Teasing Machine Sailing Team

The A13 that has become Phosphorus II was built for Eric de Turckheim and sailed as Teasing Machine. The Teasing Machine programme was managed by Laurent Pagès and he had a great influence on the final form taken by the boat. The boat was fitted with running backstays and a square top main. The deck hardware and layout was modified to suit the intended use of the boat, including an aft pedestal, and was influenced by Laurent's background in Volvo Ocean racing.

After completion in mid-2014, the first event that TM competed in was the Commodore's Cup. The boat then went to Malta to compete in the Middle Sea Race. Unfortunately during that race (which suffered from very strong winds) the boat lost its mast.

Returning to competition in 2015, Teasing Machine went on to great success. After coming 3rd in class during the Fastnet, TM took part in events around the world. In the 2015 Sydney-Hobart TM won their class and came close to winning overall, leading the fleet on corrected time until the last few hours. After shipment to Panama and an upwind delivery against the clock, the boat made it to Antigua in time for the Caribbean 600.

In the 2016 C600 TM won their class again and beat all but two of the bigger boats, who normally dominate this event. Returning to Europe there was further success, including the Commodore's Cup, which culminated in TM being declared RORC Boat of the Year 2016.

Eric de Turkcheim has now had a new 54 foot boat built, also designed by Bernard Nivelt, along very similar lines to the A13. This Teasing Machine 54 did not make it to the start line for the Fastnet 2017 but did compete in the Middle Sea Race. It has already won the RORC Transatlantic Race 2017.