Naval Group sets sights for success at the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

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27 novembre 2019 International Groupe Communiqué de presse

The Australian-French crew is preparing for a competitive finish against 170-strong fleet.

Naval Group, a world leader in naval defence, has successfully concluded its 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race campaign, placing 8th amongst a bumper fleet of 154 yachts. Launching its 69-foot mini maxi for its second Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race quest on 26 December, the boat overcame very light winds throughout the race to secure a spot in the top 10. 

Led by Sean Langman, Managing Director of Noakes Group and one of Australia’s most experienced offshore yachtsmen, the boat performed brilliantly in the given conditions after a gruelling pre-race maintenance and training schedule.  

The vastly experienced Australian-French crew hand selected by Langman and with close to 100 Hobart races between them, departed Sydney Harbour in a solid position before making their way down the east coast. Despite the slowing winds causing concern on night one, Naval Group gained ground cruising at 20 knots as it sailed down the Tasmanian coast. 

This year’s race was one for smart boats, not fast boats, and the smart ones found quick solutions to the obstacles encountered along the way. Our team pulled together from before the start right up until we crossed the finish line, and placing in the top 10 is evidence of that. We put so much effort into the getting the boat race ready that the highlight for me and the crew was making it across the start line,” said Sean Langman. 

Naval Group’s international crew continue to go from strength-to-strength and in the 12 months since its last Sydney Hobart race, Naval Group has improved both its line honours ranking and its overall corrected time placement, up from 39 in 2018 to 12 this year*

Originally launched in 2008 as a RP65 called Moneypenny, the Naval Group yacht has raced in Australian and international waters. 

Details of Naval Group’s performance during the Sydney Hobart can be found on Facebook and Twitter.  

The Naval Group crew: 

  • Sean Langman, skipper (Managing Director, Noakes)  
  • Steven Patriarca, main grinder (Infrastructure Subcontract Manager, Naval Group Australia)  
  • Pierre Louiset, front grinder (MOBi-SFTY Sub-systems Manager, Naval Group)  
  • Justin Ferris, tactician and crew boss  
  • Josh Alexander, navigator  
  • Jonathan Swain, front sail trimmer  
  • Shaun McKnight, mid-bow  
  • Oliver Scott-Mackie, bow  
  • Ed Powys, mainsail trimmer  
  • Brett Van Munster, backstay/runners  
  • Joe De Kock, front sail trimmer  
  • Pete Langman, mid-bow  
  • Emily Nagel, pit 

*Corrected time position at time of publication  

Press contact  

Candi Hindocha  
Tel. +61 (0)459 104 978 
navalgroup@redhavas.com