The History behind the V5 construction
Ian Vickers has been one of NZ's most successful designer racers in the IOM class, winning the national title 4 times, before moving off shore late in 2004 to work for the Alinghi A/C cup challenge. His domination was never more obvious than in 2003 when he showed beyond doubt that his new V5 design was another big step forward from the older championship winning V2. In 2003 he won the NZ IOM champ's by a wide margine after racing in A and B rig conditions. Ian didn't have the time to manufacture the new V5 himself and was looking for a builder when I suggested he ask Mike Garden from Wellington if he would take on the task. Mike was an engineer and keen R/C yachtsman, and had already built several larger 1.6metre AC15 class R/C yachts, and as I had sailed a few of them while living in Wellington I was impressed with the overall standard of workmanship. Mike accepted the challenge and totally rebuilt the V5 molds for Ian and made many of the fittings that were required in the construction of the V5. Mike worked closely with Ian till both were happy they had everything covered to make a quality product. |
