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77th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Comanche under sail

Comanache yacht at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2021

Comanche yacht at the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 

Comanche

The 30.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comanche30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hodgdon Yachts2014">Andoo Comanche</a>, skippered by John Winning Jr, has taken Line Honours in the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 2022">2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race</a>. Crossing the finish line off Hobart at 00:57 on Wednesday, 28 December, the maxi completed the 628 nautical mile course in a time of one day 11 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252806/image/large-704819a40e792345d5f0395a9007a050.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252806">Paying tribute to his team during the dockside award ceremony, Winning said “Everyone played their part and performed impeccably. We have the utmost respect for each other, which is testament to the character and skill of the individuals.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252813/image/large-abebdd3b6a6ce6f97ce205f4e3b87c1e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252813">“It is an incredible ocean race, something quite special,” Winning continued. “Equal amounts of effort will have gone into all the yachts competing in the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 2022">Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race</a>. The three other 100 footers especially kept us honest, and I would like to congratulate them for an amazing competition. They did not let us feel comfortable for a second.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252805/image/large-3d0acd62089e1660d9ccb251e5c6531f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252805"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252810/image/large-ec9fe81783b03ad6806e18d28c3b0594.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252810"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252811/image/large-d216516a4dcb2a80aead4ca19fe96795.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252811">This is the fourth time the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4347" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guillaume Verdier Architecture Navale (Company)">Verdier Yacht Design</a> &amp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/39" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VPLP Design (Company)">VPLP</a>-designed yacht has secured line honours at the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 2022">Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race</a>, under three different owners. Notably in 2017, as LDV Comanche she completed the course in the record-time of one day nine hours 15 minutes 24 seconds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252804/image/large-c827f28197719b01ac13958f5b0145b2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252804"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252803/image/large-25eb616db7c9ff19a6e21af4c3077748.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252803"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252807/image/large-f2bf6311e23a22eec715a6b61722f6eb.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252807"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252894/image/large-e2e2f841693bbe8061418dc43624294f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252894">The TP52 Celestial, skippered by Sam Haynes, was declared the overall winner of the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - 2022">2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race</a>. "It’s like an elation – it’s huge for me and the crew. I can’t believe it; it’s a bit of a life changer," an excited Haynes said.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252895/image/large-ae0b7e9dfbcec3878b11da46dd4b1f10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252895"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252896/image/large-a0daf798c3c80b9bc490acd4437f3f4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252896"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252812/image/large-ab48e6c4a307ce04f66ea40be0583262.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252812">

The 77th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The 30.5-metre Andoo Comanche, skippered by John Winning Jr, has taken Line Honours in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

In Pictures: The 77th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The second week of <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez - 2021">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez</a> has come to a close, with 45 of the largest and fastest super sailing yachts competing on the French Riviera. The organisers from the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez and International Maxi Association (IMA) splitting the fleet in two, with the supermaxis in IRC 1 and 2 took at 25 mile coastal course, while the IRC 3 and 4 maxis sailed a 15 mile course. The wind on the final day hit peaks of 18-19 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208317/image/large-b307592e71f9609cda364daf40a27f4f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208317">In the supermaxi division IRC I the leadership was overtaken by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>, taking her first win of the week. This caused George David's <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler 88</a> to be displaced into second place, two points ahead of Tuesday's winner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue24.4m (80'1&quot;)Profil Marine1999">Deep Blue</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208318/image/large-57c8ba8ca8f2952dcdc6385ab99bebf0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208318">The owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>, Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones was overjoyed at the win. The yacht's captain Danny Gallichan commented, "He is pretty stoked, it is different for us - quite a diverse class, but it is super interesting to compete with all those other boats. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue24.4m (80'1&quot;)Profil Marine1999">Deep Blue</a> and <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> are more like us, but racing against <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</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comanche30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hodgdon Yachts2014">Comanche</a> makes it interesting. On some points of sail they are so quick they are unbeatable. You end up sailing in different races, but it is cool."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208314/image/large-86f6909faa0aa6f669589e3285a55480.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208314">The day turned out to be higher winds than predicted, with a number of yachts being taken by surprise. Gallichan continued, “To be honest we had a shocker at the start, which we weren’t happy about, so we had to push hard after that - and it all came good. There were other boats making mistakes - <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4374" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Deep Blue24.4m (80'1&quot;)Profil Marine1999">Deep Blue</a> had some problems with their kite, etc. We just tried to be consistent, but we got a win today which was amazing.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208311/image/large-0e2da648dcc2613351046819604ae169.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208311">In the IRC 3 the winning streak of Terry Hui’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4498" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lyra24.0m (78'9&quot;)Wally2000">Lyra</a> was upset. Despite her string of wins at last months <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 2021">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a> she finished fourth, with the race going to Alessandro del Bono's seasoned crew on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/521" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reichel / Pugh Yacht Design (Company)">Reichel/Pugh</a> 80 IMS maxi Capricorno. “It was great - a really tight race,” said Hui, who already intends to return to Saint-Tropez in 2022. “On the first day we won by only a minute and the second day a couple of minutes, but today we finished fourth.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208310/image/large-95289dea3e83262f99fd63b4638487d0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208310"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208313/image/large-1c034a276e54cbda21fc8d95e63b155b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208313">The limelight shone upon the classic lines of J-Class supermaxis <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, the longest yachts competing in this years regatta. The show vessels battled it out, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> eventually taking the top spot against her classic counterpart.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208321/image/large-3d6eb5ee50a48d0858ab1ba5d1dcd164.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208321">“We had a good day,” described <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>’s skipper Peter Holmberg. “We waited for the wind, but it came and we had a great race.” Despite the wind filling in, the course was full holes, said Holmberg. “It was a good work out driving and trimming.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208319/image/large-e21e9679fe3ee170a31958be8fb7389a.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208319">IRC 4 had a tense and difficult day, with several yachts failing to sail the correct course, including the America's Cup 12mR French Kiss, pictured above. The win overall went to Francois Benais' Shipman 63 Bambo ahead of Thursday's winner Nicolas Piguet's CNB77 Aloha and Maxime Labessouille’s Bordeaux 600&nbsp;Ila 2.The Secretary General of the International Maxi Association, Andrew McIrvine commented of the regatta, We have enjoyed a superb turn-out of maxis from across the fleet and it has been nice to enjoy seeing so many of them stern-to in Saint-Tropez’s famous harbour. We are also pleased that with the help of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the International Maxi Association has developed the racing for our members with our own international race officer Ariane Mainemare installed on the race committee boat working alongside the SNST’s race team and with starts and courses that have improved the quality of the racing.”

