Archambault A35 and A40rc gained podium finishes in the prestigious Rolex Fastnet Race 2009.
The A35 Prime Time won IRC Div 2 from 76 other starters, with owners Marc Alperovitch and Jerome Huillard having their first taste of offshore racing.
The A40rc Batistyl finished second out of 57 yachts in IRC Div 1, narrowly beaten by a Grand Soleil 43 after more than four days of racing. The sistership Stamina III came 7th in the same division.
This year's running of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's biennial 608 nautical-mile classic tested competitor patience as much as tactical and technical skill. Light winds at the start and end, along with powerful spring tides, favoured yachts with good all-round performance.
The A35 has now won 23 international titles this year alone. Included are the British IRC national championships, Spi Ouest, Transquadra race and Massilia Lexus Cup.
Added to the list are the Rolex Commodore's Cup in 2006, the 2007 Audi Australian IRC championship and the Rolex Giraglia Race in 2008.
Meanwhile the first of Archambault's new A31 is due to arrive in Australia this month, having been sold to a Sydney buyer after notching seven wins in European racing.
Importer Archambault Australia / Newcastle Yachting is now taking orders for the new M34, which replaces the Farr (ex-Mumm) 30 as the boat for France's Tour de France.
For details phone (02) 4962 5288 or email sales@newcastleyachting.com.au
