The new crew of Hanuman recently spent a week training in Palma alongside the yacht’s new owner, Italian Giovanni Lombardi Stronati. The majority of the crew consists of members from his different Django racing yachts, making the testing and training efficient due to their prior experience sailing together.
Tactician Vasco Vascotto, a seasoned competitor with over 25 world titles, took on the challenge of sailing a J Class yacht for the first time. He expressed his surprise at the beauty and complexity of the boat, noting the importance of crew work and preparation for manoeuvres.
Chris Hosking, a key member of the Django team, highlighted his extensive J Class experience, recalling his participation in previous races. He noted that many on the Hanuman crew had sailed together before, which aided their training process.
During the training, the crew evaluated sails and hardware, restoring the yacht to racing trim after several years of inactivity. They checked all winches and rigging, familiarising themselves with the systems and ensuring that everything was in good working order. Hosking mentioned that some sails did not meet the required standards and had to be replaced, with new sails booked for upcoming races.
Hanuman trained a total of eight days, focusing on building communication and teamwork among the crew. The crew boss, Dean Phipps, an America’s Cup veteran, emphasised the need for coordination and routine among team members. The training included advanced techniques such as gybe sets, reflecting the crew’s readiness for competition.
Hanuman is set to compete alongside Rainbow and Svea at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez from 26 September to 4 October.
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