Magic Carpet Cubed prevails in Saint Tropez

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez has come to a close with Magic Carpet Cubed taking the top spot.

Magic Carpet Cubed takes top spot at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2021

The 31st Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo gets underway at midday today after the skippers brief and cocktail party last night. The event, which is organised by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a> with the support of Rolex and the International Maxi Association, will see 44 yachts competing in races throughout the week, concluding this Saturday. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171689/image/large-c35f83d17f18171fc8d46c4b7f444bc3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171689">In order to comply with regulations established by the YCCS in reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have taken the decision to carry out only coastal races. This means that yachts can be crewed by fewer hands than on windward-leeward courses. There will be only two windward-leeward courses for the Mini-Maxi 1 class.The fleet has been divided into three divisions, Supermaxi, Maxi and Mini-Maxi due to the variety of yachts participating in this year’s event. The rating system for calculating scores will be the IRC, with the exclusion of the Supermaxi class where the ORC system will be used, specially designed for the largest racing boats.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171690/image/large-3b8f6c60a7f97b98a2a533211c1c2651.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171690">Among the Supermaxi yachts are J-Class vessels <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>. They are joined by the 33.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7109" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Geist33.9m (111'3&quot;)Spirit Yachts Ltd2020">Geist</a>, a modern yacht with classic lines, the 35.2-metre <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> and the 36-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2528" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viriella36.0m (118'1&quot;)Maxi Dolphin s.r.l.2001">Viriella</a>, owned by YCCS member Vittorio Moretti and with Mauro Pelaschier at the helm.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48002/image/large-509e8ef395f959b1728127530dc14c45.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48002">The Maxi class includes the 30.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comanche30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hodgdon Yachts2014">Comanche</a> in the hands of a new owner. The same class will be home to Arca SGR, owned by Guido Miani and fronting an Italian-Monegasque crew led by Furio Benussi, as well as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler 8827.0m (88'7&quot;)New England Boatworks2014">Rambler 88</a>&nbsp;and the Wallycentos <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galateia30.48m (100'0&quot;)Green Marine2015">Galateia</a>, owned by David Leusschen, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magic Carpet 330.47m (99'12&quot;)Wally2013">Magic Carpet Cubed</a>. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Swan</a> 98' <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7536" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="BeCool31.05m (101'10&quot;)Nautor's Swan2020">BeCool</a> will also be making her debut at the event, and will be up against her closest rival, 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>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/48000/image/large-b7aed411bbd5b98d4d0cae96dc75cadc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48000">YCCS Commodore, Michael Illbruck remarks: “The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is a reference point in terms of international yachting, as well as the regatta of the year at the YCCS. Seeing the docks filled once again with these boats, at the cutting edge of naval design, and sailors famous all over the world over for their outstanding curriculums, is truly wonderful. We would like to thank Rolex, an institutional partner of the Club for over three decades now, and the International Maxi Association, for their constant support. On behalf of the YCCS I want to welcome the owners and crews and wish all of them fair winds for this special 31st edition of the event.”

Porto Cervo Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup underway 

The 31st Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is now underway in Porto Cervo, with 44 yachts in the fleet. 

