United States

Gunboat

Regattas are fantastic – but they’re not the only way to enjoy a sailing yacht. We promise! There’s a great romance to slowing down, catching the wind and cruising in near silence, without the use of an engine, surrounded by friends and family. <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a> sat down with Mark van Gelderen of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="TWW Yachts (Company)">TWW Yachts</a>, who shares his insights on the sailing yacht market today and gives his view of the ideal size in the market. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/275500/image/large-958ecb4848e27732f4a4e76dc2cbbbaf.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/275500">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/865" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Carinthia VII97.2m (318'11&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2002">Corinthia</a>-style yachts used in Regattas are certainly in vogue but they’re full-blooded performers,” said Mark van Gelderen. “For a first-time buyer, they may offer a bit too much, giving the impression that sailing yachts are solely designed for speed and endurance – which isn’t necessarily the case.”When walking among the tall masts at any boat show, it's common for performance to be wrongly emphasised as the main talking point. Okay. For some, maybe not. But for many, yes. Sailing is accessible to everyone, and buyers can be as involved in the sailing as they desire - We shouldn’t forget that.So if you’re interested yet intimidated by sailing yachts, don’t be. They can be enjoyed just as much by first-time owners as they can by seasoned sailors. Knowing which one to buy is important though.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273498/image/large-a507fd333a816a9c6309904ef2b556ec.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273498">It’s all dependent on individual usage, but a rule of thumb for a sailing yacht is to look at the 30 to 40-metre category. “The sweet spot,” Mark confirmed. And understandably then, there aren’t too many on the market. Out of the nearly 600 yachts built, approximately 80 are currently on the market, with only six being constructed in the past 10 years. Those that take ownership, keep it that way.“A sailing yacht between 30 to 40-metres is ideal for every type of buyer: it can be crewed by as few as two; typically it has a functional general arrangement and accommodation for eight to 10 guests; are able to make crossings and can quite literally sail around the world, safely and comfortably; and is a good size for an owner who’d like to be involved in the sailing and operations.”There are numerous builders worldwide capable of delivering exceptional yachts of this size. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> builds high-quality and freshly designed sailing yachts in South Africa at a good price. In Scandinavia, Baltic Yachts stands out as a builder that champions innovation and constructs some of the most high-tech sailing yachts available. While in Europe, there’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman (Company)">Royal Huisman</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> and the reformed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> – all fantastic builders in their own right.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208211/image/large-17ad81c13b82960f9850ebc854a5479e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208211">“If you want to go smaller, multihulls up to 27.5-metres are a strong alternative – fantastic day boats and good for island hopping or cruising the Mediterranean or high speed performance sailing,” said Mark. “They can also be crewed by two and they have deck space large enough to host parties for as many as 20 people. The only compromise is the owner’s suite, which is substantially smaller than you’d find on a larger monohull.”“It’s a small price to pay though,” Mark said, smiling. “After all you want to be out by the water and not spending time in your stateroom.” Some of the major players in the multihull segment include <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6072" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lagoon Yachts (Company)">Lagoon</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunreef Yachts (Company)">Sunreef</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a>. “I’m personally very taken with the new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> 72,” Mark added. “It’s futuristic, offers performance, plenty of deck space and I love the ‘galley-up’ configuration that invites conviviality.”“The apartment-on-the-water style multihulls are incredibly popular at the moment and a great choice for many, but I’d personally like to see more multihulls that take on more of the spirit of sailing.”This article is featured in Issue 46 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times</a>&nbsp;newspaper. <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Market insight with Mark van Gelderen of TWW Yachts

Mark van Gelderen of TWW Yachts, shares his insights on the sailing yacht market today and gives his view of the ideal size in the market. 

Want a sailing yacht? Here is the perfect size – and why with Mark van Gelderen

Launched earlier this year, the 24.65-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Highland Fling XVIII24.65m (80'10&quot;)Gunboat2023">Highland Fling XVIII</a> sailing yacht showcases a striking red profile and a highly customisable interior configuration.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291348/image/large-6207f5584c162b4dff32f890b8074d8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291348">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Highland Fling XVIII24.65m (80'10&quot;)Gunboat2023">Highland Fling XVIII</a> sailing yacht boasts exterior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6073" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Patrick Le Quément (Company)">Patrick Le Quément</a>, while her interior is the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7237" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chedal Anglay design (Company)">Chedal Anglay design</a> and her naval architecture stemmed from the drawing boards of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/39" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VPLP Design (Company)">VPLP Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291347/image/large-1e3e6bb80f128f37f57ac9c5b39d0aa8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291347"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291353/image/large-714eec11b320b13302cc52609d765800.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291353"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291390/image/large-62f90c96ad42f69ab18680afc8785b17.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291390"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291391/image/large-986711f53e61bcfe87ebaef4be7873b8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291391"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291351/image/large-9c7bbdc6a7964d8ed987216bf1e329b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291351">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> sailing yacht can accommodate up to eight guests across her four staterooms, with space for a crew of two members onboard, including the yacht’s captain. Displaying a streamlined silhouette, the sailing yacht boasts wraparound cabintop windows, with extensive windows lining her exterior, allowing a plethora of light to illuminate her interior. Showcasing a sleek profile, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Highland Fling XVIII24.65m (80'10&quot;)Gunboat2023">Highland Fling XVIII</a> yacht also displays an increased beam, ensuring more righting movement, enhancing her safety and racing performance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291350/image/large-fed3be7fa30020fdc92130a9ecbe8e8e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291350"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13129" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Highland Fling XVIII24.65m (80'10&quot;)Gunboat2023">Highland Fling XVIII</a> is the second largest yacht to be built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> to date and has been designed to optimise her racing ability. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> 80 model recently made her racing debut at the 33rd <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/179" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2023">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> in September of this year, in Porto Cervo, Italy. &nbsp;On the third day, the sailing yacht achieved first place in the Multihull class, while she came second on the final day of the competition.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291358/image/large-693a10bc07faf54e54828b43d7880d35.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291358"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291343/image/large-29d232b6876eb4f36c070f1849cf7ade.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291343"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291361/image/large-b17ae3b3ba2ba8e01e3271d2edeb290c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291361"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291357/image/large-a2609d502cebcafe1b38d805181cf5b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291357">Co-founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/39" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VPLP Design (Company)">VPLP Design</a> Vincent Lauriot-Prevost commented on the yacht’s appearance and sailing ability, “We dictated length, freeboard, deck clearance and beam to create a sleek design with a high aspect ratio sailplan. We achieved an exciting design that is far lighter than other 80-footers with the same cruising ambitions."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291359/image/large-7f5612483a7a9a235c43cc7b09c93cd1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291359"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291392/image/large-5ff53ff97e69d44181117483ab3fffc1.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291392"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291360/image/large-9e05ce72ebbb55773a7b3d14d1596afa.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291360"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291346/image/large-e030a28356fab09931007e627806611b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291346">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> 80 offers a customisable interior layout, housing a large master stateroom, while the remaining guest staterooms and ensuites are customisable depending on the owner’s desire. Showcasing a large saloon and aft cockpit, the sailing yacht provides guests with unobstructed panoramic views. The interior layout can be configured in new ways to accommodate the lifestyle of the owners, while her sleek and clean exterior is reflected in her interior design.

