Formula News

2 May 2007

America’s Cup Formula – Team Shosholoza

The Formula Yacht Spars Team congratulates Team Shosholoza to their incredible progress and final result in the Challenger Series for the 32nd America’s Cup. Formula Yacht Spars is proud to have worked as a partner with Team Shosholoza and to have been able to build the spar package for RSA 83 and support the Design -, Shore - and Sailing Team in different areas.

Team Shosholoza surprised all during both Round Robins I and II of the Louis Vuitton Cup. As first South African America’s Cup Challenger the Team finished 7th overall. Just two years ago no one would have expected a result like this. During the past few weeks the echo from all over the world was immense, with great support for Team Shosholoza from fans and very positive reporting by journalists worldwide.

The progress of the team has been amazing. In 2004 they captured hearts with their passion and enthusiasm. 2005 Team Shosholoza earned their first victory in Malmö/Skane and followed it up with another in Sweden and three more match victories in the Trapani Louis Vuitton Act 8. following they scooped 7th place in the ACC Season Championship ranking in 2006. And now, after Round Robin I and II, the South African America’s Cup Challenger finished in 7th place.
About a month ago Captain Salvatore Sarno (Team CEO) had started dreaming about the semi-finals. “We would have had the chance but it wasn’t to be but still we did well. I am very, very proud of my team.” Captain Sarno has now returned to South Africa to continue looking for sponsorships.

“Bit by bit the crew members are packing up their stuff and returning home”, sailing manager Paul Standbridge stated.
In the next couple of weeks our sailors will be busy organising their lives individually, mostly sailing various match races around the world. Helmsman Paolo Cian said: “Team Shosholoza showed an incredible demonstration of energy and skills which proved that with good management and motivation a young team can keep up with every other team regardless experience and money. Together we learnt fast and we learnt a lot. Our lesson was simple: every race is only over once we crossed the finish line. Every single race was a fight and the Team was just great.”

Also strategist Ian and navigator Marc were satisfied with the Round Robins. “We had some great races and it was a special experience to share such emotional moments together on the boat”, he said and Marc added: “We fought so hard and honestly, we could have made 6th place. So maybe we will manage next time.”

Paul, the man who has been with the crew since its very first hour, has similar thoughts: “The last race against AREVA Challenge was, like many others, a great match. We sailed well and we retained 7th place. The worst was against +39 Challenge when we unfortunately lost the 6th place. But our progress is incredible, we did a sterling job.”

Source: –Team Shosholoza.
Formula Yacht Spars built and supplied all spars to Team Shosholoza for their America’s Cup campaign with RSA 83.

America’s Cup Formula – United Internet Team Germany

The Formula Yacht Spars Team congratulates United Internet Team Germany to the completion of the first ever German America’s Cup Challenge. Formula Yacht Spars is proud to have been a part of an historic Campaign for the 32nd America’s Cup.
United Internet Team Germany celebrates the finish of the Louis Vuitton Cup

It has been the first German team which participated in the world’s most prestigious sailing regatta, the America’s Cup, after 156 years. “Two years ago nobody would have expected what we have achieved today. There have been several attempts for a German participation but this team finally managed to make it happen. I would like to thank each member of the sailing team as well as the shore crew. They all have been part of an historic moment, event and success”, says CEO Michael Scheeren.

In the last two years the United Internet Team Germany has grown and has gained precious experience in the America’s Cup. “The most important criterion for success in the America’s Cup is time – we have learned that.” says Michael Scheeren

At the moment the joy prevails because it was a great experience and a success to be at the starting line with the first German America’s Cup campaign. We have learned a lot and we will now think about how to proceed with these experiences in a second campaign”, says Head of Syndicate Michael Scheeren

Formula Yacht Spars built and supplied all spars to United Internet Team Germany for their America’s Cup campaign with GER 89.   

The Winning Formula – San Diego (USA) Yachting Cup 2007

Zephyra DK 46 04 Robert Youngjohns’ DK46 Zephyra won the San Diego Yacht Club 2007 Yachting Cup for the second year running. The San Francisco based Zephyra turned in a consistent set of results to take a tough Big Boat class which included her near-sistership Valkyrie.

Both yachts are equipped with Formula Spars carbon race packages.