31st Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo underway with 44 yachts

A nail-biting race till the end of the 74th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race made for an exciting festive season for sailors down under as a fleet of 85 boats manned by over 1,000 sailors set off from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day 2018 in a 628-mile sprint to the island of Tasmania.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/58774/image/large-0f340460d4fde19fb1f4ae4829e0ed58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58774">This year’s race saw the 30.4-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wild Oats XI30.48m (100'0&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Wild Oats XI</a>&nbsp;claim line honours following a defeat to Comanche in 2017. The fleet leader was followed closely by two other Maxi 100’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3324" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Jack IV30.75m (100'11&quot;)McConaghy Boats2005">Black Jack</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5875" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comanche30.48m (100'0&quot;)Hodgdon Yachts2014">Comanche</a> with just over 30 minutes separating the first four finishers. Overall victory, however, went to Tasmanian Philip Turner’s Alive who surfaced as the winner of the Tattersall Cup following the handicap tally. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/58772/image/large-a61006d6bcfe4f7eddf4b5782e896277.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58772"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/58780/image/large-82b4c6b3b8b884f72c7efdff17fad806.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58780">The highlight of the event, however, was the 80 female crew who participated and, in particular, the all-female Wild Oats X that finished second overall. Several other female skippers led their yachts to class victories, but it was Wild Oats X’s Stacey Jackson that was awarded the Jane Tate Memorial Trophy for the first female skipper to complete the race. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/58773/image/large-47b6bdb326f939a20e3c1853c1db9527.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/58773"><iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LIa8VoYzKnA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>

Female crews excel during 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/164753/image/large-fba8d2df534f717e4e520f6e426ff512.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/164753">

Athena in the Caribbean

Athena was built by Royal Huisman in 2004 to a design by the late Pieter Beeldsnijder, with naval architecture by Dykstra. For now, Athena holds on to her spot as the second largest private sailing yacht in operation until the 106-metre project Y712 and 142.8-metre Sailing Yacht A are delivered later this year. Athena was built for an experienced yachtsman and is often seen around the superyacht racing circuit, sometimes along with her owner’s high-performance sailing yacht, Comanche.

Photo by Olen Larson

Athena in the Caribbean

Photos by <a href="http://afrancolini.photoshelter.com/index" target="_blank">Andrea Francolini</a> 

With less than a week to go before the start of the 72nd edition of the world-famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race that kicks off on Boxing Day, the competing yachts are getting ready for another wet and windy dash down to Tasmania off the south coast of Australia.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163489/image/large-a81da1212444644f4ef7f0bddb7a69b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163489">

Despite the absence of a few racing-scene regulars this year, the fleet seems strong with the race attracting a fleet ranging from 11 metres to the big boys of 30 metres in length. Last year’s line winner, Comanche, together with the silver bullet Rambler will not be taking part this year. The front of the pack will still be a cut-throat battle, however, with four super maxis that will leave it all out on the field come December 26.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163490/image/large-8d1ee1aa98b68db279d7a7fde2eedf20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163490">

Synonymous with the Hobart, Wild Oats XI is back again this year after a disappointing early retirement from the 2015 race. The Aussie icon is determined to take what is theirs’ this year and was looking good in the Solas Big Boat Challenge earlier this month to take line honours at the event.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163491/image/large-7306c0217f6f19df46a28f8393bdd4bd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163491">

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163492/image/large-29bd79c7d147f44e8473dfd3b4f4fc3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163492">

2015 second-on-line finisher, Raggamuffin, has returned and will compete under the name Scallywag after having been purchased earlier this year by her new owner. The yacht smashed the Hong Kong to Hainan record last month and is looking to keep up the tempo when race day comes.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163493/image/large-f15bc6c8b02592df7a960b1ef286569c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163493">

The crew of the modified maxi, Perpetual Loyal, are determined to perform well with no hiccups along the way this year. Dubbed the ‘fastest super maxi in the world’, it is up to the yacht and her crew to live up to expectation this year.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163494/image/large-96de3c6baf2ff62afd7b2cd31ed21159.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163494">

Rebuilt in New Zealand and launched in November as a 100ft super maxi after being extended from her original 90 feet, all eyes will be on CQS to see what she has up her sleeve. She features a unique reverse bow shape and port and starboard ‘wings’ that spread the shroud base to support her new mast.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163495/image/large-042c66cf394bd898949e7f9d67c1b329.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163495">

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163496/image/large-786c86fb62d69148b900b91b08f6879a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163496">

Another wild card to keep an eye on will be the 80-foot Beau Geste who will look to do the same as she did when winning September’s Groupama Race around New Caledonia.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/163497/image/large-6287569046236e66c6e44b9a4459511b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/163497">

Sailing yachts gearing up for 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Parisian design studio Van Peteghem Lauriot Provost (VPLP) unveiled a new 100-foot sloop concept named Ampersand. As a modern take on a classic cruiser, Ampersand offers clients a performance experience with a touch of class.

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The project is named after the ‘&amp;’ symbol and signifies the design’s combination of both the competitive and cruising worlds. Marc van Peteghem explains how the studio arrived at this concept: “Our starting point was the work we did for Comanche. For instance, she features a mast set further aft to inject more drive into the sail plan, a towering mainsail and a powerful fore-triangle, as well as a chined hull.”

