Raymarine will be supplying the navigation and marine electronics equipment to British contender Ian Munslow for his new Class 40 monohull. Designed by Owen Clarke, and being built by Jaz Marine in South Africa, Boland’s Mill will be shipped to the UK during July for her official launch, prior to Ian competing in the 2006 single-handed Route du Rhum race. Taking place every four years, the Route du Rhum leaves St Malo in France on 29th October, with the leaders arriving in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe some 22 days later.

Boland’s Mill, sponsored by Benton Property Holding Ltd to promote Boland’s Mill Wharf in Dublin, will be fully equipped with Raymarine electronics including autopilot with remote hand held wireless SmartController, 2kW Radome radar scanner and C70 multi function colour display. Ian will also be carrying Raymarine’s Ray 101E hand held submersible VHF radios on board.

The Class 40 has been designed to offer affordable, competitive one-design racing, and there are likely to be at least 20 Class 40’s competing in this year’s Route du Rhum race. Ian Munslow has an impressive racing pedigree, with over 70,000 sea miles under his belt, of which some 18,000 miles have been solo. Ian was a crewmember on board Tony Bullimore’s Oryx Quest and has completed in several transatlantic races – both solo and double handed. He has built three boats, and has been extensively involved with the development of Bolands Mill, incorporating many of his own unique developments.

Ian says: “I have chosen Raymarine as the electronics equipment supplier because of the ease of use and reliability of the product range. When solo racing, you need all the data and information you can get, at your fingertips – there’s no time or room for error or problems. Raymarine has one of the best reputations in the world, and has the benefit of a worldwide support network if you do need replacement or additional kit.”

Richard Knowles, UK Property Director of Benton Property Holding added: “We are very happy to recognise Ian Munslow’s talent and determination by backing him with every resource we are able to muster, principally the construction of Bolands Mill which will certainly be one of the fastest class 40s yet built. It was Ian’s single minded dedication and attention to detail as well as his ability to cope with the big picture which made clear our mutual qualities and synergy. We are thrilled that a world-class company like Raymarine also recognises the quality of our challenge – Good luck Ian! ”

Fiona Pankhurst, International Marketing Communications Manager at Raymarine commented: “We are delighted to support Ian in his quest to win the Route du Rhum. His past experience shows he has the guts and determination to see this through, and the Raymarine equipment will be with him all the way.”