omega 3523.30

The Archipelago Raid is an extreme sailing competition where sport, nature, endurance and adventure combine to produce a challenge that is only embarked upon by the most competent sailors. It takes place in the spectacular Stockholm, Aland and Finland archipelagos, which together form an exceptional course through beautiful but harsh landscapes. Each team of two sailors sail for four days on a Formula 18 (5.5m catamaran) along a unique course drawn among 100 000 rocks and islands. Every year, the Archipelago Raid is organised around mid-summer (end of June/beginning of July) when the nights are extremely short at the 60's north latitude. The bright nights provide a unique navigating experience which appeals to many top foreign sailors. During the four days and nights, the competitors sailed more than 350 miles, divided on five legs, with a total of 25 check points to pass. The results are based on a point system per leg. After a tight battle between the five frontrunners, Sogeti (skippered by last year's winner Magnus Wox��n, with Rodney Ardern) was the first to cross the finish line at 16.19.44 (local time). However, after all the points from the five legs were added together, Tidermans was the overall winner. Since the start, the Archipelago Raid has been characterised by the incredibly even racing: precision timekeeping was therefore crucial. In this one of the most gruelling orienteering sailing races,endurance, speed, strategy, crazy navigation, organisation, cold water and no sleep are all necessary ingredients for success. This year's event also gave rise to disappointment for some: OMEGA ambassador Ellen MacArthur sustained an accidental injury to her leg by a knife, cutting her shin during a manoeuvre. Ellen carried on racing for a few hours with top sailor Nick Moloney on board OMEGA Hobie Tiger 18, but her leg began to swell and they were forced to withdraw. She was then examined by the doctor who confirmed that she needed to rest the leg. Ellen was clearly disappointed, but her indefatigable determination and spirit shone through: "It's a real shame, but we have every intention of coming back for another go".Skipper of the winning team Tidermans, Anders Lewander, summed up the exhilaration of the competition, saying, "The Raid is a powerful experience: an odd mix of great and wild sailing. A mix of meticulous planning and a sailing experience with both good and bad all the time. One can never give up and it is really important to constantly encourage each other on board". This year OMEGA is proud to have added the Archipelago Raid to the sailing competitions for which it acts as Official Timekeeper �C which include The America's Cup and The Swedish Match Cup - and looks forward to its continued association with this event in the future.

Omega is presenting the newest addition to its Aqua Terra collection at Baselworld this year in the form of an Annual Calendar watch. The new addition uses the same Omega movement that was introduced two years ago in the DeVille Hour Vision watch. The Co-Axial calibre 8611 movement automatically adjusts itself through the year to show the correct date, with the only exception being at the transition between February and March. The Aqua Terra Annual Calendar is unique in that while its a complication watch, it retains the look of a sports watch. The variance from the norm is something that could make or break the Aqua Terra Annual Calendar Watch, but I for one believe that it will be a great success.The Seamaster Aqua Terra Annual Calendar timepiece will be available in a two-tone model with stainless steel and 18 carat red gold as well as in stainless steel. The dial is decorated with a teak pattern, vertical lines similar to that of hardwood decks of boats. The dial features faceted gold hands and triangular hour markers with a brushed finish and polished bevels. Each marker is treated with highly luminescent Superluminova material for great readability in even dark surroundings. The bracelets has both brushed and polished finishing and feature a premium quality link removal system with screws. This watch displays both day and month, as well as hours, minutes and central seconds. The Omega 8601/8611 self-winding movement is Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) certified and can be viewed through the sapphire crystal exhibition window in the screw-down caseback. Unlike the long-serving Swiss lever escapement, the Omega Co-Axial Escapement ensures long term precision through superior mastery over the effects of friction.