NEO 400 logbook: heading to Genoa, TAG Heuer VELAFestival
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April 2, 2014: We arrived yesterday afternoon at 6 pm, after exactly 3 days. Spectacular and unique sailing… from north of Elba to our destination we found a wind around 9/10 knots upwind/downwind and the boat was always going around 9 knots, it was amazing to see her run like that in that little wind!
DOLPHINS ALSO LIKE THE NEO400
On the way, we encountered a colony of dolphins, and with the GoPro placed under the transom, I filmed them as they swam under the boat and looked curiously at the NEO400’s bulb!
WATCH THE VIDEO
March 31, 2014: here are Francesco’s first impressions as he sails full speed towards Genoa – TAG Heuer VELAFestival: “The boat is very fast and responsive, at the helm it responds immediately and has a really impressive pace! This morning we entered the harbor in Rome to refuel and as soon as we left we found a nice wind between 13 and 16 knots upwind tight, the boat is proceeding fast at the limit of 8 knots in “cruise” mode (tanks full of water and fuel). A real pleasure to sail so fast and safely, thanks also to the crew and our captain Joseph. However, sailing is peppered with rich lunches and dinners; on board, the galley is functional, spacious, and allows us to indulge in even elaborate dishes! Last but not least I have to mention a crew that is up to the task of the boat and good living together, I was immediately well received and we are sailing in sync having a lot of fun!”
March 29, 2014 6 p.m. – Messina. Francesco Gozzini, our reader selected to board the new NEO 400, has finally joined the crew that is sailing to Genoa to join the TAG Heuer VELAFestival!
March 28, 2014 – Santa Maria di Leuca
. The NEO 400 crew left this morning from Santa Maria di Leuca (LE) to travel to Genoa to participate in our four-day celebration of sailing: the TAG Heuer VELAFestival. The boat designed by Paolo Semeraro and Giovanni Ceccarelli will stop in Messina for a first leg during which “our” Francesco Gozzini, selected from the many CVs you sent us and for which we thank you, will come aboard. As of Saturday morning, Francis will be part of the crew and will keep us updated with photographs and videos on the progress of the long journey to Genoa. Stay tuned so you don’t miss anything! 
FROM DESIGN TO SEA
Built on female molds at the Neo Yachts shipyard in Bari, Italy, in anticipation of a small series production, she is decidedly modern and powerful: the maximum hull width is at the stern, but the hull design ensures a reduced wetted area. The Neo 400 is constructed of prepreg carbon and epoxy resin(hull, deck and structures), so light that about 50% of the displacement resides in the bulb, resulting in straightening and stability advantages. The interiors are available in several layouts, but the most functional in racing is with dinette in the bow, cabins aft with the overhead berths, and the free square for sails.
THE SEA TESTS.
“The boat responds very faithfully to the design,” Semeraro adds. “Even it almost surprised us with its performance in light wind and already with 5 to 6 knots of air it takes trim and starts. And carrying gaits are really his bread and butter.” The Neo 400 is looked forward to the Tyrrhenian season, perhaps with a major classic like the Giraglia. But the big dream would be to participate in the ORC world championship in August in cold Kiel, Germany.
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