Highland Fling

                                                          

10 August 2009 Highland Fling

BOAT: Highland Fling
OWNER: Anonymous
DESIGNER: Reichel-Pugh San Diego, CA  http://reichel-pugh.com/
BUILDER: Goetz Custom Technologies, Bristol, R.I.  http://goetzboats.com/
YEAR: 2009
LENGTH: 82 feet [25 meters]
HULL: Carbon composite
HISTORY:
 As if to prove that the coolest and best boats in the whole world come from Rhode Island, Highland Fling has arrived – “hot off the press” to compete in the Ida Lewis Distance Race starting Friday, 21 August 2009.
 Highland Fling is a high tech racing machine- built in Bristol by Goetz, and rigged in Portsmouth by Southern Spars. http://www.southernspars.com/southernspars/Service/Locations/RigProUSA/tabid/26767/language/en-US/Default.aspx Both companies employ local workers and family owned businesses.
 The carbon weave of Highland Fling’s hull is impregnated with resin that is seven parts clear and one part blue. The effect is scintillating- making an already racy boat look dazzling. A challenge to Tom Hill’s new 75 foot [22.8 meter] “Titan XV” has been issued and if all goes well, a battle involving “Titan XV” “Highland Fling” and George David’s 90 foot [28 meter] will play out in the waters south of Newport later this month.
 In the meantime, the keel is getting fitted at Newport Shipyard, on Washington Street. http://www.newportshipyard.com/ It is possible to see Highland Fling and several other remarkable yachts just by visiting the yard, and perhaps enjoying a meal at Belle’s Café – overlooking the water at the shipyard.