racing yacht deck

What is Yacht Racing? (Here’s All You Need To Know)

Have you ever watched a yacht race, with its colorful sails gliding across the water in a graceful dance? Have you ever wondered what it takes to participate in yacht racing? This article will take you through all you need to know about yacht racing, from the different types of yachts and races, to sailing clubs and regattas, technical knowledge and skills, safety, and the benefits of yacht racing.

We’ll also explore some of the most popular events and races.

So whether you’re an avid sailor or just curious about this exciting sport, you’ll find all the information you need here.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yacht racing is a competitive sport and recreational activity involving sailing yachts .

It is most popular in areas with strong maritime cultures, such as the UK, US and Australia.

Races typically involve a course that boats must follow, which can vary in length depending on the type of race.

Competitors often use advanced sailboat designs, and use tactics and strategy to try to outmaneuver their opponents in order to be the first to cross the finish line.

Types of Yachts Used in Racing

Yacht racing can be done with a wide variety of boats, from dinghies and keelboats to multihulls and offshore racing boats.

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats with a single sail and are often used in competitive racing.

Keelboats, on the other hand, are larger and heavier boats with a fixed keel and two or more sails.

Multihulls, like the popular catamaran, are boats with two or more hulls and are designed with speed and agility in mind.

Finally, offshore racing boats are designed for long-distance racing and are typically larger and more powerful than other types of yachts.

No matter what type of yacht you choose to race, they will all have common features that make them suitable for racing.

All yachts must have a mast, sails, hull and rigging, and will usually feature a deck, compass, and navigation equipment.

Additionally, racing yachts are often fitted with safety features such as life jackets, flares, and emergency radios.

Each type of yacht has its own unique characteristics, and some are better suited for certain types of racing than others.

For example, dinghies are better suited for short-course racing, while offshore racing boats are better for long-distance racing.

Additionally, keelboats and multihulls are often used for more challenging types of racing, such as distance racing or match racing.

No matter what type of yacht you choose for racing, it is important to remember that safety should always be your first priority.

Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out and make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on board.

Additionally, it is important to get professional instruction or join a sailing club to ensure you have the necessary skills to race safely and enjoyably.

Types of Races

Yacht racing events can take place in a wide variety of forms and formats, from long-distance ocean racing to short-course inshore racing in protected bays and estuaries.

Each type of race requires different skills and equipment, and the type of race you choose to participate in will depend on your sailing experience, budget and the type of boat you have.

Long-distance ocean racing is a popular form of yacht racing, with races often taking place over several days and often involving multiple stages.

These races often have several classes of boat competing, with each boat competing in its own class.

These races may involve sailing around a set course or route, or they may be point-to-point races, where the boats sail from one point to another.

Inshore racing is the most common form of yacht racing, with races typically taking place over a few hours or a single day.

This type of racing is often conducted in protected waters, such as bays and estuaries, and generally involves shorter course lengths than ocean racing.

Inshore races may involve multiple classes of boat, or they may be one-design classes, where all boats are the same model and size.

Multi-hull racing is another popular type of yacht racing and involves boats with two or more hulls.

These boats are generally faster and more agile than monohulls, and races are often held over a short course.

These races can be highly competitive, with teams of experienced sailors vying for position and race victory.

Offshore racing is similar to ocean racing, but often involves much longer distances and more challenging conditions.

Races may take place over several days and multiple stages, and require a high level of experience and skill.

Offshore racing boats are usually specially designed for speed and agility, and may have multiple crew members on board to help manage the boat in challenging conditions.

Sailing Clubs and Regattas

Yacht racing is a popular sport around the world, with sailing clubs and regattas held in many countries.

Sailing clubs are organizations where members can come together to race, learn, and enjoy their shared passion for the sport.

Membership in a sailing club usually includes access to the clubs facilities, equipment, and training classes.

Regattas are large-scale yacht racing events, often hosted by a sailing club.

The regatta can be organized for any type of boat, from dinghys to offshore racing boats, and the races can be held over a series of days.

The goal of the regatta is to crown the winner of the overall race, or the individual class honours.

Sailing clubs and regattas are a great way for sailors of all levels to come together and compete.

They give sailors an opportunity to hone their skills, network, and make friends with other passionate sailors.

Additionally, these events are often open to the public, so they give the general public a chance to see the amazing spectacle of yacht racing up close.

If youre looking for an exciting and fun way to get involved with sailing, look no further than your local sailing club or regatta.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

Yacht racing is a sport that requires a great deal of technical knowledge and skill.

Competitors must be familiar with the physics and dynamics of sailing, including how to read the wind and manipulate their vessel to maximize speed and maneuverability.

They must also be able to understand the principles of navigation, so they can accurately plot a course and adjust it to take advantage of the prevailing wind and current conditions.

Furthermore, competitors must be able to read the weather and use that information to their advantage in the race.

Finally, competitors need to have a good understanding of the rules of the race and how to adhere to them.

Yacht racing is a complex sport with a steep learning curve, and it requires a great deal of experience and practice to master.

Safety is a key element of yacht racing, as it involves operating large vessels in often unpredictable and hazardous conditions.

All racers must be properly equipped with the appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit.

It is also essential that all racers are familiar with the rules of the race, and have a good understanding of the safety protocols that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

All yacht racing events must be properly insured, and there are often medical personnel on standby in case of an emergency.

Before any race, all participants must sign a waiver declaring that they understand the risks involved and accept responsibility for their own safety.

Benefits of Yacht Racing

Yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and take part in a thrilling sport.

It offers numerous benefits to those that participate, from improved physical health and mental well-being to an opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Whether youre a beginner or an experienced sailor, yacht racing provides an exciting and rewarding experience.

One of the main benefits of yacht racing is its impact on physical health.

It requires a great deal of strength and endurance, as the sailors must use their arms and legs to control the boats sails and rudder.

Its also a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health.

Additionally, sailing is a low-impact sport, meaning theres less risk of injury than other more strenuous activities like running or cycling.

Yacht racing also has many mental benefits.

Its a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the ocean, as well as the camaraderie and excitement of competing in a team.

Additionally, it gives sailors the opportunity to put their problem-solving skills to the test, as they must think quickly and strategize in order to succeed.

Yacht racing also requires quick decision-making, which can help to improve mental acuity and develop a more acute awareness of ones surroundings.

Finally, yacht racing is a great way to explore new places and meet new people.

Races often take place in different locations around the world, meaning sailors can get a glimpse into different cultures and explore new destinations.

Additionally, yacht racing provides an opportunity to socialize with other sailors, as well as make connections in the sailing community.

Overall, yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and reap the numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.

With its exciting races and stunning locations, its no wonder that yacht racing has become a popular sport around the world.

Popular Events and Races

Yacht racing is an exciting and popular sport with events and races held all over the world.

From the world-famous Americas Cup to local regattas, there are races and events of all sizes and skill levels.

The Americas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious yacht race in the world, with the first race held in 1851.

Held every 3-4 years in a different location, the Americas Cup pits the worlds best sailors against each other in a battle of boat speed, tactics and teamwork.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is another major race, held annually in Australia.

The race begins in Sydney Harbour and ends in the port of Hobart, Tasmania and is known for its unpredictable and challenging conditions.

The Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as The Volvo Ocean Race) is a grueling nine-month, round-the-world yacht race.

This race is one of the most challenging and dangerous races in the world.

In addition to these larger races, there are many smaller local and national regattas and races that offer an opportunity for sailors of all skill levels to compete.

From small dinghy races to larger keelboat and offshore racing events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in yacht racing.

Yacht racing is a fun, competitive and rewarding sport and with so many events and races available, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Whether you are a competitive sailor or just looking to have some fun on the water, yacht racing is the perfect sport for you.

Final Thoughts

Yacht racing is an exciting and challenging sport that is enjoyed by many around the world.

With a variety of yacht types, races and events to choose from, there is something for everyone.

To get started, it is important to have a good understanding of the technical skills and knowledge needed, as well as the safety protocols associated with the sport.

With the right preparation and dedication, yacht racing can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

If you’re interested in taking up this exciting sport, make sure you check out your local sailing clubs and regattas to find out what’s on offer.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Botin 65 High Spirit by King Marine

• Reference ID 150
• Builder Botin
• Botin Yacht Design
• Location Spain
• Engine type Single
• L.O.A. (mtr) 20.00
• Beam (mtr) 5.20
• Draft (mtr) 3-4.80
• Displacement (Kg) 17000
• Material Carbon
• Engine Volvo Penta 110 HP

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Yacht description.

• NavalArchitecture: Botin & Partners, Spain
• Shipyard: King Marine, Spain
• Interior Design: Stas Trasevskii, Russia

Construction

The hull of the yacht is made of composite materials. Carbon fiber used in the primary shell of the hull, with the Nomex core. The deck is made also with the Nomex core. The yacht was built with materials - prepreg and vacuum-encapsulated laminate. Carbon is used in main structural components, such as plate chains and other areas with high loads.

