Around Alone News

Graham Dalton's new Open 60 'Hexagon' has been launched and trialed in New Zealand. Best described as a low grey racer the boat was designed by Owen Clarke and built by Southern Marine. Sponsor is HSBC Holdings (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.) Reports indicate the sponsorship is in the 10 million plus area. During the race funds raised will go to childern's education through HSBC's chartiable activities.

Hexagon has two famous connections. Her skipper is the brother of multiple time crewed around the worlder Grant Dalton. Her designers were part of the team that thought up Kingfisher.

Designers Merfyn Owen and Allen Clarke indicate that Hexagon was designed with both crewed and solo racing in mind. Features include an articluating bowsprit, twin wheels for steering, and a single daggerboard. The boat should be quite powerful due to a tall rig with plenty of sail area.