THE NEW Sinergia 40 boat 'Dancing Bear' was launched in Cowes Yacht Haven this week ahead of the Admiral's Cup campaign next month.

The Marcelino Botin and Shaun Carkeek design is one of the top IMS production boats in Europe with the design winning both the IMS World Championships (2001) and the Copa del Rey (2001).

David Scanlan will be sailing 'Dancing Bear' backed by the crew from his successful Beneteau First 'Fandango', along with young members from the Royal Thames YC.

During last year's Rolex Commodore's Cup, 'Fandango' was the top performing British boat and formed a formidable team with her now Admiral's Cup partner, 'Bear of Britain'.

A core concept of Kit Hobday and Tim Louis' Farr 52, 'Bear of Britain' has been the exclusive use of amateur sailors.

With the exception of the afterguard, the average age of the squad is only 22.

Helmed by 23-year-old Mark Campbell-James - former World Youth Match Racing champion - 'Bear of Britain' has already shown that she is a force to be reckoned with this year.

Her wins in the IRC Class 0 include the Red Funnel Easter Regatta, the Cervantes Trophy and the De Guingand Bowl Race, along with third place in the IRC and IRM Nationals.

The Royal Thames Yacht Club has had a long history of being in the forefront of British yachting.

It is the oldest yacht club in Great Britain and probably the second-oldest in the world.

The Admiral's Cup will take place in Cowes from July 10-23 and has attracted highly experienced and competitive teams from a wide international selection.

The programme will be composed of a series of inshore races with a short offshore, one long inshore race and finishing with the Wolf Rock Race.

Entries have been confirmed from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club of Australia, UNCL of France, two Spanish teams from the Real Club Nautico of Vigo and Real Club Nautico San Genio de Galicia, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Southern Yacht Club, the Royal Thames Yacht Club and the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club.

Each team will consist of two boats - an IRC-rated boat and an IMS 600-rated boat.

These two measurement and handicap systems are the international accepted rules of measurement for offshore racing yachts.