• Hull deck material: Epoxy prepreg carbon fibre with NOMEX core. Female mold.
• Hull superstructure: Epoxy prepreg carbon fibre with NOMEX core.
• Dark grey hull
• Deck material: Teak
• Lifting keel max draft 4.80 m - min. draft: 3.00 m
• Fuel capacity: 2 x 110l
• Add. delivery tanks: 2 x 100 l
• Daily tank: 80l
• Fresh water capacity: 2 x 120l

Custom made by «Cariboni»

• Dual System of hydraulic drive – generator and batteries.
• Furler -Jib 1 Hydraulic
• Forestay 1 Hydraulic
• Jib Cunningham 1 Hydraulic
• J 4 inner forestay 1 Hydraulic
• Jib in/out 2 Hydraulic
• Jib up/down 2 Hydraulic
• Vang 1 Hydraulic
• Main Traveller control 1 Hydraulic, under deck
• Main Cunningham 1 Hydraulic
• Main Outhaul 1 Hydraulic
• Winches Primary 2 Harken 990.3 AD BS HY AAC (Hydraulic)
• Winches Pit 2 Harken 990.3 FD HY AAC (Hydraulic)
• Winch Mainsheet 1 Harken 990.3 AD BS HY AAC (Hydraulic)
• Deflectors 1 Hydraulic
• Lifting Keel 1 Hydraulic

Sailing yacht BOTIN 65, which is completed on the Spanish shipyard King Marine late 2015, was originally conceived as a 65-foot performance racer/cruiser. As the basis was taken a successful project of another sailing yacht - CARO.

The 65-foot sailing yacht BOTIN 65 is a truly unique symbiosis of 100% racing yacht with a functional, yet stylishly designed interior that can confidently claim to be a new standard in the world of race-cruisers in the range of 60-70 feet . 

She very easily goes to hydroplaning after 10 knots. On reaching at 25-27 knots boat picks up speed of 20-22.

Now to be visited in the Caribbean

Southern Spars mast and boom

• Mast – High Modulus Mast Tube “TPT” with Deflectors. Adjustable Rake
• Boom – Hybrid truss wing boom
• Bowsprit carbon

North Sails

• Square Top Offshore Mainsail 3Di 780 (Dyneema/Carbon) 26,000 Dpi
• Square Top Mainsail 3Di 870 (Carbon/Dyneema) 26,000 Dpi
• Square Top DeliveryMainsail Dyneema SRP SRP105
• Storm Trysail Dyneema SRP SRP95
• Jib Light/Medium 3Di 870 (Carbon/Dyneema) 23,800 Dpi
• JibMedium/Heavy 3Di 870 (Carbon/Dyneema) 26,000 Dpi
• Jib 3 3Di 870 (Carbon/Dyneema) 26,000 Dpi
• Furling J-4 w/ Battens 3Di 780 (Dyneema/Carbon) 26,000 Dpi
• Storm Jib Dyneema SRP SRP95
• Furling Jib Dyneema SRP SRP105
• A1.5Asymmetric SuperLite/Kote SK 80 CTDR
• A2 Asymmetric SuperLite/Kote SK 80 CTDR
• A3 Asymmetric Aramid Laminate T1 CZ 90 DP
• A0 Asymmetric Cuben Downwind CN13FC5
• A5 Asymmetric Aramid Laminate T1 CZ 90 GP DP
• Spinnaker StaysailAramid Laminate T1 CZ 60 DP

Accommodations

• Dry locker (port and starboard)
• Air Heating system WEBASTO with pipes (port and starboard) x 2
• Hidden LED Light RED/WHITE
• Individual USB sockets, funs, reading lights on each berth
• Navigation table with carbon seat
• Flexi teak floors
• 2 sofas along side with upholstery
• 2 burner stove cardanic
• Watermaker SCHENKER Smart 60 Digital 60l/h
• Water Heating system
• Freezer/refrigerator WAECO x 2

Deck and Cockpit

Teak decks and teak in cockpit and side decks

• Deck hardware HARKEN
• 2 carbon steering wheels

 Batteries: Mastervolt 750 Amp/h

• Main Engine: Volvo Penta 110 hp
• Generator: Volvo Penta 40 hp
• Full set of survival equipment according ISAF Offshore Special Regulations, inc. life raft VIKING x 3 (6 people each)
• JONBUOY MOB x 2
• Emergency Tiller
• Spare Rudder

Electronics and Navigational Gear

• B&G H5000 Hercules processor
• H5000 CPU UNLOCK CODE HERC TO PERF
• B&G H5000 3D Motion Sensor
• B&G H5000 Analogue ExpansionModule
• B&G H5000 Serial ExpansionModule
• FLEX6-D2L-00G-0TR GPS L1/L2 plus, GLONASS L1/L2
• GPS-702-GG L1/L2, GPS + GLONASS, kinematic, zero-offset antenna
• GPS, 01018649 FlexPak6 breakout cable;
• B&G H5000 Graphic display
• Display / B&G H5000 Race display x 2
• Display / 30/30HV DISPLAY PACK, TRITON/H50000 x 5
• 10/10HV display pack for H5000
• GPS-HEADING / Airmar GH2183 GPS and Heading Sensor
• NMEA0183 15M CABLE NC
• Furuno Integrated heading sensor
• HEADING, HEEL, TRIM / B&G Halcyon Gyro Stabilised Compass
• CS4500 Housing P17 Junction bon & Power Cable
• SPEED / H3000 Speed Sensor Plastic Flush
• DEPTH / DT800, Plastic , 2m cabl., NO SPD Connection
• LOAD CELL / Load Cell Amplifier
• LOAD CELL / Custom Load Cell Pin
• RUDDER / Cable Transducer SP2-25
• WIND / B&G VMHU 1450mm Ocean
• wind spare / B&G 213 MHU Pack
• Chart Plotter / B&G Zeus²
• Barometric / h5000 Barometric pressure sensor
• Professional GradeWaterproof Ultrabright LED ComputerMonitor x 2 (steering pedestal)
• Alarm / H5000, Audible AlarmModule
• Radar / Broadband 4G Radar
• AIS / B&G Nais 400 System Class B-AIS w/GPS Ant
• Actisense NMEAMUX
• VHF Radio / V50 VHF Marine Radio, with AIS and DSC. NMEA2000
• Handset / B&G H50 VHFWireless Handset
• Antenna / VHF Heliflex Antenna
• AIS Squatty Body®
• Splitter / B&G NSPL-400 VhfAntenna Splitter Satellite
• Satellite KVH TracPhone V3 IP
• Satellite KVH FBB 150
• Phone / Iridium Extreme Phone x 2
• Switch / Shakespeare antenna manual switch
• Rudder / RF25N Rudder Feedback Unit
• Processor / B&G H5000 Autopilot computer
• Controller / B&G H5000 Autopilot controller
• Raymarine Tipe 2- 24V Long
• WIFI / B&G GoFree Wireless Module
• PC / IPC2 i7 Barebone x 2 (1xNavigation, 1xMedia)
• PC monitor 23”
• 4G,WIFI, ETHERNET / 4GWireless Router
• ETHERNET SWITCH / Industrial Ethernet Switch
• USB HUB / 7 ports Usb Hub
• Access Point / High Power Access Point
• Cmap / Cmap charts
• Navionics / Navionics platinum plus MegawideMaditerranean area
• Nav Software / Expedition
• Nav Software /Maxea Time Zero + Modules
• Radio / Simrad Sonic Hub
• dock / UNI-Dock para SonicHub® de Simrad
• 2MP top mast fixed IP Camera
• 5MP H,264 mini fixed rugged IP Camera x 3 (2 on spreaders, 1 on Radar)
• 5MP H.264 IR ultra bullet IP camera (stern)
• CONTAINER 40” with Shelves, Lockers, work places and large set of tools
• CRADLE to store the boat on shore

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Contact Details

• Name Site Broker | Racing-Yachts.com
• Email [email protected]
• Phone +31 (0)320 746046
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Samurai: The record-breaking racer refitted as a superyacht

Once a record-breaking racing yacht, the newly refitted Samurai is now a sleek performance cruiser that honours her history without compromising on speed – or style.

“Commence lowering tables,” comes the order from the captain. “Lowering tables,” comes the response from the deckhand, and the cockpit tables are folded and stowed. This is not part of the starting sequence for typical racing yachts, especially ones that average speeds in excess of 20 knots. But then Samurai is far from typical, either in her original build or in her freshly refitted cruising incarnation.

As Mari-Cha IV , the 42.4 metre schooner’s sole purpose was to set speed and distance records over offshore courses with all sails handled manually (two teams of grinders and trimmers working 21 winches on deck). Delivered in 2003 to her former owner, Robert Miller, she accomplished her goal with such feats as breaking the transatlantic record right out of the box, making the crossing in six days, 17 hours, 52 minutes (a record that was only broken in July 2016 by Comanche ) and setting a sailing record of 525 miles in one 24-hour period.

She also won the Rolex Transatlantic Challenge, broke the Guadeloupe to Antigua record and the Hawaii Pacific Ocean record, where Mari-Cha IV sailed 2,070 miles in just over five days, smashing the old record by 32 hours. But fame is fleeting; this former superstar was sold and eventually put out to sailing’s equivalent of pasture — a slovenly backwater berth.

Mari-Cha IV was so purpose-designed by Philippe Briand , Clay Oliver and Greg Elliott that there was just one spartan cabin below for the owner. The crew – and there would be 25 aboard to race – slept hot-bunking on pipe cots wedged fore and aft of ballast tanks and huge boxes housing hydraulic rams that canted her keel up to 40 degrees either side. The shallow underbody, more like a surfboard than a sailing yacht, and the towering schooner rig made her a theme park ride capable of 40-plus knots. She was a rocketship.

