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First IC37 Launched and Sailing

By Christine Weaver | May 4, 2018 | Newport, RI |
The IC37 was designed purposely for the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, sailed in odd years in Newport, Rhode Island.

© Mills Design Ltd.

The first Melges IC37 arrived at New England Boatworks last Monday, and was out sailing on Tuesday afternoon after the team fitted the keel, rudder and rig. The development group, including Harry Melges, Kenny Read and designer Mark Mills, representatives from Harken, Spinlock and Southern Spars, and NYYC members onboard, sailed #001 for three days in winds between 6 and 20 knots. Ken Read enthusiastically called the first sail “Really amazing; the boat feels good!” In perfect Newport spring conditions, the assembly and sea trials went as smoothly as could be wished for.

The rules call for all amateur crew with the exception of one professional boat captain. The boat is designed to be a stable platform that can be sailed by crew with a wide range of skill levels.

© 2018 Mills Design Ltd.

Mills Design is based in Ireland, but founder and designer Mark Mills is from San Francisco. He grew up sailing on S.F. Bay, raced Olson 30s, and sailed a Moore 24 out of Richmond.

Mark Mills winning at the SuperNikka Maxi Worlds.

© Mills Design Ltd.

The IC37s are being built by Westerly Marine in Santa Ana, a manufacturer of custom performance monohulls and catamarans. The company is owned and run by Steve Lee and Lynn Bowser. Twenty boats are planned for NYYC, plus 10 more for the West Coast. For more info, see our Sightings piece in the February issue of Latitude 38.

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