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These performance aspects were then embellished with a deck layout that will facilitate efficient manoeuvres, but also support the comfortable family lifestyle for which the yacht is intended for.

VPLP Design’s modern classic Ampersand concept

The 8th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 which kicked off on 22nd February in Antigua has named the Maxi72 Proteus as overall winner. George Sakellaris, the owner of Proteus, was awarded the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy for the best corrected time under the IRC Rating rule, marking the second time Sakellaris has skippered the overall winner of the regatta, having won the 2014 race with the Maxi72 Shockwave.  <div id="media_1456485257122_box" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I214ZfMZpSU" width="560" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></div>  “I would like to congratulate all competitors for attending such a great, great event,” commented Sakellaris. “I am glad to have been part of it. We got a little bit lucky and won the day, but this event has many great teams and sailors. I am so happy; we hope to see you next year.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/158745/image/large-bdbf3934485a2740a31687dbb98daf03.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158745"> This year’s edition of the race has seen Phaedo 3 set a new course record of 1 day, 7 hours, 59 minutes and 4 seconds - the vessel’s team can be seen celebrating the accomplishment in the above video. Pete Cumming of Phaedo 3 comments, “They pushed us every minute of that race - there was not one minute where we thought we had it in the bag until we crossed that line.” Bella Mente was unfortunately forced to retire from the race, whilst the regatta-regular Comanche came close to setting another course record. The regatta will officially draw to a close later today with a prize giving ceremony.<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="cursor: pointer; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: normal;"> </div>

Video: RORC Caribbean 600 draws to a close

Drawing to a close on New Year's Day, the 71st edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race saw some of the regattas most challenging conditions to date.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157762/image/large-2d5a67ac2652b9b563f406e929ce5486.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157762">An impressive total of 31 yachts out of the 108 participating vessels fell victim to various issues in the first two days alone, ranging from broken steering systems to torn sails and even structural damage from the sheer force of the rough ocean waves. Two noted favourites of the race were noted as casualties in the first two days, Wild Oats XI and Perpetual Loyal.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157763/image/large-868e6d37f00e8cb47c1ee767f280815b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157763">Taking the title of overall winner this year was Paul Clitheroe’s - one of Australia’s most famous financial gurus - TP52 Balance. He comments, “I started sailing at eight years old in a sabot, on a lake. But it’s stuff like this that makes you think this is an amazing sport. It makes kids jump in a little boat and take on a healthy sport.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157764/image/large-a3d4bec59723bf4d2c6f51a8ecb9883e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157764">"In what other sport do you know that if you are in trouble in the middle of the night, your competitor is going to stop and come to help. I’m proud to be a part of our sport. I am proud of my team and the people in this community. I’m honoured to win this trophy and sail with these folks, my crew. It’s an absolute privilege.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157765/image/large-af32e1509a1a99791b44e288844d7203.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157765">Balance’s crew were awarded the coveted Tattersall’s Cup at the regattas prizegiving ceremony, with the engraved Rolex Yacht Master timepiece awarded to Clitheroe. The 72nd edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race will kick off once again on Boxing Day, 26th December, 2016.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8QmZjMsSgnU" width="560"></iframe>By Gemma Fottles

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race concludes

With only three days until the 71st edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race kicks off in Sydney, Australia, participating yachts are busy preparing what is predicted to be one of the most challenging races in the event's history. Forecasted weather conditions include southerly winds of up to 30 knots, with winds gusting well over 40 knots further down the track in the notorious Bass Strait.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157734/image/large-05a8b4c04e1f11f1b6e069ecb9cda147.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157734">A total of 110 yachts hailing from 20 different nations will be participating in the 628 nautical mile race, and though the strong winds will favour the largest yachts in the fleet, due to the fact the event is a handicap race, the race could be anyone’s to win.Roger Hickman, owner of Wild Rose, was crowned last year’s overall winner. Commenting on their odds to take the winning title again this year, Hickman comments, “It’s hard to predict if we will be lucky enough to win again. It’s a long shot, but we are certainly allowed to dream. With these magnificent superyachts, the bigger boats such as Rambler 88 and so on, they are so fast - they will be days ahead of us, with so much daylight in between us.”George David, owner of Rambler 88 built his Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed yacht expressly with a vision to compete in the Rolex Sydney Hobart. While this is David’s first time competing in the race, he has assembled an extremely experienced offshore crew, including navigator Andrew Cape who who’s taken part in 15 previous editions. “We have spent a lot of time on the reliability of our systems, raced close to 7,000 nautical miles and focused on preparation. Following on from our lessons learned with Rambler 100 in the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race, I think we emphasise safety more than any boat on the race course,” said David.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157735/image/large-d442b8b540fc75de19b15f311dde6707.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157735">Comanche, cited by some as the “fastest monohull on earth”, has also returned to compete in Sydney again this year with hopes of taking the prize for line honours, a battle they will have with local favourite, current record holder and eight-time line honours winner, Wild Oats IX.The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be held from the 26th December before drawing to a close on 1st January.By Gemma Fottles