Times and ideas change. Now, those in search of speed records favour foiling multihulls or trimarans. Monohull fans favour smaller boats in the super maxi class. Even though Mari-Cha IV was state-of-the-art in composite building in 2003, a comparable sloop today weighs about 20 tonnes less. When a specialist sailing yacht broker, Will Bishop, of Yachting Partners International , began sounding out potential owners who might be interested in turning the boat into an exciting cruiser, racing purists cried “heresy”. “Of course, none of them were stepping forward to rehab the boat,” he says.

And then, from an unlikely corner – classic cars, to be precise – came an interested party with a singular vision. Her history as Mari-Cha IV needed to be preserved and honoured, he said, and the best way to do that was to show how she could be a no-compromise cruising experience. He rejected sketches that showed the yacht’s rig and deck modified, including one with a deck saloon. Respecting the original profile was paramount and that meant maintaining the twin towers of carbon fibre that carried 893 square metres of sail.

Out of sight would be desired modifications to power the winches, allowing the boat to be sailed with 10 crew, and a lifting keel to access more harbours. The big challenge would be fitting in a cruising interior, a galley, watermaker, sewage treatment and air-conditioning without wrecking Mari-Cha IV ’s performance.

The owner and Bishop began by tracking down Elliott to shepherd the numbers and hiring British firm Rhoades Young to take care of the styling and interior design. Jonathan Rhoades and Dick Young have probably designed more lightweight sailing yacht interiors than any other company. What the firm often doesn’t receive enough credit for is its contribution to exterior styling. For this project, it was key to add mod cons without destroying Mari Cha IV ’s stealthy profile.

“Truth be told, Samurai is all about ‘the experience’. No one else seemed to get it,” says Rhoades. “The owner wanted a new superyacht. What drew him to this project was the pedigree. He had tonnes of photos of Mari-Cha IV racing. He wanted a ‘blowing-[your]-socks-off experience’. What he’s done is create a completely new animal.”

Bishop agrees. “I’ve sold nine sailing yachts in two years. People want performance more than anything. Today, owners are designing boats for superyacht regatta racing. That used to be an afterthought. Mari-Cha IV was not only beautiful but she accomplished her mission; the owner felt she just couldn’t be allowed to rot.”

Max Riedl, of Cornelsen & Partner, a project management firm with an impeccable history of refits and new builds, says he was “worried about making [ Samurai ] a compromise between a racer and a cruiser and being very bad at each job”. But the owner, he says, had a vision. “He saw this as a modern Endeavour in that the original mission would be honoured.”

In modifying the boat, weight was the critical driver – and unrelenting master, says Elliott. As the one who knew the most about her original engineering, he was brought on as the numbers man and designer of a new lifting keel for Samurai . When the owner said he wanted to keep the yacht’s profile, he meant the entire profile, including the pair of 45.1 metre masts that gave Mari-Cha IV her unprecedented power.

“The weight budget was where we began. That rig,” he says, pointing skyward, “is made for a certain load, a certain righting moment. Keeping the rig and changing the keel from a deep canting foil to a lifting vertical foil gave us an equation without much room for error or interpretation.”

The team refined the plan and made more interior room by removing the hydraulic rams that forced the original keel from side to side for stability. The mezzanine-level nav station was cast aside to provide an atrium entrance to Samurai ’s saloon. Cockpit coaming was added to make a safe seating area for guests during sailing and to shelter alfresco dining when moored.

The modifications to the carbon structure were extensive owing to the complexity of incorporating the new lifting keel and the interior, so leading composite specialist Gurit was brought in to rigorously scrutinise and design the whole process. Once the plan for Samurai was organised, the refit went to bid with several yards. While Royal Huisman ’s price wasn’t the lowest, the owner chose the yard in April 2014 because of its reputation and brand pedigree.

Royal Huisman for a carbon fibre racing yacht refit? Project director Ronald van Hulst laughs at the question. “We’ve been doing a lot of bits and pieces in carbon fibre and our sister company, Rondal, is a carbon fibre expert – and not just masts. We make parts for other Dutch yards such as doors and hatches and arches.”

On deck, it’s easier to point out what isn’t original to Mari-Cha IV than what is: the cockpit tables and huge C-shaped sofas. The wheels, the masts and booms are all original, as are the winches and the steering gear. The aft pod of winches has been relocated further aft but they (and those at the base of the main mast) are the historic lot, though they are now motorised.

Samurai ’s ‘stealth fighter’ look is highlighted by her new suit of black 3Di sails from North, a perfect application of the company’s moulded sail process utilising carbon, Aramid and Dyneema fibre. Engineered to assume the perfect flying shape when hoisted, they appear to present a single, shiny, smooth surface to the air, not unlike a hard wing sail.

The transition from a carbon tube to a yacht with a master and four guest cabins naturally increased the displacement of Samurai , and her difference from lightship to fully loaded is a modest additional eight tonnes. “Where you put the weight is just as important as the amount,” says Elliott, and getting the “yacht look” without massive weight was a puzzle that involved everyone. “I gave them the bottom line of how much weight they could add to the boat and it was up to them to allocate it,” he says.

Royal Huisman weighed the whole structure monthly as a check on the material weights coming on or off the boat. Flexiteek (850.5kg) set into the deck and cockpit provides the non-skid finish, while entertainment electronics account for two tonnes. Samurai ’s captain Alec Rhys, a veteran of Whitbread Round the World Races, came up with a way to save 249.5kg in the galley by creating a half-pipe and roller system for managing the cooktop and oven instead of using a standard gimballed stove.

Likewise, the crew created a clever anchor management system that weighs next to nothing (49.9kg versus 598.7kg for a powered anchor deployment system) and disappears for racing. Samurai ’s carbon hull is skimfilled and painted with a custom silver paint rather than fully faired. It saves weight but, more importantly, the owner didn’t want to hide that the “boat had a past”.

While Samurai will do some racing, her mission is primarily family cruising. The owner’s brief to the designers was as unusual as the concept itself. “I asked them for Samurai temple meets Portofino beach house,” the owner explains as we punch upwind on a 30-mile race course without so much as a drop of spray spoiling the conversation. “Notice I said Samurai temple, not palace.”

The interior is calm and uncluttered and much larger than you might expect, but Samurai is far from a stripped-out racing machine. Within the weight budget, there is room for both cosiness and flair, which is reflected in the silk wall panels, an ancient Japanese warrior’s armour and a 16th century Edo period sword.

“If a man does not have history, he does not have a future,” says the owner. “We adore history. Look at the place that Japan held in the world during that time. They were the fiercest feudal culture and yet, at the same time, supremely disciplined and creative. The history of the Samurai is clear – he had to be the best at every moment and live by an unbreakable code of honour.”

Rhoades Young and Royal Huisman collaborated on the Samurai ’s new general arrangement; a largely symmetrical layout that Rhoades says is really the only one possible. “On a boat you have so many levels and shapes and intrusions… symmetry and order make people comfortable and feel at home.”

In Samurai ’s saloon, the fan-shaped panels of 2D curved glass in the superstructure create a strong design element repeated with a floor covering that looks like tatami but is actually a synthetic fibre that is softer under foot and beautifully bound in waterproof leather borders. Port and starboard L-shaped sofas serve for lounging or dining with multifunctional tables made by overall fit-out contractor Greenline Yacht Interiors .

Managing director Gianluca Ascheri adds: “Building the interiors of Samurai was a tremendous challenge, and extremely complicated, considering such dramatic engineering requirements. There were no compromises; we had to achieve an interior with specific luxurious levels and characteristics, yet extremely light, strong and tough. All this within a net space that was not enough to contain it, and that therefore required special custom methods of construction to reduce the thicknesses and dimensions.”

With virtually no tween-deck space to work with, the designers had to be clever with the lighting plan for Samurai . “We obviously had no space for can lights in the overhead,” says Rhoades. “We relied on ambient lighting spilling out of reveals and secret places and used dark corners to create shadow and thus blur the edges of rooms to make them seem larger.”

Rhoades Young undertook its own weight studies to create a balance between spaces requiring durability and sound dampening and those where more delicate materials could be used. Lighting choices and how the electrical supply was distributed were factors. “What do the black boxes weigh and how many cables must you run?” asks Rhoades. “If you choose the right equipment and smart cable runs, you will offset the weight of a piece of furniture. Everything was on a spreadsheet, including the screws and glue.”

Of course, Samurai is a superyacht with Baccarat crystal, Jasper china, Christofle silver and the odd Philippe Starck candelabra. “We really went round and round about the china, then I asked them what they had allowed as luggage weight per person. They told me 80 kilos. I said we will tell everyone to pack light. If we reduce that to 60 kilos per person, there is room for my 200 kilograms of crockery,” the designer says.

So, at the end of the process, was there a penalty to be paid for the ancient armour or the bone china? Apparently not. According to its captain, the boat is “still a weapon to sail”. On the yacht’s delivery from the Med to the British Virgin Islands for her first regatta, the crew – all serious racing sailors – pushed Samurai hard to make their rendezvous with the owner.

As sailors are inclined, they kept track of each helmsman’s top speed recorded during his or her watch. The winner of the first Atlantic crossing was Xanthe Bowater, the youngest crew member, who is also an Olympic class windsurfer. She topped the chart by surfing Samurai to 36 knots, just five knots off Mari-Cha IV ’s best.

“I knew what I wanted to achieve, and this great team found a way to work for the final objective,” says Samurai ’s owner as we return to port. “The only thing they didn’t anticipate was the speed at which we sail.”