First look at the Gunboat Highland Fling XVIII sailing yacht 

Launched earlier this year, SuperYacht Times takes a look at the Gunboat Highland Fling XVIII sailing yacht’s exterior.

First look at the 25m Gunboat Highland Fling XVIII sailing yacht 

A guide to the yachts attending Palma International Boat Show 2023

SYT takes a look at the largest yachts attending this year's Palma International Boat Show.

The superyachts attending the Palma International Boat Show 2023

With Race Day 1 of the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta - 2021">Loro Piana Regatta 2021</a> behind them, SYT gets an exclusive insight into the action on the water, with interviews with crew from some of the leading yachts. There is a palpable sense of passion at this year's event, with sailors and owners alike overjoyed to be back on the water after a turbulent year. Quinny Houry, race crew aboard the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Missy33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Missy</a>, summed up Day 1 saying, “A brilliant day. Just the feeling of racing against other people and being competitive and just doing what we do and what we love again.”<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GgLy9dqZgG8?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197396/image/large-71341f6970e4aaed377694af823f0fe0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197396">The 14th edition of this historic regatta got off to a perfect start, with 16 - 17 knots of wind creating the perfect conditions for an excellent day of racing, the teams went head-to-head and battled it out between the islands of the beautiful Costa Smeralda.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197395/image/large-0a600030b92b1d256e73b15fdaff16e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197395">The first race of the day was the multihull division, a first for this regatta, which kicked off at 12:30 pm. The four catamarans, from 18.5-metres to 25-metres, battled hard from the windward start, following a 30 nautical mile course, including a clockwise navigation of La Maddalena island. R-Six, a 66-foot HH catamaran took the top spot in her division, after the 25-metre Allegra was disqualified due to protest. Second place went to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gunboat (Company)">Gunboat</a> Highland Fling XVII, ahead of the Outremer 5X R Give Me Five in third place. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197394/image/large-e8b03b6c3aef56b1d307987044a4db45.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197394">The superyacht division followed their tracks in quick succession, likewise turning around the island, before returning to Golfo Delle Saline and sailing back between the coast and the island. The owner of the 33-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Missy33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Missy</a>, competing for the first time in the Loro Piana, commented, “It’s been a great day, fantastic day. The conditions were perfect. Everyone feels very relieved and pleased to be back on board the boat again, everyone involved is excited again!” It is hardly surprising, given that the 2016 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> built sailing yacht took top spot in the superyacht division on day one, an excellent accolade for her first race. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197409/image/large-4f75f1ce9e66dcffcc97af6cdae36c5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197409">Following <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Missy33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Missy</a> by only 53 seconds, corrected time, came the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y3K30.5m (100'1&quot;)Wally2009">Y3K</a>, and in third position the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 115, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shamanna35.2m (115'6&quot;)Nautor's Swan2016">Shamanna</a>. The formidable <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>&nbsp;from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaghy Boats</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/52790" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="30m sailing yacht Leopard 3 has been sold (2021-04-27 09:15:00 +0200)">now with a new owner</a>, was the fastest yacht around the course, but due to compensated time, sat at the back of the fleet, 6 minutes behind Missy. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197407/image/large-5ff0d47951d1874d8e4baf19f2ac1428.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197407"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Missy33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Missy</a>’s Captain, Matt McKeon, commented, “We started with quite a fresh breeze, it was quite shifty and gusty around the back of La Maddalena but it was a very good Sardinian race track, something we would expect from here. There were passing lanes, genuine ones, and you had to fight for your position at the end of the day. All the boats had good opportunities and we were very happy to have come out on top with the determination of the boss and the team to get the result today.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197411/image/large-0a704995954bce5e9fb89fabc5c4cf5b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197411">In addition to the day's competitive racing, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> fleet gathered to take part in the SW Rendezvous and Trophy, for the shipyard's 30th anniversary. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/197410/image/large-18407b2f97d075e06bf502cc6a5c5a96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/197410">Today, Thursday 3rd June, the race is scheduled for a 12:30 pm start, with predicted wind of 10 - 14 knots and a southeasterly forecast.

Race Day 1 exclusive Loro Piana Regatta 2021

SYT gets an exclusive insight into the first day of the Loro Piana Regatta 2021, with interviews and insight from the teams.