Countdown to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 

Set to kick off on Saturday 26 December 2015, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will see an international fleet of 110 yachts from 28 nations gather at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney to embark on the iconic yacht race that covers over 628 nm to reach Hobart on the Tasman Island. This year will see an all-star line up and the hype around the 71st edition is greater than ever before.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157647/image/large-26e609782091cb5b7b5be7b42c6dce41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157647"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157648/image/large-ff450dc31f946612c22c547977d63a25.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157648">Earlier this week saw yachts engaging in a friendly pre-race warm up battle in anticipation of the big race commencing on Boxing day at 13:00 local time. Yachts such as the hometown favourite and recently redeveloped Wild Oats XI, the new silver bullet Rambler 88, Ragamuffin 100 and Perpetual Loyal participated to refine their tactical skills over the 14 nm course. Living up to her reputation, it was Bob and Sandy Oatley’s Reichel Pugh-designed Maxi Wild Oats XI that took the line honours.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157649/image/large-589e40e9b761aa252bbf25a24f1ed608.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157649"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157650/image/large-c221a1ae912fc959b46e2e3118f0c8fe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157650"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157651/image/large-e5a8c5749c6a4a61eb35200ccc3ad94a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157651">Owner of the 90 metre Royal Huisman Athena, Jim Clark’s red 100 ft Comanche designed by Verdier Yacht deisgn and VPLP, could be seen out on the water yesterday with skipper Ken Read at the helm along with other stars such as VOR and America’s Cup sailor Shannon Falcone also on board.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157652/image/large-2b546e13d166bda79d8f3f27f1ab1cf3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157652">With a year of intense racing experience under her belt, eyes will be on Comanche to see how she measures up to cup star Wild Oats XI in this year’s race. Critics also predict Rambler 88 to perform better than expected and could well cause an upset in the final standings after corrected time.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157653/image/large-4022941002f4916fdab485b25c043a29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157653">By Charl van Rooy, photos by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/31269857@N08/" target="_blank">Bruce Kerridge</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.afrancolini.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Francolini </a>

Yachts preparing for 71st Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156666/image/large-b41c9374a09824bac7d46b2374ddd887.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156666">Sailing yacht Athena in Porto Cervo Seen here last month moored in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, is the second largest sailing yacht in the world, Athena, along with her owner’s maxi class racing yacht Comanche. Athena was built by Royal Huisman in 2004 to a design by Pieter Beeldsnijder Design, with naval architecture by Dykstra. Athena won’t hold on to her title as the second largest sailing yacht for much longer however, as the 142.8m Sailing Yacht A is expected to be delivered in 2016, followed by the 106m Solar. Athena’s owner, Jim Clark, is a passionate sailor and the two vessels can often be seen together at major sailing regattas. Here they were spotted preparing for the Maxi World Cup races held in Porto Cervo last month.By Charl van Rooy

Sailing yacht Athena with Comanche in Porto Cervo

The third day of racing at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup came to a close yesterday in the Costa Smeralda in a day which saw lighter, shiftier breezes for the 40 participants.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156059/image/large-819dd0487a47f0884c2af02709566b62.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156059">In the Maxi 72 class, Momo won both of the days races, whilst in the Wally Division, Open Season once again took first place for the third consecutive day. The latest leader in the Mini Maxi Racer Cruisers is Giuseppe Puttini’s 1976 vintage Swan 65 Shirlaf.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156060/image/large-de7c00b2f28772c2f8ea96e001847289.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156060">Comanche is performing well, with skipper Ken Read explaining their presence in this event as well as other renowned regattas. He says, “The priority for the boat is to take part in every great offshore race on the calendar. So far we've done a Rolex Sydney Hobart Race, we've raced across the Atlantic, and we've done a Rolex Fastnet Race.” Later this year, Comanche will be in Australia in a second bid to win the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156061/image/large-ed88a1d0466a0970c8cd9e44525d2072.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156061">The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will continue today, with the lay day now rescheduled for tomorrow. The race will draw to a close on the 12th September.By Gemma Fottles

Day three at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

The second day of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup being held in Costa Smeralda came to a close yesterday, witnessing more high-speed racing for the 40 participating yachts around the archipelago of La Maddalena.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156041/image/large-8794c080706651e5071abd648c24a850.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156041">Out in front of the five racing divisions was Comanche, owned by Jim Clark and Kristy Hinze, with the 30.48 metre sloop the first back to Porto Cervo after completing the 38 nm course in 2 hours, 34 minutes and 27 seconds.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156042/image/large-fd64a3c2ab31e266cbfbe4e061849c99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156042">In the Maxi 72 class Bella Mente pulled into the lead by the second turning mark after a strong breeze of 16 to 22 knots arrived. “We had a jib top on the long close reach and we were screaming along at 23 or 24 knots, I didn't even look back,” owner Hap Fauth states. “We put half a mile on everybody. She's got legs when there's a little bit of breeze and we've done a lot of offshore sailing, so we like this stuff."<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156043/image/large-e3b2ae98147f21b1df4521d12a0fab5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156043">Caol Ila R also competing in the Maxi 72 class unfortunately suffered a broken mast during one of the long reaches. Despite his regatta now being over, Caol Ila R’s owner, Alex Schaerer, remained positive. “Nobody got hurt, and that's the most important thing. We don't know why it happened, because there was only 17 knots of wind at the time, and weren’t doing anything unusual. The good news is that we have three more days of Porto Cervo and there are some good parties for us to enjoy!”<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6in8wUKtrHM" width="560" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>The provisional leaders of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup after two days of racing are Viriella (Supermaxi), Windfall (Maxi RC), Robertissima III (Maxi 72), H2O (Mini Maxi RC to SOT), CARO (Mini Maxi R) and Open Season (Wally).Racing continues today on day three of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.