First published in the August 2016 edition of Boat International

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Parts of a Yacht Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

by Emma Sullivan | Aug 12, 2023 | Sailing Adventures

Short answer: Parts of a yacht deck:

The main parts of a yacht deck include the bow, stern, port and starboard sides, cockpit, foredeck, afterdeck, and swim platform. Other components may include safety railings, cleats for securing lines, hatches for access to lower compartments, and anchor wells.

Understanding the Essential Parts of a Yacht Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to yachts, one of the most important areas to acquaint yourself with is the deck. The deck serves as the foundation for your maritime adventures and plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth sailing . In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the essential parts that make up a yacht deck, equipping you with valuable knowledge for your voyages.

1. Foredeck: The foredeck represents the forwardmost part of the yacht ‘s deck. This area is typically spacious and flat, allowing for various activities such as sunbathing or hosting social gatherings. It provides easy access to the anchor and anchor windlass system , enabling smooth anchoring operations.

2. Cockpit: Moving towards the center of the yacht deck , you’ll find the cockpit—a well-designed area where navigation is carried out. Equipped with multiple instruments and controls, this section allows sailors to keep a close eye on their course and monitor various systems onboard. The cockpit also serves as a gathering spot for all passengers during navigation or when enjoying outdoor meals.

3. Helm Station: Situated within the cockpit is the helm station—often considered as the nerve center of any yacht. This is where skilled captains steer and navigate through different water conditions using a combination of traditional wheel control or modern joystick advancements found in technologically advanced vessels. The helm station embodies both power and precision required for safe maneuvering on open waters .

4. Flybridge: For those seeking sweeping views while relaxing or controlling their vessel , look no further than the flybridge located atop many larger yachts’ decks—accessible via stairs from either side near the cockpit area. The flybridge offers an elevated vantage point from which to soak in panoramic vistas and direct overall navigation activities confidently.

5. Swim Platform: Yacht decks are not limited solely to above-water areas; they often feature swim platforms extending from the stern. These platforms provide easy and safe access to the water for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying watersports activities. With built-in ladders or steps, these platforms enhance the overall experience of your yacht adventure.

6. Aft Deck: Situated at the back of the yacht, the aft deck is an expansive space that connects the interior and exterior areas seamlessly. It is often used for dining al fresco, lounging, or entertaining guests. This area also serves as a gateway to other sections such as crew quarters, ensuring smooth operations on board.

7. Side Decks: Connecting various parts of the yacht deck are side decks—narrow walkways found on both port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the vessel. These corridors allow crew members and guests to move safely from one area to another without interfering with ongoing activities on deck.

Understanding these essential parts of a yacht deck empowers you not only to appreciate their functionality but also ensures that you make informed decisions while onboard. Whether you’re planning a leisurely cruise or embarking on an exciting charter experience, having a comprehensive understanding of your yacht’s deck will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment and safety during each voyage.

So next time you step aboard a luxurious vessel and step onto its impressive deck, take a moment to appreciate each part’s purpose — knowing that behind every exquisite detail lies function and finesse working in harmony to create unforgettable seafaring experiences

How to Identify and Maintain the Various Components of a Yacht Deck

Owning a yacht is a dream for many, and ensuring its components are properly identified and maintained is crucial not only for optimal performance but also for maintaining its value. The deck of a yacht plays an integral role in its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Therefore, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the various components that make up the deck and how to maintain them.

1. Teak Decking: Elegant and Timeless One of the most iconic features on a yacht deck is teak decking. Renowned for its elegance, durability, and natural non-slip properties, teak decking requires regular maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Begin by cleaning the teak with fresh water to remove any salt or debris accumulated during your voyages. To maintain its golden luster, periodic scrubbing using mild soap or specialized teak cleaners is recommended. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly to ensure no residue remains on the surface.

Additionally, consider applying protective coatings such as teak oils or sealants to safeguard against UV damage and prevent discoloration caused by exposure to sunlight over time. This will help retain the luxurious appearance of your teak decking while prolonging its lifespan.

2. Stainless Steel Hardware: Slick and Resilient Stainless steel hardware gives yacht decks a sleek look while offering exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. While stainless steel is highly durable, regular maintenance ensures it remains pristine for years to come.

Begin by inspecting all stainless steel fittings such as hinges, cleats, handrails, and stanchions for signs of rust or corrosion regularly. If any issues arise, promptly address them by removing the affected hardware and using rust removers or specialized stainless steel cleaners to restore their original shine.

To prevent future corrosion, apply protective coatings such as metal polishes or waxes specifically designed for stainless steel surfaces. These coatings create an invisible barrier that repels moisture while preserving the metal’s sleek appearance.

3. Non-Slip Surfaces: Safety First Safety should always be a top priority on a yacht deck , and non-slip surfaces play a vital role in preventing accidents. These anti-skid surfaces are often made of materials like rubber or textured paint. Keeping them well-maintained ensures optimal grip and performance .

Regularly inspect these areas for signs of wear or damage, as they can deteriorate over time due to constant foot traffic and exposure to harsh marine conditions. If you notice any uneven or worn spots, promptly address them by repainting or replacing the affected areas.

Remember to clean these surfaces regularly using mild soap or specialized non-slip cleaners. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may degrade the texture and reduce their gripping capabilities.

4. Fiberglass Decking: Lightweight and Versatile Fiberglass decking has gained popularity in recent years due to its lightweight nature and versatility in design options. Maintaining fiberglass decks requires regular cleaning, polishing, and careful inspection for cracks or structural damages.

To clean fiberglass surfaces, use gentle soaps or purpose-made fiberglass cleaners along with soft brushes or sponges to avoid scratching the gel coat finish. Regular waxing with specialized marine wax helps protect the surface from UV damage while providing a glossy appearance that enhances the overall aesthetics.

Inspect the entire surface carefully, paying particular attention to stress points such as corners and edges where cracks may develop over time. Promptly repair any damages found using appropriate techniques such as epoxy resin application or seeking professional assistance when necessary.

Embrace the Pride of Ownership through Proper Maintenance Owning a yacht brings immense joy and satisfaction but also responsibility towards its care and maintenance. By understanding the various components of your yacht’s deck and implementing regular maintenance routines tailored to each specific material type, you’ll not only ensure its longevity but also enhance its visual appeal while cruising effortlessly across sparkling waters. Remember, investing time into maintaining your yacht’s deck is an investment in both its future and your pride of ownership.

Exploring the Step-by-Step Breakdown of Different Parts on a Yacht Deck

Title: Unveiling the Intricacies of a Yacht Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: When it comes to luxury and style, few things can compare to a yacht. From cruising along crystal-clear waters to indulging in the sun-soaked ambiance, every moment spent on a yacht is an experience like no other. But have you ever wondered what lies beneath your feet as you embark on this lavish adventure ? Join us as we unravel the step-by-step breakdown of different parts on a yacht deck, giving you insights into the inner workings of these remarkable vessels.

1. The Bow: Let’s start our journey at the front of the yacht, known as the bow. This majestic area is where elegance and functionality intersect seamlessly. Extending forward from the vessel’s main structure, it provides ample space for sunbathing or simply relishing breathtaking views as you cut through the waves. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the bow also serves practical purposes such as housing anchor controls and storage compartments.

2. The Foredeck: Leaving the bow behind, we move towards another essential part: the foredeck. This expansive area plays multiple roles – be it accommodating water toys or serving as a helipad for those seeking grandeur from above. With reinforced structural integrity and strategically placed fittings, this part ensures utmost safety while maximizing pleasure during outdoor activities.

3. Main Deck: As we venture further aft on our deck exploration, we reach perhaps one of the most prominent sections – the main deck. Spanning considerable length and breadth, it provides an extensive canvas for dining areas with luxurious seating arrangements, alfresco lounges adorned with plush cushions, and even infinity pools that seamlessly merge with stunning seascapes.

4. Companionways: Moving below decks but not forgetting their significance in our breakdown are companionways – staircases connecting various levels of a yacht. Designed thoughtfully to optimize accessibility without compromising aesthetics, these passageways exude opulence through the use of exquisite materials such as polished wood or gleaming metal, creating a sense of timeless elegance.

5. Upper Deck: Now let’s ascend to a higher level – the upper deck. Often associated with panoramic vistas and sophisticated entertainment options, this space offers an elevated experience for socializing and relaxation. From fully-equipped bars where mixologists craft delectable cocktails to outdoor cinemas that transform starlit nights into unforgettable movie experiences, the upper deck epitomizes refined opulence.

6. Sun Decks: Prepare to be dazzled as we explore the sun decks – premier spots on yachts customized for ultimate leisure and pleasure. Featuring everything from jacuzzis, tanning beds, and luxurious loungers to fully equipped outdoor gyms, these decks are meticulously designed to cater to guests seeking both tranquility and exhilaration under the generous embrace of the sun.

Conclusion: As our journey comes to an end, we hope you now have a deeper understanding of the various parts that make up a yacht deck. From the bow that sets sail towards endless horizons, through companionways connecting spaces with eloquence, all the way up to sun-drenched decks enticing you into moments of pure bliss – each element harmoniously blends functionality with unparalleled luxury. So next time you step foot on a yacht deck, take a moment to appreciate not only its beauty but also the intricate craftsmanship that goes into creating these floating marvels where dreams forever find solace.

Frequently Asked Questions: All You Need to Know About Parts of a Yacht Deck

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section, where we aim to provide you with all the information you need to know about the various parts of a yacht deck. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting your adventure on the open seas, understanding the components of a yacht deck is crucial for your safety and enjoyment. So, let’s dive in!

