MIRABELLA V SETS SAIL

The 245ft (75 metre) Mirabella V , the world's largest sloop, set her sails at sea for the first time this week as part of her sea trials before handing over to her owner. On board were owner Joseph Vittoria, designer Ron Holland, composite engineer Julian Smith, sail maker Robbie Doyle, project manager Paul Johnson and representatives of VT Shipbuilding and their contractors.

Basin trials were successfully carried out early April, motor trials last week and sailing trials in the Solent commenced on Tuesday.

"So far, I'm very pleased with how Mirabella V is performing." said Ron Holland. "The balance is as predicted and she's light and responsive on the wheel. I can now envisage that her crew will easily be able to handle this rig, even though the mainsail and UPS are by far the largest sails ever built."

The yacht has been designed with the top end of the luxury charter market in mind.Ê Mirabella V's guest facilities include a 20 person Jacuzzi and a dip pool on her foredeck, a 9m (29ft) Hinckley tender, four Laser dinghies, two remote controlled models of Mirabella V , scuba diving equipment, and PWCs all contained in her lazarette, an open air cinema and al fresco dining on her sky deck, a gym and sauna, a 600 bottle wine cellar, and guest suites for twelve, with baths in each of the en-suite bathrooms.

Mirabella V will continue her sea trials and fitting out in Portsmouth before departing for the Mediterranean towards the end of May.