Second day of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

The biennial Rolex Fastnet Race kicked off on Monday and it took the regatta’s fastest boats a generous 2 and a half days to complete the 603nm course from Cowes, heading West around the Fastnet Rock and back to the finish line in Plymouth.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155812/image/large-d99140ada5256af9375b7dbd42640c7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155812">The event, which officially ends tomorrow, saw light wind conditions prevail throughout the best part of the race. Conditions improved slightly on Tuesday night, allowing the 40m trimaran Spindrift 2 to pull away from her closest rival, the Multi 80 Prince de Bretagne, to finish with an elapsed time of 2 days 10 hours 57 minutes and 41 seconds. This performance was over a day slower than her own record, set in 2011. Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo³ eventually managed to cross the finish line a mere 20 minutes ahead of Prince de Bretagne.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155813/image/large-3183ece41ae4a396d45aaddbd48f8401.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155813">In the monohull division, line honours went to the mighty Comanche. The 100ft speedster was challenged the entire race by rival Rambler 88, with the red demon being separated by no more than four and a half minutes from her rival. "It was honestly one of the most bizarre races I've ever been in in my life - starts and stops and people being left behind for dead and then all of a sudden they are sailing around you - it was phenomenal," recounts Comanche skipper Ken Read.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155814/image/large-cb564662667478ad343222d880d164f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155814">Two other big monohulls, the Farr 100 Leopard and Maxi 72 Momo displayed a valiant fight to catch up with Camonche and Rambler 88 ahead, yet, Leopard ended up finishing only 1 hour behind Rambler 88 on corrected time, with Momo leading IRC Z.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155815/image/large-b741dc7af12e3ab757780e51b1856347.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155815">By Charl van Rooy

Rolex Fastnet Race ends in tight finish

Following the close of Les Voiles de St. Barth regatta recently, it has been announced that the superyacht Comanche has broken a new record whilst competing. A regular participant in regattas all over the world, Jim Clark commissioned Comanche to be built at Hodgdon Yachts, with the sole purpose of building a sailing vessel capable of breaking records - something in which he has certainly achieved since her completion in 2014.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153820/image/large-f0f1245101b2b9c23245a3f37d0beb5f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153820">The first record was already set during her construction at the Maine, U.S. based shipyard Hodgdon Yachts, becoming one of the largest single-hull infusions undertaken stateside. The second was set the 15th of April on the water, when Comanche established a speed record of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 4 seconds in the Maxi 1 class during the race in St. Barth.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153821/image/large-cde4536e2bebfebcfe865c376a1c982c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153821">During the four racing days, Comanche took all the line honors in her division and placed second, just behind Rambler 88, with 12 points on the scoreboard according with the corrected-time performances. This regatta was the first time that 100-foot Comanche and Rambler 88 were seen sailing against each other, offering an exciting competition.Comache's skipper, Ken Read, commented, “When the rivals all go home happy the stars aline. Comanche wins line honors 4 for 4. Mission accomplished. Rambler wins rating handicap in class 1. Mission accomplished. The first meeting of the monsters a huge success. These boats are changing how we look at sailing. A special thanks to the owners who are making it happen.”By Gemma Fottles

Comanche breaks record at Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2015