1. Bow: Starting at the front of the yacht, the bow is the pointed part that cuts through water . It’s important to familiarize yourself with this area as it plays a role in anchoring and docking maneuvers.

2. Cockpit: Moving towards the middle of the vessel, we encounter the cockpit – often referred to as the heart of any yacht. This is where navigation controls are located, allowing you to steer and control your vessel efficiently.

3. Helm Station: Located within the cockpit, the helm station houses all essential instruments for steering and navigating your yacht safely . From steering wheels or joysticks to electronic displays providing vital information such as speed and depth measurements – this area ensures smooth sailing .

4. Deck Hatches: These are openings on your yacht’s deck that allow access below decks while also providing ventilation and natural lighting for cabins and other interior spaces. Be cautious when opening and closing hatches to avoid any accidents.

5. Stanchions and Lifelines: Safety should always be a top priority at sea, which is why stanchions (upright posts) with accompanying lifelines are installed around most yacht decks . These prevent accidental falls overboard , acting as a physical barrier between you and potential danger.

6. Cleats: These metal fittings are found along both sides of a yacht’s deck used for securing lines and ropes during docking or anchoring procedures. They play an essential role in keeping your vessel in place when necessary.

7. Toe Rail: Running along both sides of a yacht’s deck edge, toe rails serve multiple purposes – acting as footholds for crew members, providing additional security during maneuvers, and also preventing water from spilling onto the deck.

8. Windlass: Located at the front of your yacht near the bow, a windlass is a mechanical device used to control anchor deployment and retrieval. It makes anchoring your vessel much easier and more efficient.

9. Scuppers: Found at various points on the deck, scuppers are small drainage holes that prevent water from accumulating on the deck surface. It’s important to keep these clear to ensure proper water drainage during rough weather conditions.

10. Bimini Top: For those seeking shelter from the sun or light rain showers while on their yacht, a bimini top provides excellent protection. These fabric canopies extend over part of the cockpit or helm station area and can be folded away when not needed.

Knowing these essential parts of a yacht deck will enhance your overall sailing experience while keeping you safe onboard. We hope this comprehensive overview has provided you with valuable insights into each component’s purpose and functionality. So why wait? Set sail, explore new horizons, and enjoy your time on the open seas !

Navigating the World of Yacht Decks: Unraveling Common Queries about Different Parts

Welcome aboard the vibrant world of yacht decks! As you embark on this exhilarating journey, it’s important to navigate through the vast array of options and understand the intricacies of different parts . In this blog post, we will unravel common queries and provide detailed explanations about various components that make up a yacht deck.

1. Teak Decking: The Jewel in Yachting’s Crown Teak decking is often considered the epitome of luxury and elegance in the yachting industry. Crafted from durable teak wood, it dazzles with its warm honey-brown hue and exquisite grain patterns. Renowned for its unique non-slip properties, teak decking ensures safety while exuding timeless beauty.

2. Synthetic Teak: Embracing Innovation without Sacrificing Beauty In recent years, synthetic teak has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional teak decking. Made from high-quality PVC materials, synthetic teak mimics the appearance of real teak flawlessly while providing superior resistance to wear and weather conditions . Its low maintenance requirements and customizable design options have garnered attention among modern yacht enthusiasts.

3. Cork Decking: Nature’s Silent Co-star Cork decking offers a delightful blend of eco-friendliness and aesthetic appeal. Sourced from sustainable cork oak trees, cork decks provide excellent insulation properties while reducing noise levels aboard your yacht. With its distinct visual texture and tactile sensation underfoot, cork decking adds a touch of sophistication to any vessel.

4. EVA Foam Flooring: Comfort Meets Style If ultimate comfort is what you seek, look no further than EVA foam flooring for your yacht deck. Known for its cushioning effect, this closed-cell foam not only provides exceptional shock absorption but also reduces fatigue during long hours at sea. Available in an extensive range of colors and patterns, EVA foam allows for creative customization without compromising on durability.

5. Safety at Sea: Non-Slip Decking Solutions A primary concern for every yacht owner is the safety of all onboard. Fortunately, various non-slip decking solutions are available to address this issue. From specialized grip paint to innovative anti-slip tapes, these options ensure secure footing even in harsh weather conditions, granting peace of mind to both seasoned sailors and first-time yacht enthusiasts.

6. Maintenance Tips: Preserving the Splendor To keep your yacht deck looking pristine, regular maintenance is crucial. Regardless of the material you choose, routine cleaning and proper upkeep will protect its longevity. It’s recommended to use gentle, non-abrasive cleansers specifically designed for marine applications. Additionally, investing in protective covers or mats when necessary can prevent unnecessary wear and tear over time.

7. Beyond Yacht Decks: Exploring Additional Outdoor Spaces While the focus has been on yacht decks thus far, it’s important not to overlook other outdoor spaces onboard that contribute to an enhanced yachting experience . From stylish balconies and luxurious sunbathing areas to stunning swimming pools and expansive helipads, these additional spaces further elevate the overall opulence and functionality of a yacht.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide through the thrilling world of yacht decks! Armed with knowledge about different parts and their unique features, you can make informed decisions when customizing your dream vessel’s deck. May your yachting adventures be filled with endless beauty, comfort, and safety as you traverse the vast seas with style!

Mastering the Anatomy of a Yacht’s Exterior: Exploring Key Features on the Deck

When it comes to yachting, understanding the intricate details of a yacht’s exterior is key to fully appreciating its luxury and functionality. While there are numerous elements that contribute to the overall design and performance of a yacht, in this article we will focus on exploring the key features found on the deck – arguably one of the most important areas where both aesthetics and practicality collide.

Firstly, let’s talk about one of the most prominent features: the bow. As a focal point that captivates attention both at sea and in port, the bow sets the tone for the entire vessel. From sleek and minimalist designs to more extravagant embellishments, yacht bows can vary greatly depending on personal preference and style. It’s not uncommon to find comfortable seating or spacious sunpads at this prime location—perfect for enjoying breathtaking views while cruising through azure waters.

Moving towards the aft section of a yacht’s deck, you’ll discover another crucial component known as the cockpit. This well-designed area serves as a central hub for outdoor activities, socializing, and entertainment. Equipped with comfortable seating arrangements, dining tables, wet bars, and even jacuzzis on larger yachts—a lively atmosphere can be created to suit any occasion.

Continuing our exploration along the deck side rails, we encounter cleverly incorporated storage spaces where various water toys such as jet skis or paddleboards can be securely stowed away. These compartments not only maintain a clean and organized appearance but also provide easy access for quick deployment when desired aquatic adventures beckon.

One cannot overlook another vital feature found throughout a yacht’s exterior: handrails. Not only do they serve as safety devices aiding in movement around the vessel but they are also meticulously designed to seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic. Manufactured using high-quality materials like stainless steel or polished teakwood, these handrails embody elegance without compromising functionality—an essential aspect of any well-mastered yacht design.

As we venture further aft, the stern of a yacht reveals the laudable effort invested in engineering and innovation. The swim platform—a modern-day luxury on many yachts—extends beyond traditional hull design, creating an inviting space for water enthusiasts to easily access and relish in aquatic activities. Whether it’s swimming, snorkeling or simply diving into crystal-clear seas, this platform enhances the overall experience of being at sea.

Lastly, no discussion on a yacht’s exterior would be complete without mentioning its navigational equipment. From sleek radar domes to state-of-the-art GPS systems and satellite communication devices, these technological marvels ensure a safe voyage while seamlessly integrating with the yacht ‘s exterior design. Manufacturers strive to strike a balance between functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal so that these vital components never disrupt the beauty of the vessel.

In conclusion, understanding the anatomy of a yacht’s exterior is an art form that commands meticulous attention to detail. From bow to stern, every element serves both practical purposes as well as adding to the overall allure and sophistication of these floating masterpieces. So next time you find yourself aboard a yacht, take a moment to appreciate the craftmanship and clever engineering that lies beneath its stunning exterior—and let it transport you into a world where luxury meets adventure on every deck.

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Types of Racing Sailboats

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

August 30, 2022

Sailboats come in many different shapes and sizes depending on a variety of factors. This means there are a variety of sailboat racing boat types on the market.

When you look specifically at racing sailboats, you will notice several different aspects that separate them from other sailboats. You might be wondering, what are the types of racing sailboats?

There are many types of racing sailboats that range from one-man dinghies all the way to 100-foot yachts. Some racing sailboats are classified as keel boats, multi-hull, and even a tower ship. These boats are built primarily for speed, so comfort is usually an afterthought depending on the brand.

For racing sailboats, each one is going to fit within a specific race category. So depending on the type of race will dictate the types of sailboats you will see.

According to sailboat data, racing boats have slightly different designs that stand out compared to bluewater sailboats. Looking at the Olympics is another example of what other racing sailboats are out there.

Table of contents

‍ Characteristics of Racing Sailboats

There are quite a few sailboats made today that are geared specifically towards racing. They have one purpose, which is to go as fast as possible.

Some racing sailboats are advanced far more than the average ones, which is completely up to the buyer. For example, America’s Cup race showcases “foiling boats” that run on foils under the hulls. These allow the sailboats to go faster than 50 MPH.

If you are searching for boats that have characteristics to fit within a specific race type, you will find that many boats can enter different races depending on the rules. The most popular sailboat races are:

• Offshore/Oceanic

There are key features that separate racing boats from other sailboats and allow them to enter specific races. These can be narrowed down to the hull design, the type of keel, how many masts it has, and what type of sails are used.

