SUI-44
Brief info
Originally named Z44, Astrée II was designed by Bjarne Aas and built in Frederickstad in 1951 for Pierre Biggar of Switzerland, who was based in Cannes.
In 1958, it was purchased by King Constantine II of Greece, renamed Meltemi and redesignated GE1. In 1960, it was purchased by Mr Camoletti and, somewhat surprisingly, renamed Mecara, still based in Cannes.
In 1980, it was based in Bodensee and took part in the preparatory regattas for the 1981 World Championships, under the leadership of Ivo Lanka.
In 1985, it was purchased by Mr J. de la Revellière, who kept it until 1991, when it was bought by Pierre-Paul Heckly and renamed F44.
Over the following years, Philippe Durr spent a great deal of time having it carefully restored to its original condition. In 2010, beautifully restored, it once again took part in the European Championships in Brunnen, finishing third with Philippe Durr.
Since then, they have maintained their very high reputation together, finishing second in the 2011 Banque Privee Edmond de Rothschild Cup in Lutry, beating Irene and Mecara and losing only to the modern SUI100 Duclop, and winning in Geneva in 2014, beating three Moderns.
The boat is based in Versoix.