Race1 are pleased to announce that the new Race1 Ker 9.8 IRM One-Design is being built by Ovington Boats. The tooling is well under way and pictures of the plugs and boat under construction are now online here. The first boat is expected to be on the water at the beginning of April 2002.

The spectacular success of the Race1 Ker 11.3 during 2001 has created tremendous interest in the "smaller sister". This is especially the case in sailing areas away from the Solent where the 11.3 is generally faster than the main racing fleets. Then the 9.8, with an expected IRC rating of approx. 1.095, will provide grand prix racing performance in a boat that will be in more direct competition on the race course with the faster cruiser/racers up to 40ft such as Primas, Beneteaus and IMXs.

The 9.8 is expected to be as successful in IRC competition as the 11.3 has already proven to be. This is particularly relevant now that the Commodore’s Cup is using a single IRC rating band for 2002. The 9.8 fits into this band as well as the 11.3.

Designer Jason Ker commented:
"The package we have created for the Race1 Ker 9.8 is a state-of-the-art, fourth generation, IRM One-Design that will also perform exceptionally well under IRC. With the emphasis on an ultra lightweight, epoxy laminated hull with full race specification, rig and deck gear, combined with a structural design and build without compromise, this is a boat that will compete with any custom one-off as well as outpacing much larger IMS and IRC designs, while being very competitive on both IRM and IRC handicaps. We have also carefully considered the aesthetics and ergonomics of the boat to produce a craft that is not only fast but looks good and is a pleasure to sail."

Race1’s Philip Crebbin added:
"The 9.8 is a logical progression after the success of the 11.3. It will introduce the spectacular fun of these IRM grand prix raceboats to a large audience of people who have raced 30ft to 40ft cruiser/racers and one designs like Sigmas, but for whom boats like these have not been available within their price range or at a size that fits in with their local competition. With Jason Ker’s experience designing smaller boats than the 11.3, like his 30 footers ShakerMaker and Quokka as well as the 35ft Roaring Meg, the 9.8 at just under 33ft comes from a well developed design pedigree that has been further refined with the 11.3. At Race1 we are delighted that Ovington Boats have joined the team to build the 9.8 and this makes us totally confident that the whole package in terms of quality, performance and value for money will be unbeatable."

Dave Ovington said:
"We are enjoying building the boat and are confident that the end result will meet customer's expectations, both for quality and delivery. I think the 9.8 will be awesome to sail and I'm looking forward to boat 1 being on the water."

For more information please contact:
Jonny Falkner on 07005 388599
Philip Crebbin on 07880 717897
or by e-mail to u2canrace1@aol.com