Fresh off her victory at the IRC East Coast Championships, John Kilroy’s TP52 Samba Pa Ti is taking a brief side trip to Goetz Custom Boats in Bristol, RI for IRC optimization in preparation for Key West Race Week. Samba’s team manager, Eric Arndt, describes the changes as including a new bow sprit, heavier bulb, and new deck and interior layouts. “Last year was very good to us, with many wins (IRC East Coasts, St.FYC Big Boat Series, Miami Beach Race Week, Transpac, etc.), but we know that IRC is a building class and to be competitive we need to make some changes,” says Arndt.

It was, according to Eric, a lot of work to do in a short period of time. Following a conversation with Goetz Custom Boats’ John Boone, however, he learned that GCB’s former home at 15 Broad Common Road had been converted to a facility focused on grand prix refits and aftermarket work, and had the boat moved to Rhode Island for the overhaul.

“It was a big production to finish our last regatta in Annapolis on a Sunday, break the boat apart and have it on a truck to RI by Tuesday… but it all worked out well,” Arndt reports. "Thanks to Eric G. and his team for a quick and timely refit. We'll be rocked up and ready for Key West and the 2008 Gulf Stream Series."

Goetz Custom Boats provides IRC conversions and optimizations, keel and rudder modifications, and many other benefits such as on-site custom metal fabrication, and full fairing and paint service, including certified Awlgrip and Alexseal coatings in our new large paint booth/oven.

In addition, we have an on-site CNC milling machine and canvas shop, and our experienced staff can undertake any level of composite work required, from bowsprits to a full rebuild. In-house engineering and design services ensure that all work is done to your specifications. Please contact John Boone at 401.253.2670 for more information.