Yesterday, the VOR 70 Mar Mostro rolled out of the construction hall at New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA. The name translates as sea monster, but this is a third generation vessel and the new vessel for PUMA Racing's entry in the next Volvo Ocean Race. Although the hull remained partially covered, it was possible to get a glimpse of the long, pronounced bow and the almost vertical sides that currently characterise the shape of these boats.
"We started building as late as possible to allow more design time," explains skipper Ken Read. This gave designer Juan Kouyoumdjian a few extra weeks to tinker with the design, time that had to be brought in through double shifts during construction.
Next week, the keel will be bolted on and the rigging put in place. The new wonder weapon will be launched at the beginning of May. It will then be tested locally before travelling to Europe in June as part of the Transtlantic Race, where preparations will continue until the start of the race in Alicante at the beginning of November.
More on the Team Website.
