Quantum Racing TP52. Image copyright Ian Roman/Audi MedCup
by Gera Witte
Quantum Racing returns to the Mediterranean for the 2013 summer circuit with Ed Baird at the helm and four new team members including Terry Hutchinson as Tactician. The team also welcomes Jordi Calafat, Spain, as Strategist; Romolo Ranieri, Italy, at the Mast and new shore crew Rowan Swanson from New Zealand. The team gathers this weekend in Barcelona, Spain where it will be training for the first European event of the 52 Super Series, the Trofeo Conde De Godo, May 23-26.
Commenting on his return to the team he led in taking Audi MedCup and World Championship titles in 2010 and 2011, Hutchinson says “Behind every closed door, a new one opens. I’m really looking forward to the four events this summer. To be welcomed back into the Quantum family is incredibly special.”
The 52 Super Series returns for its second year with a growing and highly competitive fleet that has seen different boats winning races at every regatta and standings separated by only a point or two. Ed Reynolds, President of Quantum Sail Design Group and Quantum Racing Managing Director, says the level of competition is what sets the TP52s apart and attracts the world’s top sailors. “No where else in the world do you see this type of Grand Prix monohull racing. It’s incredibly competitive, not only on the water, but also behind the scenes where we’re working to assemble a team of top-flight talent. We have a strong and highly experienced core group that knows the program and our new members bring a dynamic and expertise we expect will serve us well this season. We’re very excited about welcoming Terry, Jordi, Romolo and Rowan to the team.”
For Quantum Racing, the 52 Super Series provides an unparalleled opportunity for testing and validating the company’s sail design technology. The team’s continuing partnership with Bravo Systems and VSPARS is a key component of this process. “The data gained through our validation process with Bravo and VSPARS provides the team with critical knowledge for refining sail shapes and delivers a competitive advantage,” explains Reynolds. “And more than that, it ultimately leads to better designs for all types of boats powered by Quantum® sails.”
Quantum Racing also welcomes technical gear manufacturer Gaastra and 11th Hour Racing as new partners in 2013 and Amway Corporation and Sebago as returning sponsors. Through its new relationship with 11th Hour Racing, Quantum Racing has converted to a system for refillable water bottles nearly eliminating plastic bottle waste. The effort is just one of several initiatives spearheaded by the environmental non-profit organization to advance sailing practices that improve the energy profile and performance of racing boats, while improving the health of our waters.
Quantum Racing Crew Bios – 2013 Additions
See full list of crew bios at www.QuantumSails.com/Racing
Name: Terry Hutchinson
Nationality: USA
Age: 44
Position: Tactician
Home town: San Francisco, California
Current town: Annapolis, Maryland
Career Highlights:
• 2012 AC World Series, Artemis - Helmsman
• 2011 AC World Series, Artemis - Helmsman
• 2010 TP52 World Champion, Quantum Racing - Helmsman
• 2010 MedCup, Quantum Racing - Helmsman
• 2009 MedCup, Quantum Racing - Helmsman
• 2008 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year
• 2008 TP52 MedCup Champion, Quantum Racing - Helmsman
• 2007 America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand – Tactician
• 2007 Louis Vuitton Champion, Emirates Team New Zealand – Tactician
• 2003 America’s Cup, Stars & Stripes – Tactician
• 2000 America’s Cup – America One – Mainsail trimmer
• World Champion J24, Farr 40 and IMS
Personal: Wife Shelley and three children, Elias (14), Katherine (11), and Aden (9). I also enjoy cycling.
Name: Jordi Calafat
Nationality: Spain
Age: 45
Position: Strategist
Hometown: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Current town: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Career Highlights:
• 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race, Telefonica
• 2008-9 Volvo Ocean Race, Telefonica Blue
• 2007 America’s Cup Winner, Alinghi
• 1993 World Champion, 470 Class
• 1992 Olympic Gold Medal, 470 Class
• 1992 World Champion, 470 Class
• 1983 World Champion, Optimist
• Several World Championships in dinghies, Olympic classes and keel boats
Personal: I enjoy spending time with my four children.
Name: Romolo Ranieri
Nationality: Italy
Age: 48
Position: Mast
Hometown: Parma, Italy
Current town: Valencia, Spain
Career Highlights:
• 2008-present MiniMaxi, Bella Mente
• 2007 America’s Cup, Luna Rossa/Prada
• 2003 America’s Cup, Luna Rossa/Prada
• 2000 America’s Cup, Luna Rossa/Prada
• 1995-1997, Asso99, IMS and Dolphin 12-Meter class
• 1994 Maxi Merit Cup
Personal: I enjoy training, fly fishing and drawing. Married to Lorena with two daughters, Olivia and Anna.
Name: Rowan Swanson
Nationality: New Zealand
Age: 24
Position: Shore Crew
Hometown: Wellington, NZ
Current town: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Career Highlights:
Personal: I enjoy fishing and outdoor adventures.