Yesterday marked the concluding day of the Les Voiles St. Barth regatta. Now in it’s sixth edition, the regatta was established in 2010, and hosted 70 boats in 2015.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153575/image/large-a370d0cf47075cab68d85b0b91201047.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153575">“It was a very interesting race course,” said Lupa of London's winning skipper Jeremy Pilkington (UK) about his Maxi 2 class's 28 nautical mile course. “We had a few little challenges and a few ups and downs going around, but we were very pleased with how we did. We had to finish top-three and were assuming that Selene was going to win on handicap, and we did a little bit better than that.” On corrected time, Selene won, whilst Lupa of London placed second to secure the class victory overall.In the Spinnaker 2 class, which sailed a shorter 23 nautical mile version of the race, Ramanessin, chartered by Germany's Christian Zugel, had to watch itself against El Ocaso and Ventarron, since they were all one point apart going into the last day. “We started with one point up, so if we had finished second today we would not have won,” said Zugel. “Right at the start line we were lined up very nicely, but one boat came from the left on the port side and hit us, so you can see some pretty big scratches on the front of our boat but luckily no further damage. We decided to keep going and managed to win.”Claude Granel's Martinique entry Martinique Premiere-Credit Mutuel won Sunday's race in Spinnaker 4 sailing a 17 nautical mile course to secure overall class victory after going into the last day of the race with a slim lead. His closest competitor from the previous day, Maelia, slipped to third in the overall standings while Zarafa wound up second.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153576/image/large-e7cea235a3a7829b5e4ddc8536476114.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153576">James Blakemore's South African entry Music, in Spinnaker 3, posted another first to add to his three others from the three previous racing days. “The race was great today – good steady breeze between 16 to 20 knots and great sea conditions,” said Blakemore. “My guys sailed the boat really well; we got off to a really great start. Every day has been good for us. It's fantastic coming here; it's a fantastic regatta.”Spinnaker 0's winner, Vesper, finished the regatta with all first-place finishes in the five races it sailed over the four days of racing. “You go into these regattas where you're in good shape going into the last day, but there is only one way to sail these boats and that is at 100 percent,” said Vesper's tactician Gavin Brady about the fact his team didn't need to sail today in order to win.“Today we pushed as hard as every other day, which is the best thing for the boat and the best thing for the team.”Lloyd Thornburg's U.S. entry in Multihull class, Phaedo 3, won again on Sunday for a fourth time over four races. “It was a great event,” said Thornburg, who on Wednesday established the Multihull record for a newly introduced 43-mile course that will be repeated here each year.Puerto Rican entrant Lazy Dog, skippered by Sergio Sagramoso, also added another victory to his score line of all firsts to win Spinnaker 1 class. Bobby Velasquez was the winner of Non-Spinnaker class in L'esperance.In Melges 24s, the St. Martin team of Budget Marine GILL topped the leaderboard. Skipper Andrea Scarabelli said, “This is one of the events we love the most. Racing in one-design is always nice because you are racing at a similar pace. The goal is to keep building the Melges 24 class. This year we were only four boats, but we hope to get more.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153577/image/large-912de22c2fd9a53e8b4fab07bc8b8638.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153577">The event's largest, fastest boats sailed in Maxi 1 class, and it was George David's Rambler 88 that won the four-race series there. All eyes had been on Rambler 88 and the larger Comanche during the first two race days. It was Rambler 88 that prevailed with corrected-time performances that gave the team three first-place finishes in a row. By today, when Rambler 88 took second to Hap Fauth's U.S. entry Bella Mente, the focus had returned to who was doing the best on ratings. Rambler 88 maintained its place at the top of the scoreboard, but Bella Mente was able to replace Lucky as runner up.At the prize giving, Principal Event Partner Richard Mille presented George David, who also was the overall winner of the Maxi division, with a Richard Mille Caliber RM 60-01 Regatta watch.By Gemma Fottles, photos by GRAAM Michael and Jouany Christophe

Les Voiles de St. Barth comes to a close

Commencing on the 12th April, the following video shows the battle between the two yachts Comanche and Rambler 88 on the very first day of sailing at the St Voiles de St Barth.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LC214wLDzRY" width="560"></iframe>Rambler 88 was built at New England Boatworks in Rhode Island, whilst the 100-foot Comanche was built at Hodgdon Yachts in Maine. Racing continues over in St Barth, with the regatta coming to a close on 18th April.By Gemma Fottles

Video of day one of the St Voiles de St Barth

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153495/image/large-378d9807fa92c3b00bfd751aadf69fb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153495">Superyacht Comanche in St. BarthPictured here in St. Barth is the 30.48 sloop Comanche. Built by the U.S. shipyard Hodgdon Yachts in 2014, she features naval architecture by Van Peteghem Lauriot Provost (VPLP). VPLP also undertook her interior design in collaboration with Guillaume Verdier Architecture Navale.Built in GRP, she is owned by the well known superyacht owner Jim Clark. Since her launch she has competed in several regattas, including the Sydney to Hobart Race. She is currently competing in the Les Voiles de St. Barth.By Gemma Fottles, photo by Charl van Rooy / <a href="http://SuperYachtPhoto.com" target="_blank">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

