choose the East Coast American Farr 40 circuit and not the West or the Australian circuits, despite their current success: “The Farr 40 World’s are in Miami in mid April 2008. Europe to the East Coast is only a 9-hour journey, compared with a 30-hour voyage to Australia. Also the US fleet is very strong right now, and it makes sense for us to focus on racing in the Miami region.”