Xiamen, China – HH6601 R-SIX began sea trials today in Xiamen, China. The 66′ carbon catamaran is the first in a new line of luxury, performance, carbon cruising cats. Built by Hudson Yacht & Marine, R-SIX is the result of three years of efforts in design, engineering and leading construction methods. HH Catamarans Designer Gino Morrelli was onboard for today’s trials, along with company President Paul Hakes. As a team of world leading sailors, craftsmen and system engineers began to put the boat through her paces, a collective anticipation and excitement electrified the scene.
“I’m excited,” Gino said before leaving the dock, “there’s always mixed feelings of suspense and excitement the first day out on a new design, it’s mostly excitement though.”
Weeks of rain, heavy fog, and grey skies cleared for the day’s events, making way for brilliant blue skies and steady 10-15kt winds. With the weather setting the tone, R-SIX followed suit, demonstrating incredible power and grace on her first outing. Though the day’s primary goal was systematic testing, the boat show’d immense potential, hitting speeds in the mid-teens with ease.
HH Project Manager William Jelbert summed it up well, “We had an incredible day. I think this is the first sea trial of a new series I’ve been on where nothing broke. The boat feels fantastic, we’re all thrilled with the result.”
Perhaps the most apt description of the day came from Italian/Australian/South African boat building veteran Riccardo Marton, “We’re off to a perfect start, a dream boat, fantastic people, a lekker day. This is what makes it all worth it.”
Sea trials will continue throughout the next several weeks, and R-SIX will be bound for the Med in May. HH6601 will make her official debut in September at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