Size of Racing Sailboats

As mentioned, these boats range from smaller dinghies to 100-foot yachts. Depending on the type of race will determine the type of boat that is being used.

The size of certain boats might prevent them from entering races where only smaller ones are allowed. There are exceptions in some races, like a handicapped fleet race, that will adjust the rating to allow their final time to be adjusted. The reason some races are handicapped to a certain extent is so a captain and his crew can determine the outcome and not a boat that is at an advantage.

Overall Design

With racing sailboats, they are subject to racing against the wind about half of the time. The angles of the boats are still similar to cruisers but greatly differ in the size of the sails to allow the sheets to have a better shape.

As racing boats are typically trying to sheet the sails hard, they are trying to keep them within the centerline. This allows the sails to be flatter and change them as needed.

Over time, the sails will typically wear out faster than the ones being used on regular sailboats. Since they are aggressively being used to stretch in the wind, they are subject to more use than regular sailboats.

Similar Looking Sailboats

There are races that only accept sailboats called one-design. These sailboats are built to exact specifications and are nearly identical to one another.

The reason that these boats are designed is to help combat any potential advantages from one boat to the next. It does not really set itself apart from other boats, but it is a good start to get into racing.

Lack of Interior Accommodations

Racing sailboats typically lack anything special on the inside to help save weight and go faster. Since a lot of features are not available, this means it would be nearly impossible to liveaboard full time.

In most scenarios, a true racing sailboat strictly has one purpose: to go fast. This does not mean that all racing sailboats cannot have luxury or comfort, since boat racing has been in existence since boats were first invented for water.

You would need to find boats that have a great balance between using them on weekends and racing. There are plenty of options to consider for what you want to accomplish in racing and comfort.

Types of Sails Being Used

Another characteristic that separates racing boats from cruisers is the types of sails that are being used. Both are designed for performance but are measured a bit differently. Racing sails are meant for speed, as regular sails are meant for cruising.

Depending on the goal of sailing, such as racing, you could look into purchasing sails that are specific to racing. Would you rather take off an extra minute or two of your time with a long upwind leg during a race or have the same durable sail for another five years out?

This opens up the door to endless possibilities of sail-making materials to get the job done. Most cruisers use Dacron or laminates that use a high-stretch fiber. With racing boats, light laminate sails have proven to be more durable and last longer than previous racing sails.

Popular Types of Racing Sailboats

Since the goal is to be around 50 MPH and have the best handling, many options have to be considered for the type of boat to possess both. Since comfort is not a deciding factor, it is somewhat easier to narrow down a racing boat over a bluewater or cruiser boat.

The types of racing sailboats that cater to you will all depend on your budget and your main goal of use. Each series of boats has its main purpose, with some having a little bit of comfort with racing.

Yachts and Super-Sized Sailboats

Yachts that specialize in racing tend to have a solid mix between speed and comfort. With a fiberglass hull and roughly 50 feet or so in length, these boats are not easily handled by just one or two people like others or there.

With that being said, they are also the most expensive out of the group. Even with exceptionally older models, you are still easily looking at $100,000.

You can expect to see racing yacht sailboats to reach about 17 MPH. Depending on the size, they can go faster or slower.

High-Performance Cruisers

Some boats can do it all when it comes to all-around performance . If you are looking for a boat that you can race for fun but still want to take it out offshore and live on, then you need to look at high-performance cruisers that can do both.

These boats generally range between 25 to 40 feet and are similar to yachts. However, they do not have as much luxury in comparison but the price tag is not nearly as heavy.

Trailerable Sailboats

Trailerable sailboats fall into similar categories like the dinghy and small racing boats. These boats can range in length up to 27 feet but are limited in their height and weight.

These serve a purpose for just about anything to do with sailing, but the racing ones are strictly for racing. Their design is meant for speed, not the comfort of heavy-duty performance offshore.

Small Racing Sailboats

Smaller racing sailboats are built to be lighter and have practically nothing on board compared to cruisers or dinghies. Due to their smaller size, they often get mistaken for larger dinghies even though they typically range between 20 and 70 feet.

These smaller racing sailboats are related to cruising sailboats but are a bit smaller. They are cousins to sailing dinghy boats that are used for racing. They also have fin keels and utilize laminate sails.

Sailing Dinghies

Dinghies are a category of small boats that have a wide variety of uses. If you are new to boating, it is a great place to start learning due to its size and simplicity.

These typically only need one or two people at most and are no longer than 15 feet in length at max. Many of these boats are competitively raced and will also result in a wet ride no matter what you do. You will see these types of boats used in certain Olympic events.

Racing Cruising Sailboats

Cruisers have a wide range in size and length, as they range between 16 and 50 feet or more. They feature cabins for extended cruising and have standing headroom below deck if over 26 feet.

Popular brands on the market have introduced models that are fit for racing. These are great for fleet races or for boats that are associated with cruising. With that being said, it is a great compromise for boaters that enjoy racing but also want to cruise whenever they want.

The cutter features a single mast and mainsail, which is very similar to common sailboats like a sloop. A cutter sailboat has the mast further aft which allows the attachment of the jib and staysail.

In high winds, a smaller staysail can still be flown from the inner stay. This used to be a traditional racing design back in the day.

Cutters are great for both offshore and coastal cruising. In addition, they can still be utilized as a racing boat depending on the conditions.

Fractional Rig Sloop

Fractional rig sloop sailboats were popular in the 60s and 70s, but have steadily made a comeback in today's market. This sloop’s forestay will not cross at the highest point of the mast, meaning it attaches at a lower position.

On fairly windy days when you do not have to utilize full power, the fractional rig allows the crew to slightly bend the tops of the mast and flatten out sails. This greatly affects performance and is a great option for cruising, one-design races, and even handicap sailing.

Schooner Sailboats

These particular sailboats have multiple sails which are protected by two masts. These are known as the mainmast and foremast, with the foremast being close to the ship’s foredeck and a lot shorter than the mainmast.

Depending on the size of the schooner, additional masts can be added to allow more sails. These are great for offshore cruising and sailing but can be an effective racing boat.

Trimarans and Catamarans

Trimarans have three of their hulls side by side and “cats” only have two. In comparison, they both share very similar characteristics for racing and overall performance.

Trimarans are quicker and easier to build than catamarans, so, therefore, they are more common. They both have similar restrictions on space and can be used for day sailing.

In addition, they are not as stable as compared to other sailboats out there. There are still various ways to use them and they make for great racing boats since they can reach up to 10 MPH.

How Can These Boats Go Faster?

Each person will select a racing boat that fits their needs accordingly. If you enjoy racing, but continue to lose against boats that are the same, you might want to consider either your team, the technique behind it all, or the boat itself. Routine maintenance is going to be the best thing you can do when checking to see if your racing sailboat can go any faster.

The hull has to be in top shape and needs to be able to hold tension. The sails also need to be checked to make sure they are not overly stretched or worn out.

The masts also need to be of the right stiffness, as they are bending with tension from the rigging. This one might have to be professionally calibrated if you do not know how to do it, especially since every boat with its mast is going to measure differently based on size and shape.

Finally, the weight of the boat could be the determining factor in winning or losing. Make sure the weight is appropriate and the maximum amount for the boat is not exceeded.

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Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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Even Racing Yachts Have Pit Crews

It takes sailmakers, carbon specialists, hydraulics experts and workers “who can do anything” to keep these boats in racing shape. And don’t forget the chef.

By Kimball Livingston

It takes a small army, not a navy, to keep Maxi yachts performing, race after race. More precisely, it takes an army corps of engineers.

The team behind the American yacht Bella Mente intends to start the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, which begins on Monday, with two carbon-specialist boat builders standing by. Each is capable of repairing major damage. One is a full-time employee; the other is recruited for practice and for the races at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.

For shore support, add a sailmaker. Add a hydraulics expert. Add multiple “utilitarian guys who can do anything,” as described by the project manager and team director, Rob Ouellette.

Add a driver for the sizable and fast chase boat that will accompany the yacht around the course each day. Add a coach who will ride along to video maneuvers for review in the daily debrief, while also keeping an eye out for insights into how other boats are performing. Also riding along: a repair kit, engine spares, first aid, oxygen and a defibrillator.

Ashore there is a chef, and there are chef’s helpers. They will work long hours in the rented crew houses. Between sailors and the shore team, there are 30 mouths to feed three times a day, Ouellette said: “We go through a lot of calories.” He might have mentioned that the average size of a person on a Maxi crew is big, very big.

Include also the sailing crew themselves. Each brings expertise. Sail trimmers will consult the sailmaker after each race day regarding adjustments or repairs. The 10 grinders, who spin winch handles at the behest of the trimmers, will break the winches apart after races and inspect and repair the gears, Ouellette said: “The grinders ‘own’ everything mechanical.

“The shore crew has long days, but there is so much to go through, they would never get it done on their own,” he said. “There is no line where responsibility ends or begins. Anything you trashed today is yours to make ready for tomorrow.”

Even if it takes working until tomorrow. The ethic is no different from what you find in the pit crews of high-end auto racing, but more members of a sailing team get time on the course.

Bella Mente, 74 feet, is the fourth boat of that name for the businessman Hap Fauth, who is also a principal backer of the New York Yacht Club’s challenge for the America’s Cup, American Magic .

