Hall Spars expand ground presence in Australia through key local hire

Hall Spars, makers of high-performance spars and rigging, have demonstrated their commitment to support and growth of the Australian market through the recruitment of Sydney based yachting veteran Ron Jacobs.

“At Hall Spars we are focused on delivering outstanding customer service and we saw an opportunity to further support our clients in-country” says Garry Hassall, Managing Director of Hall Spars and Rigging NZ.

“In Ron we have found a highly experienced, technically capable representative whose depth of industry knowledge and relationships speak for themselves. An oft crowned sailor himself, Ron blends a core understanding of client needs with an extensive background in project management.”

Jacobs’ marine experience spans 40 years of both professional and personal involvement with high performance craft. This has included a rewarding career with Sydney based loft Fraser Sails to project managing some of the most successful race winning yachts in Australian history including Sagacious, Beyond Thunderdome, “97”, Quest and Exile. Ron’s personal successes include multiple outright wins at Hamilton Island Race Week and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

A qualified engineering draftsman, Jacobs has also represented Australia at various local & international Half and One Ton Cup regattas since the ‘70’s. This has informed an intimate and highly developed understanding of what makes a boat go faster both in theory and practice.

"My history with Hall Spars dates back to 2007” says Jacobs. “I have raced onboard many yachts with their high-performance autoclave-cured carbon fiber spars over that time and formed a close working relationship with the team in recent years on several projects”

“The (spars) proven capability on everything from America's Cup and Grand Prix race yachts to the largest luxury sailing vessels in the world is testament to Hall Spars world class technical skill and products. I have every confidence in the product range and I'm looking forward to working on the ground with our Australian clients to ensure they get the best in service and support."

Visione wins the Bucket

Congratulations to Visione, who has won the 2015 St. Barth's Bucket.

Launched in 2002, the 44.84-metre Halls-rigged yacht from the drawing boards of Reichel Pugh Yacht Design comprehensively won three of the four bucket races to take out the Gazelle class of the regatta while also taking overall regatta honours to claim the coveted Bucket.

This prestigious award is presented to the class winner who sails well, demonstrates good sportsmanship, and consistently exhibits the true spirit of the Bucket, both on the water and ashore.

Having raced for the Bucket since 2004, the Baltic 147´s exceptional sailing performance puts most racing yachts to shame. With potential planing speeds in excess of 30 knots, Visione has long been the yacht to beat and, with the application of the new rating system captured within the OYCsy Rule, she was able to storm to the regatta lead. Visione features a Hall Spars four-spreader carbon mast and main boom with in-boom-furling system and running backstays. 

Photo StudioBorlenghi