BoatingOZ.com.au

Pegasus is the latest Transpac sled to come from the drawing board of Reichel Pugh. Owner Mr Philippe Kahn, an active and successful yachtsman in a number of classes including Melges 24, Mumm 30 and Farr 40, commissioned the boat with the specific aim of winning the Transpac 2001. Project managed by Marine Project Management Pegasus will be based in Santa Cruz California.

The Turbo sled concept allows the boat to compete at the maximum IMS rating limit allowed in the Transpac race then when the Transpac is over the boat gets "turboed". A transom extension is fitted bringing the overall length to 78ft. A heavier bulb fitted, internal ballast removed, and the sail area is increased with a larger main, fore triangle (the boat is built with 2 forestay locations) and much larger spinnakers. Pegasus will then compete in all of the subsequent races in turbo mode.

The "sleds" are a very strong and competitive class in California, and Pegasus (sister ship to Chance launched late last year) is a development of the successful Reichel Pugh sleds Zephyrus and Pyewacket. Weight saving has been of paramount concern throughout the construction of this yacht. Pegasus leads the way in this regard, from the state of the art pre preg carbon skins and nomex core construction, carbon componentry throughout, aluminium fastenings and minimal fitout.

SP Technologies UK provided structural engineering for Pegasus and composite materials were supplied by SP Systems in Mona Vale, Sydney. The yacht is entirely constructed from pre-preg carbon fiber with a nomex honeycomb core. Many of the custom made components on Pegasus are also made from pre-preg carbon, such as ultralightweight steering pedestals and wheels built by McConaghy's in Sydney.

Mainstay Marine and Barrenjoey Marine Electrical provided the complex yet effective and lightweight electronics package fitted to Pegasus. This includes a communication station to port and starboard computer linked to the central navigation pod capable of running weather, navigation and email communications simultaneously.

Deck hardware package is supplied by Harken USA and Lewmar UK Marine supplied the winch package, every component is state of the art custom equipment.

Other suppliers and contractors involved in making this project a success are

Southern Spars NZ - Mast and Spars
Yacht Serve - Hydraulics installation
Elpro NZ - Electrical consultants
Mark Anderson Boat Transport - Trucking
Avalon Marine Upholstery - Cushions etc
Pittwater Marine Trimming - Canvas work
Private Parts Engineering - Rudder bearings
Summit Marine - Refrigeration
RFD - Safety Equipment
Terry Wetton Signs - Hull Graphics
North Sails - Sail Inventory

Team Pegasus http://www.pegasus.com

McConaghy Boats