David Pinner and the crew of Kiss, the first UK registered X-35 one design, have chosen Raymarine for their electronics equipment.

The state of the art navigation equipment includes Raymarine’s ST290 instruments combined with a C80 multifunction display. The ST290 creates a comprehensive information network including navigation, heading, autopilot and environmental data plus depth, speed and wind. The system delivers information up to 20 times faster than competitive instruments and the advanced calibration will give David and his crew accurate information during the race to allow them to make split-second decisions about direction. The C80 multifunction display screen uses high-resolution, brilliant daylight-viewable, 256-colour display technology making it easy to see in even the brightest direct sunlight.

RayTech software will also be included to allow the crew to further customise their data. RayTech provides integrated on-board PC navigation and the Data-Trak time-based graphs can be used to monitor wind trends, compare instruments and vessel performance. During a race situation, the software shows the best route to take accounting for currents, wind speed and direction and provide the all-important lay line analysis. Raymarine has also supplied a Ray54E VHF radio and 101E smart controller.

The X-35 is designed as a one-class racing yacht that is both simple and sporty to sail, over 100 boats have been sold in the first year of production. David aims to race in the World Championships in Holland, taking place in August, and will compete regularly throughout the summer including the North Sea Regatta and Cork Week.

David is an experienced racing sailor with a history of success including winning the Black Group at Cowes in 2004 and is looking forward to the start of a long and fruitful relationship with Kiss and Raymarine. David said “Having good quality, efficient equipment on board is vital to give us the advantage in racing. The reliability and technical capability of the Raymarine units will give us a competitive edge over the competition. Quality information, easily available to the crew will
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improve our decision-making and allow us to focus on getting the best out of boat. Hopefully we will be bringing some trophies back to the UK from the World and European championships. We are looking forward to our first season with great excitement.”

The crew of Kiss have enjoyed previous success in both racing dinghies and yachts and will also be supported by their sail maker North Sails UK.