Marten Magic

5:14 AM Sun 21 Dec 2008 GMT

'Marten 49 Summer Celebration' Andrea Francolini /Marten Yachts &copy Click Here to view large photo

Driven by their passion for sailing and appreciation for the finer things in life, Marten 49 owners travelled from both sides of the country and across from New Zealand to take part in the inaugural Marten 49 Summer Celebration event.

Set on the spectacular waterway of the Sydney Harbour, the superb 5-10 knot breeze provided perfect sailing conditions for most competitors, although John Meadowcroft and the Carrera crew were hoping for gustier conditions. Dressed in stylish team shirts, the Carrea crew significantly outnumbered their competitors.

Marten 49 Summer Celebration - Sydney Harbour - December 2008 - Andrea Francolini&copy

Perpetual Mocean held the draw card as Steve Marten, founder of Marten Yachts joined their crew offering a wealth of experience to the team. Major sponsors were allocated spots on board the yachts, providing owners with the opportunity to learn first hand from the industry experts.

It was a closely contested race with Lorita Maria clearly holding lead position at the start. As a result of some brilliant tactics, Sue Sea pushed her way from fourth to third as the fleet rounded Shark Island.

Lorita Maria continued its lead to Taylors Bay followed by Perpetual Mocean, Sue Sea and Carrera. Perpetual Mocean vied for first position at the half way mark, eventually taking the lead.

The downwind leg saw some tight action as all four Martens repeatedly overlapped, but at the finish it was Bruce Hogan and Tina Clifton's Perpetual Mocean which clinched victory over Brian Todd's Sue Sea, Norman and Lorita Ridge in Lorita Maria and John Meadowcroft's Carrera.

Unfortunately Trevor Taylor and his Optimus Prime crew were forced to pull out the evening prior to the race after enduring 50 knot winds and large swells on her Fremantle to Sydney delivery. The AM Care team quickly responded to repair her mast and ensure her prompt return to the water.

As the race drew to a close, competitors and sponsors were invited to wind down with a BBQ, provided courtesy of major sponsors SP/Gurit, Harken and Applied Composites. It was a fun, social atmosphere on a perfectly balmy evening.

Marten 49 Summer Celebration - Sydney Harbour - December 2008 - Andrea Francolini&copy

The Marten 49 owners, their crew and sponsors alike had the honour of attending a prize presentation in which two of yachting's greatest, Marten Yachts owner Iain Murray AM and Steve Marten, founder of Marten Yachts awarded the race winners.

The Optimus Prime crew took a break from their Rolex Hobart Sydney Yacht Race preparations to enjoy the social function. Marten 49 Summer Celebration champion Perpetual Mocean proved her form and is looking to continue its success in January's Coffs Harbour Offshore Race.

The Marten 49 is quickly proving her race pedigree. Her distinguished lines and well appointed interior combined with light weight carbon fibre, engineered precision and innovative features make her the ultimate dual purpose racer/cruiser on the market today.

Australian based Marten Yachts has established a reputation for constructing premium quality yachts. The Marten 49 Summer Celebration is proof that the Marten brand has cemented its position in the Australian market and is set to continue its expansion into Europe. Two of the larger Marten 67s have been contracted by European clients, the first of which is due to be launched next year.