About leading the team to Porto Cervo, Ouellette said, “It’s a lovely place to sail, but there are not a lot of services. We will have three 40-foot containers, and with them all the resources to do anything we need. One container is for sail repair and sail storage. One is a composites shop, and one is a machine shop. You need that to race at this level.”

Vesper, last year’s winner of the Mini Maxi division, travels with two 40-foot containers. According to the project manager Ken Keefe, one container is devoted to sail storage and repair, with two heavy-duty sewing machines, and is occupied by a dedicated sailmaker.

That role supplements the sailmakers who participate in races.

“Our other container has a full mechanical workshop, including a lathe, drill press and a stock of spares for the parts most likely to fail,” Keefe said. “Most of the guys who sail on the boat can also work on the boat, but we bring in a hydraulics engineer to manage a winch system that is complicated — no more than it needs to be — but not robust. It needs constant attention and upgrading.”

Vesper will skip this regatta in favor of Caribbean races, but the many returning boats include Proteus in the Mini Maxi group. The man in charge of Proteus, Reggie Cole, described the program as being “as lean as they come in our fleet.” That translates to relying heavily on the sailing crew for maintenance, while bringing only two of the team’s three containers.

Proteus will have one boat builder standing by to repair, for example, a hole in the carbon hull in event of that collision that everyone fears.

“He’ll work through the night if need be,” Cole said, backed, of course, by members of the sail team. Cole added that the chase-boat driver does more than follow the races. The driver performs a critical role between races. With Proteus moored in the harbor and the containers on a pier, there is continual shuttling back and forth.

In the same Mini Maxi group, Sir Peter Ogden skins the cat differently by keeping things tight with his Jethou team and man for all seasons Stuart Branson, who said he had been with Sir Peter for 22 years. Branson manages logistics, arranges flights and hires the chefs.

Branson said his sailing crew was “self-sufficient.” “We come with two containers equipped with tools and parts and carbon resin,” he said. “Sail repair is us. We’re a tight group of 16, and we can fix just about anything.”

One might expect to find the biggest shore teams working for the biggest boats, the classic and classic-replica giants of the J Class. However, they are more like the tight Jethou squad.

Peter Holmberg , an Olympic silver medalist and the helmsman for the 140-foot Topaz, said that while Js have their container villages, “The permanent crew is essentially the shore team. There will be a captain, first mate, bosun, chef and stew working on the boat year-round and contracting outside work as needed. Once racing starts, the entire crew of sailors becomes the shore team because they are, in their full-time professions, riggers, sailmakers, carbonologists. They are there to exercise all their skills before the race, in the race and after. Whatever it takes.”

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Second-hand boats: Buying a shorthanded racing yacht

• Rupert Holmes
• May 20, 2022

Rupert Holmes on how to go about buying a yacht for shorthanded racing - the fastest growing section of the sport at the moment

The rapidly growing double-handed and shorthanded racing scene has attracted a flurry of recently launched models specifically optimised for this type of competition. But a cost-effective way of competing can also be found with a used boat.

In little more than five years short-handed racing has transitioned from what was often seen as a fringe activity to become mainstream. There was an explosion in interest when a doublehanded mixed doubles class was mooted for the Paris Olympics . This attracted big names including Dee Caffari , Shirley Robertson , Henry Bomby and Ocean Race veteran Emily Nagel.

Even after the class was subsequently dropped from the Games much of that talent has remained in the fleet, and social distancing rules provided a further boost: for a few weeks after the initial 2020 lockdown the only racing possible was solo or doublehanded.

“Growth over the past couple of years has been exponential,” confirms Nigel Colley, Solo Offshore Racing Club director and MD of Jeanneau dealer Sea Ventures. “Once people tried it, many didn’t rush back to fully-crewed sailing. Instead a lot modified their boats for shorthanded racing or downsized.”

Jean Pierre Kelbert’s JPK 10.30 Léon is a double-handed Fastnet winner. Photo: James Tomlinson

It’s easy to think of a good short-handed raceboat as being of a certain mould, with broad transom and twin rudders: Sun Fasts, JPKs and so on. These designs have common traits that include huge stability, translating to better control when pushing hard in borderline conditions and easy depowering when the breeze builds.

However, you don’t have to look far to find examples of wildly different designs that have notched up decent results, including many older models. The most obvious of these is Kelvin Rawlings and Stuart Childerly’s J/105 Jester that won the double-handed division of the 2015 Rolex Fastnet Race , took 4th overall on IRC, and was first British boat on corrected time.

Then there’s Will Sayer’s masthead rigged, shoal draught Sigma 33C Elmarleen , which won the 2008 OSTAR on corrected time and the doublehanded class in the 2011 Fastnet.

Article continues below

Second hand boats: how to buy a ready to sail yacht

It’s no secret that if you want to buy a new yacht the wait is now likely to be two…

How to win at double-handed racing – 5 top tips from a Fastnet champion

The popularity of double-handed sailing is on the rise. The Rolex Fastnet Race is the perfect case in point –…

More recently, in the 2019 AZAB (Azores and Back Race) my partner and I were 4th overall racing Zest , a 36ft Rob Humphreys one-off from the early 1990s, beating all but one of the seven Sun Fasts in a fleet of 45 boats. Equally, Jeffery Knapman’s MG335 Virago – a design from the 1980s – has a long list of successful results, including overall victory in last year’s RORC Channel Race.

Even before the recent explosion of interest, demand for good second hand shorthanded racing yachts was such that many of the best craft changed hands before reaching the open market. Now that’s typical across the board.

“Demand on the brokerage market has been huge for the last 12 months,” says Hannah Le Prevost, sales director of J/Boat distributor Key Yachting. “It’s coming from people new to racing, those already in the scene wanting a different boat, and from people changing from fully crewed racing.” As a result she says they have a longer list of people looking for a boat than those with one for sale.

Dee Caffari and Henry Bomby racing. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

“The market is really tough at the moment,” adds Colley. “Right now there’s very little available. Inflation in new boat prices is high and lead times are long, so many people are hanging on to their existing boats.” In the last year he’s sold a couple of used JPK 10.10s and 10.80s, plus four or five Sun Fast 3200s, all for 10-20% more than they would have fetched two years ago.

IRC optimised shorthanded racing yachts

Shorthanded racing in the UK and France is predominantly under IRC and there are no one design classes, so it’s imperative the boat will rate competitively (unless six or eight owners eventually get together to seed a new class). In this size range IRC still appears to treat some very lightweight planing boats quite harshly, which tends to rule out designs like the Figaro 2 and many of Pogo’s ultra-fast cruising models.

Equally, the stability requirements for Category 1 oceanic races such as the OSTAR, AZAB and RORC Transatlantic now rule out designs such as the Sigma 33. If your future plans include one of these events it’ll pay to factor it in at an early stage when looking for a second hand boat . Equally, there are few boats shorter than 30ft that comply with the equivalent requirements for the Fastnet.

Outside a handful of small yards such as JPK, two designs currently dominate the market for new boats in this sphere. The most obvious is the Sun Fast 3300 which is offered with a wide range of possible specification and final on-the-water prices varying from around £240,000 to £280,000, including VAT.

Photo: Paul Wyeth/RORC

More than 100 J/99s have now left the factory and racing successes include first doublehanded boat in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race under both IRC and ORCi rating rules. Typically the on-the-water price of a fully equipped new boat is in the £170,000 to £190,000 range including VAT.

Shorthanded racing set-ups

Many myths still circulate about appropriate set-up for shorthanded racing. Perhaps the biggest of these is that symmetric spinnakers are difficult to handle. This may have been true a couple of decades ago, but the professional sailors in the old Figaro 2 fleet got it down to a fine art. This knowledge – and more – is now well embedded in the UK short-handed community.

Once you know the drill, gybing a symmetric kite when sailing solo in up to 20 knots of true wind is straightforward. Depending on the boat and sea state, it’s still possible in 23-25 knots.

A J/105 is a solid shorthanded option. Photo: Key Yachting

IRC is relatively kind on downwind sail area and many older boats benefit from larger spinnakers. On Zest , for instance, we increased the S2 by more than 20%. This is particularly important for offshore racing, where extended periods of very light airs can be encountered.

Headsail choice is important too. Even older boats have almost all changed to non-overlapping jibs, as these rate well and sail changes are enormously easier than with big genoas. A few boats have roller furling, plus a heavy weather jib set on a removable Dyneema inner forestay.

However, most have hank-on sails fitted with a slab reef, which makes for a quick and easy change down from a J3 to a J4, for instance. Equally, a North Sails J1 with a Helix structured luff can be fitted with a Cunningham to flatten the shape to match that of a J2.

Shorthanded boats in the UK invariably carry a Code 0, although they are not so popular in the French fleet. When I sailed with JPK founder Jean Pierre Kelbert last autumn he told me his own JPK 10.30 Leon – which won the doublehanded division of both the 2019 and 2021 Rolex Fastnet Races – has a very flat nylon A3 that can be reefed to an A5.

You don’t have to have a super-modern, wide transomed doublhanded race boat to compete

In very light airs it’s as good as a Code 0 at true wind angles as tight as 60-65°, but is a more flexible sail that means fewer kites are needed, which confers a small rating benefit.

Beyond that, Colley recommends buying “the best pilot you can afford.” He also points out that small tweaks to the deck layout can make big differences to how easy boats are to handle when you’re alone on deck. Additional turning blocks for headsail sheets, for instance, can make cross-winching possible. Moving spinnaker sheet turning blocks forward a little from the transom may enable them to be led to any winch, allowing them to be trimmed from the helm.

