A Brand-New Mach 40.6 for Milan Koláček

^{"I've had this project in mind for four years…"}

"The last few months have been incredibly busy – just five months between signing the contract and launching the boat – but it's a fantastic feeling. With the launch, a huge part of the project has finally become reality. We should be sailing within the next couple of days, hopefully. I've had this project in mind for four years… If you'd told me last year that I'd have the opportunity to build a brand-new boat, I simply wouldn't have believed you! Everything happened so quickly."

^{Surrounding yourself with the right people}

"We kicked off the project at the end of January and signed the build contract in mid-February. I knew JPS Production had an available slot. I really like the Mach 40.6. In my opinion, it's a very good boat and offers an excellent balance between design, cost and build quality.

Now it's time to get to know the boat. I'll build on the experience I gained in Class40 last season [Milan completed a full season aboard Class40 No. 176 – Ed.]* and join the Orlabay training programme in La Trinité-sur-Mer. Having JPS Production just around the corner is both practical and reassuring. I know I can count on them whenever I need support. There are also around ten highly competitive Class40s based here, and I'm sure I'll learn a tremendous amount by sailing alongside them."

To bring this project to life, Milan Koláček has been able to rely on the support of a particularly committed partner.

"I have a very strong and reliable private partner. When he commits to something, he follows through. Together, we launched the construction of the boat, which is now co-owned by the three of us.

Around ten other partners also support the project's operating budget, although it is not yet fully secured. There is still room for a title partner, with one major advantage: the certainty of being on the start line of the Route du Rhum!"

^{A first date with history}

By taking the start of the Route du Rhum, Milan Koláček will become the first Czech skipper ever to compete in the legendary transatlantic race. An important milestone for a project that is also helping, little by little, to raise the profile of offshore racing in a country with no coastline.

"Simply making it to the start is already a hugely important goal. After that, I'll take things one step at a time. My main objective is to finish the race. I'm realistic: the level of the fleet is incredibly high. The other skippers spend a huge amount of time training and racing. But it's a long race, and a lot can happen. I also have experience, with several transatlantic races behind me, so I know I'll have my opportunities. I'm a competitor, and I'll fight all the way.

I also plan to continue next season. A second year with the boat will allow me to be much more competitive because I'll know it inside out.

But before all that, it's time to go sailing… and discover this beautiful new boat."