Former Volvo ocean racer Giacomo has stepped in as the glamour boat in the International Paints Auckland to Tauranga Yacht Race, beginning on Thursday 17th April.

Giacomo in the Sydney Hobart race. Photo: Supplied.

Giacomo was repainted in Tauranga last October after Jim Delegat, managing director of Delegat Wines, bought the 2011-12 winning Volvo Ocean racer Groupama.

Giacomo has a canting keel, dagger boards and the latest in rigging. She was built for fresh off the wind conditions and will be impossible to stop in the right conditions, says race chairman Roger Rushton.

'What a thrilling ocean racing greyhound Giacomo really is; her speed and power will be an exciting addition to this year's race,” says Roger.

Giacomo will be racing under the burgee of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club.

The other star of the race, Team Vodofone, will not be racing this year following a dismasting on Auckland harbour in February. It opens the door for line honours for Giacomo, and with a bit of weather luck, a very fast time.

Giacomo is named in honour of Jim's grandfather. Regular race crew include well known Auckland sailing guru, Rodney Keenan, former Volvo winner Steve Cotton (Boat Captain) and Chris Dixon.

Giacomo's first race under the new ownership was the 2013 Sidney to Hobart Classic where she finished 6th on line behind the Maxis Wild Oats X1, Perpetual, Loyal, and Ragamuffin. Giacomo tacked her way up the Derwent River in darkness to the finish line in a dogfight for fourth with Beau Geste, Karl Kwok's new 80 footer and the other Volvo, Black Jack, formerly Telefonica.

Interest is mounting in the fifty foot division as well with the anticipated entry of thoroughbred racers Wired, Akatea, Vamos, Kia Kaha and Mayhem, says Roger.

'The two Elliot 35' Canters Bushido and Crusader are also racing in what will be a fascinating duel of high tech, medium sized very fast yachts,” says Roger.

'There will be lots of little battles within the race going on as rivals from way back put a small wager on the result to add a little spice to the outcome.

'All entrants are welcome in Tauranga with a marina berth for security, a friendly welcome from club members with a pack of sponsor's goodies, and a city that is inviting all crews, their families and friends to come and be enthralled by the jazz festival.”

For a Notice of Race or other information, all interested parties are invited to go to the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat (TYPBC) website, www.yacht.org.nz or call the club secretary, Christine Headey at the club on 07 578 5512 or Race Chairman Roger Rushton on 0274 714 715.