Another useful modification is cam cleats on the mast for halyards. Sails can then be hoisted at the mast and temporarily cleated when you’re alone on deck. Once the halyard is fully tensioned at the pit, the geometry means it pops out of the mast cleat automatically.

Kate Cope’s Sun Fast 3200 R2 Purple Mist. Photo: Tom Hicks

Going shorthanded

Kate Cope started sailing later than many, before buying a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36 for cruising. Her first exposure to the racing scene was in 2015 when she helped a friend, who had replaced his heavy old Rival 32 with a J/105, prepare for a doublehanded Fastnet Race.

“When I was helping Rob cast off, I realised I wanted to compete as well,” she told me. She entered her own boat in the Myth of Malham Race the following year, following it with the Channel and Cherbourg races. In 2017 she completed a full RORC season, including the Fastnet, sailing with a team of six. They were third to last on the water – “But we had a massive sense of achievement,” she says.

It helped that a lot of people, among them Rob Nelson, Deb Fish and David Cooper were really generous with their mentorship. “Even though I was at the back of the fleet, no one made me feel stupid – instead they sought me out and helped me explore how we might have done better.” Initially Cope measured progress by noting the few boats she beat in each race. That list quickly became longer and longer.

After a couple of years, she was ready to step into a more performance oriented boat, with the goal of competing in the 2019 AZAB in a new Sun Fast 3200 R2. “In hindsight, the transition from being almost last in the 2017 Fastnet, to completing the AZAB in a high performance boat two years later was a huge one.”

In 2021 she finished 7th out of the 28 boats that competed in the UK Double Handed Offshore Series and her next big goal is the RORC Transatlantic in January next year. She’s also now organiser of the UK Double Handed Offshore Series and JOG vice-captain.

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Endeavour, JK4

Launched: 1934

Designer: Charles E Nicholson

Image Credit:

Jens Fischer

Image Credit: 

Endeavour was designed for the 1934 America’s Cup by Charles E Nicholson and built at Camper & Nicholson’s in Gosport for Sir Thomas Sopwith. Along with Shamrock, Endeavour is one of the two remaining J Class yachts which actually raced for the America’s Cup. Indeed she came closer to winning the Cup than any other Challenger. Against Harold S Vanderbilt’s Rainbow, Endeavour won the first two races and was considered to be the faster boat. With better tactics Rainbow then took wins in Races 3 and 4. Sopwith protested against one contentious manoeuvre but lost and Rainbow went on to win 4-2. At home, one headline read, “ Britannia rules the waves and America waives the rules ."

After the Cup she raced successfully in England but was partially wrecked in 1937 after breaking a tow. Since then she has had numerous owners, refits and repairs.

Endeavour was fully restored by Elizabeth L. Meyer over five years at Royal Huisman and this initiative, and her restoration of Shamrock, stimulated renewed interest in restoring and building replica J Class yachts.

Endeavour was relaunched on the 22nd June 1989 following a refit with Dykstra Naval Architects and sailed for the first time in 52 years. Meyer organised the first J Class racing that September when Endeavour raced Shamrock V in Newport RI.

She had a major refit in 2010/11 with modifications by Dykstra Naval Architects with a new sail plan and deck layout, the work carried out by Yachting Developments in Auckland, New Zealand. That refit included a new deck structure, new rig and sails, a new deck layout, an engine room upgrade and a new crew interior. Fresh from refit Endeavour proved she has performance potential, winning the 2012 Saint Barths Bucket against Shamrock V and Velsheda.

Length at waterline

displacement

upwind sail area

spinnaker sail area

1999 Antigua Classic Regatta

Competed against Velsheda and Shamrock V

‍ 2001, J Class Regatta, The Solent

Endeavour wins against Velsheda and Shamrock V ‍

2012 St Barths Bucket Regatta

Endeavour wins ‍

2013 Loro Piano Superyacht Regatta, BVI

Endeavour competes

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Sailing Yacht and Sailboat Models

Classic Yacht Under Sail

1900’s America’s Cup Defender ” Yacht Columbia”

Shamrock V Racing via marsemfim

J Class Lionheart Sailboat Onboard

J Class Yacht “Lionheart”

J Class Wooden Yacht Model Replica “Lionheart” 

 1937 America’s Cup J Yacht Ranger Wooden Sailboat Model 

The J-class yacht Ranger won the 1937 America’s Cup, defeating 4-0 the Endeavour II of Britain, raced at Newport, Rhode Island. It would be the last time huge J-class yachts would race in the America’s Cup.

Vintage Photo Shamrock V off Rhode Island J Yacht,  America’s Cup

1895 Yacht Iverna at Full Sail 

In 1890, Iverna represented a new design of great racing cutter – a handsome yacht with her distinctive fiddle or cutter bow and undercut stern. Commissioned by John Jameson (of the Irish whisky family), designed by Alexander Richardson and built by J G Fay in Southampton, she was 98ft. in length – 118ft. with her bowsprit – with a beam of 18ft. and a sail area of 8157 sq. ft.

J Class Yachts Rainbow and Vesheda Under Sails source

Shamrock V Yacht via jclassyachts

Shamrock was originally owned by Sir Thomas Lipton, the owner of the English grocery chain ‘ LIPTON ’, and famous for his import of Lipton Tea from India.

Shamrock V was built in 1930 for Sir Thomas’s fifth and last America’s Cup challenge. Designed by Nicholson, she was the first British yacht to be built to the new J Class Rule and is the only remaining J to have been built in wood. After launch she was continually upgraded with changes to hull shape and rudder. The rig was also modified to create the most effective racing sail plan but she was no match for the faster US design “Enterprise”.

Sir Thomas made all five of his America’s Cup challenges as a member of Royal Ulster Yacht Club, a club that continues to this day to have a strong involvement with The Cup.

Shamrock V was sold in 1933 to Sir Richard Fairey (Fairey Aviation) who again was a keen yachtsman who campaigned it in company of two new steel J’s built during 1933 – 1934, Velsheda and Endeavour. After World War II, Italian owner Mario Crespi installed the elegant bird’s-eye maple interior.

America’s Cup Shamrock Wooden Sailboat Model

Sails and Rigging Wooden Mast

  1934 J-Class Yacht Rainbow Model 

J Class Yacht Velsheda Model 

Designed by Charles Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholson in 1933 for Mr W.L. Stephenson, Owner of Woolworth chain of shops, she was built in 1933 at Gosport. She was Nicholson’s second design for a J Class and Stephenson’s second big yacht.

“Velsheda” was named after Stephenson’s three daughters, Velma, Sheila and Daphne. She raced with the greatest names in classic yachting including “Britannia”, “Endeavour” and “Shamrock” between 1933 and 1936.

In her second season she won more than 40 races and achieved an outstanding record of success at Regatta’s from Southend to Dartmouth. Other venues included Torbay, Swanage and of course the Solent, all under the control of the very famous Captain Mountfield.

The permanent racing crew at that time was probably around 16 men and this would have been augmented to around 30 for racing. When not required for sail changes, spare crew were moved to below decks.

1966 Queen Elizabeth with birthday gift for Prince Andrew age 6. Sailboat was a gift via flickriver

J Class Yacht Velsheda via source

Schooner Atlantic source

On the Deck at the Helm photo by Terry Hilbert

Atlantic Schooner Ship Model 

Commissioned by New York Yacht Club member Wilson Marshall, the Atlantic was launched in 1903. William Gardner, one of America’s foremost designers of large yachts, designed her. From the moment Atlantic went to sea, it was clear that she was an exceptionally fast and beautiful schooner. When a yacht in 1903 hits twenty knots during her sea trials, she is a promising yacht, but even then nobody could imagine two years later this yacht would set a record that would stand unmatched for almost a century.

 Sailing Yacht Atlantic – Photo credit to Kees Stuip

1934 America’s Cup Race Yacht Rainbow source

J Class Yacht Endeavour via jclassyachts

Endeavour was commissioned by Sir T.O.M. Sopwith to challenge for the America’s Cup in 1934. Having prepared his campaign in Shamrock V, Sopwith was keen to ensure that this yacht was the most advanced design possible. With his experience designing aircraft Sopwith applied aviation technology to Endeavour’s rig and winches and spared nothing to make her the finest vessel of her day. From launching in 1934 she continued her preparation by competing against Shamrock V (then owned by Sir Richard Fairey) and the newly launched Velsheda (owned by W.L Stephenson).

The Yacht Magic 

America’s Cup Rainbow Yacht Model 

Yacht Rainbow via yachtworld

Olympic Class Racer Dragon  Model Ship 

 Vanderbilt at helm of RAINBOW, New York Yacht Club Cruise,1934 source mysticseaport

Concours Racing 

Bluenose Schooner source

Bluenose Schooner Model Ship 

Classic Yacht on the Deck

Classic Sailing Yacht

Classic Yacht J Class  Endeavour photo Yoshi Yabe

 America’s Cup Sailboat Endeavour Fully Assembled Model Ship 

SPARKMAN & STEPHENS 40 FT SLOOP 1964  source

Sailing Schooner Under Sail source

Sailboat Love this Rigging source

Windjammer Schooner Heritage of Main  schoonerheritage

the coast of Maine has been the foundation of the schooner’s design

 Luxury Sailing Yacht SY Huckleberry source

Classic Sailing Yacht source