December 27, 2007
by Mean Machine Sailing Team
27 Dec |
0 comments
Newsletter number 1
December 2007
Hello everyone. Welcome to the very first Mean Machine Newsletter.
Our aim with this is to give some space to news we don’t release in the normal way (web and Press Releases), as well as letting you know what to look out for on the site.
This newsletter is also a lighter approach to the Mean Machine news; a lighter take on the Press Releases and News pieces we publish on the Mean Machine website.
Farr 40; a new Mean Machine challenge
You all know that one of Mean Machine, and particularly Peter de Ridder’s most prominent character traits is a passion for challenges. The Farr 40 class is a one-design category with an incredibly high level of competition, a perfect place to get to grips with a new challenge.
Fresh from the Watercraft Inc. shipyard in Newport RI, Mean Machine’s new Farr 40 saw Peter de Ridder call some of his best sailors to the ranks of the season’s inaugural regatta in Miami. Taking part in the Farr 40 10th Anniversary Regatta were: Ray Davies, Dirk de Ridder, Jono Swain, Allen Smith, Sander Van der Borch (the famous pianist…ha, ha!), Dennis Goethals, Joost de Graaff, Sander Speet and Emily Davies; with the “bees knees” of a trainer: Tom Dodson.
One week wasn’t much time to get the Farr 40 prepared for the 10th Anniversary Regatta, but Peter de Ridder’s fighting spirit and Ray Davies’s role as tactician yielded good results. Despite the fact the team still need to do some work to get up to 100% performance levels, and the boat needs some fine tuning and practice sailing, the figures got better and better as the days went by.
Mean Machine number 21 ended her baptismal race on the 3rd step of the podium… not at bad for a new kid on the block! Well done everyone!
http://www.mean-machine.nl/news?id=7192
Makeover
There’s a saying that one must “evolve or die”, and one thing’s for sure: Mean Machine has a lot of living left to do. In a bid to reflect the modern edge of the experienced outfit, the team now boasts a new, more minimalist style, which transmits a certain air of calm and peace; of a team with a strong and solid presence, that doesn’t need to shout her name out too loud.
But don’t worry Mean Machine fans… the good old flames are still there!
Now, in fact, they’ll be easier to make out on the horizon.
Take a peek!
http://www.mean-machine.nl/news?id=7192
RC 44. Our boys were there
We’re still talking challenges here, and our boys (and girls…) really don’t stop. This time the date was with the powerful and exciting RC44 fleet, and the lucky ones were three of Mean Machine’s best, who from what they told us, had a whale of a time! The fortunate ones were Dirk de Ridder, Ray Davies and Tony Rae.
You can check out how they did at:http://www.mean-machine.nl/news?id=7230
Up Close and Personal with Peter de Ridder
Peter de Ridder is the soul of Mean Machine, and one of the most passionate sailors around. He gives us his insight into the team and also into the latest ‘multi-season’ for the team.
It’s a gripping read!
The perfect Christmas present and a picture-perfect year!
Hot off the press! A brand-new calendar compiled by Sander Van Der Borch, one of our very own Mean Machines.
He may not be a renowned photographer, yet…but the future looks bright! Sander’s a regular crewmember on Mean Machine, and when he’s not onboard he’s in the rib shooting away.
This year’s work has been exceptional, as you’ll be able to see in the Mean Machine 2008 calendar. It’s no Pirelli-girl calendar, but it’s got some fantastic photography that will fire up any sailor’s passion for the waves.
Also enjoy all the MedCup action at:http://www.sandervanderborch.com/
More info coming up on our website.
Fan Question Time:
Karen: Just a simple question for the crew: in their spare time do they go sailing with friends and family? Do they have their own boats?
Coen: I would like to know how to become a racer. I’ve sailed the last couple of years in small boats (the biggest was 10 metres), and a few times on a 20-metre yacht and the clipper “Stad Amsterdam”. I have no experience in yacht racing, but do you think there is any particular course I should follow? Should I look at gaining experience on shore at a big team?
If you have any questions at all for the Mean Machine team, just email them in!
