The Type 45s, at around 7350 tonnes, will be the biggest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever built for the Royal Navy. They provide a quantum leap in capability from the outset, carrying the world leading PAAMS system and the Sampson multi-function radar (world beating British technology). This system sets new standards in air defence, as it defends the T45 and ships in its company from multiple attacks by even the most sophisticated anti-ship missiles. The initial procurement plans were for six Type 45 Destroyers, the first four of which have already been launched and named HMS Daring, HMS Dauntless, HMS Diamond and HMS Dragon. HMS Daring began construction in August 2003, she was launched in 2006 where she undertook the final stages of build in Glasgow and a series of sea trials off the West of Scotland; meanwhile her five sister ships are in various stages of build by BVT in Glasgow.

HMS Dauntless has completed her maiden voyage, HMS Diamond and HMS Dragon have been launched already. The next to launch was HMS Defender in mid 2009 followed by HMS Duncan in 2010.

        Lesser Known facts About HMS Daring

• The power plant on Daring could supply enough electricity to light a town of 80,000 people (ie Leicester).
• Its fuel tanks have a volume equivalent to about half an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
• The vessel contains 110 bunk beds, 26 sofa beds, 22 single beds and has its own hospital facilities.
• The hull is made of 2,800 tonnes of steel weighing more than the Blackpool Tower.
• Approximately 40 tonnes of paint will have to be applied to cover an area of 100,000sq m of steel.

Captain Paul Bennett took command of HMS Daring in early 2008 and was able to take time away from a busy first-of-class ship's trials programme to join the Daring's Cory Cup regatta at Cowes on Saturday 5th July. Paul and his wife Kay are enthusiastic sailors and welcomed meeting a number of Association members ashore before and after racing whilst Paul claimed to enjoy his introduction to Daring racing onboard Dauntless crewing for Giles & Jane Peckham. Paul also managed to come out on Division Belle for the final race of the season and attended the end of season lunch at the RYS. We look forward to seeing Paul and his fellow Type 45 Commanding Officers and sailing crew members joining us at Cowes in the coming seasons.