RIO 100, an American entry known better to locals as Zana, Konica Minolta and Lahana, is the 70th entry received for the 2014 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race; tying in nicely with the 70th running of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s famous 628 nautical mile event. Built as a 98 footer named Zana for its New Zealand owner in 2003, RIO 100, according to new proprietor Manouch Moshayedi, has been extensively modified and lengthened to 100 feet. She is also sporting a new silver/grey paint job, magnifying an undeniably sleek appearance. Moshayedi, a computer technology magnate from the USA, who is basing his new acquisition at Newport Beach, California, said: “Brett Bakewell-White did a great job of redesigning his old boat; anyone who sailed on her before would probably not recognise her now. Rio 100 First Sail. Photo: © Brad Davies / LiveSailDie.com Media The yacht’s water ballast was removed by cutting off the back 50 foot section and a new wider, longer stern has made it six to seven tons lighter than it was as Lahana. It also sports a new, longer boom, a new longer bowsprit and the wheels have been pushed back. Some other modifications, undertaken […]