Sailing yacht Comanche in St. Barth

Conditions in St. Barth on the second day of racing yesterday were excellent, and the Maxi 1, Maxi 2 and Multihull classes were sent on a 42 nm course that started off Gustavia and looped around St. Barth before continuing across the Canal de Saint Barthelemy to round the island of Tintamarre to port and return its players to a finish near where they had started.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153515/image/large-60ac195d2f6a71840147dba5b2f5a775.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153515">“It was a little bit like NASCAR racing out there: drive fast and keep turning left,” said Phaedo 3's skipper Lloyd Thornberg about the course. Thornberg rules for now, however, with his MOD 70 trimaran's zip around the course in one hour, 53 minutes and 35 seconds, giving it line honors in the Multihull class well ahead of the next finisher, Comanche, whose time of 2:33:04 set the course record in the Maxi 1 class. Posting a time of 3:38:07, Odin now holds the record in the Maxi 2 class.“It's incredible that we went around Tintamarre and back in under two hours,” said Thornberg, who broke the Caribbean 600 record in February and while here this week for Les Voiles practice broke Steve Fossett's Playstation record around St. Martin. “That's about what we thought we would do, but it's one thing to talk about it, another to do it.” Thornberg has been at Les Voiles since the second edition. “The first time, I broke my boom five minutes before the start, but I won the remote-controlled regatta on the Lay Day, so that was good. The regatta is growing; it brings in really serious race boats with great teams, and it's one of the most beautiful places to race in the world. I like how they use islands as marks rather than setting marks. It's a little more challenging, looking for water, and the winds shift around the islands, which you really notice on the Mod 70. You feel the lifts and headers and lack of pressure, and what happens in a few minutes on other boats all happens in 30 seconds for us.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153516/image/large-b051c04f0afa20634d16067974c2759c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153516">After correcting out, top-three daily prizes in Spinnaker class went to Phaedo 3, Paradox and Elvis, and their series standings are the same. Like the previous racing day, Rambler 88 won the Maxi 1 class on corrected time, about four minutes ahead of Bella Mente, which had not been able to sail yesterday due to equipment failure. Comanche trailed 10 seconds behind, and the leader board has them tied on point score with Lucky behind leader Rambler 88. (Maxi 2s are currently being led by Lupa of London, followed by Aragon and Selene in second and third respectively)Spinnaker 0 had two races today but started the morning off by joining six other classes (Spinnaker 1, 2, 3, 4, Non-Spinnaker, Melges 24) in their one and only 29 nm race for the day.Now with three straight race victories, Vesper continues to lead the series for Spinnaker 0, while Lazy Dog, with two bullets, leads Spinnaker 1.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153517/image/large-7c6208d627ae7eb5b7d9cdf4306f15d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153517">“The boats you see out there are just unbelievable,” said Lazy Dog's Puerto Rican skipper Sergio Sagramoso, “It's incredible being here, because we get to race with some of the best boats in the world and compare our sailing abilities with them. It's just so great that they allow guys on boats like ours (a Melges 32) to race here, and to win on our boat was a great equalizer.”With two races each in their score line, Ramanessin, Music, Martinique Premiere-Credit, L'esperance, and Budget Marine GILL are currently leading Spinnaker 2, Spinnaker 3, Spinnaker 4, Non-Spinnaker, and Melges 24 classes, respectively.Racing will resume tomorrow after todays Lay Day.By Gemma Fottles, photos by Jouany Christophe

Day 2 at Les Voiles de St. Barth 

Following the opening party held on the 13th April, participants of the Les Voiles de St. Barths regatta had their first day of racing yesterday. 70 teams in 10 classes begun in 15-20 knots winds.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153485/image/large-4ae27895a0f280485d077953c83944e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153485">Spinnaker 1,2,3 and 4 plus Non Spinnaker and the Melges 24 classes embarked on a 23 mile course that started off Gustavia Harbor and led counter-clockwise and three quarters of the way around the eight-square-mile island of St. Barth before rounding a buoy off St. Jean and heading back in a clockwise direction. For the Multihulls and the larger monohulls sailing in Maxi 1, 2 and Spinnaker 0 classes, a similar course added an extension on the far side of the island to incorporate a total of 39 miles.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153486/image/large-0862cdd8b4a807a92fc6d659f1557848.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153486">“Today was typical St. Barths conditions - 20 knots of wind, big waves and a lot of reaching legs, so it was a lot of fun being on a boat like a TP52 and surfing downwind in big waves,” said Gavin Brady, tactician aboard Vesper, which was yesterday's winner in the six-boat Spinnaker 0 class. Vesper had a scare yesterday when one of its side stays, made of carbon, gave way. Luckily, a rigging shop in St. Martin was able to provide a rod-rigging replacement overnight. “Carbon rigging is fine for the big boats like Comanche and Rambler where they have bigger safety margins for going out in the ocean, but with a little TP52 blasting around St. Barth or doing the Med Series, it's another story,” said Brady.Vesper is sailing against two other TP52s, Sorcha and Team Varg, which finished second and fourth, respectively. Spookie finished third place. The Mod 70 Phaedo 3 won the seven-boat Multihull class, which was the last of the 10 classes to start, taking just over two hours and 25 minutes to complete the course. Rambler beat Comanche on corrected time.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153487/image/large-7fb94a261e2b82e61645dce2c79251a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153487">Taking second in Maxi 1 class, where they are grouped with Rambler 88, Comanche and Bella Mente, was Lucky, with Mark Watson standing in as driver for owner Bryon Ehrhart. “We sailed a good race; we really didn't have any big mistakes at all,” said Watson. “When you think about it, normally the team that wins is the team that has the fewest mistakes. A happy boat is a quiet boat, so everybody was pretty dialed in together, and the boat was immaculately prepared, so I couldn't ask for more.”Bella Mente unfortunately was unable to race today because of an equipment failure that occurred only a few minutes before the start. “We had a hiccup today, but you can bet we'll be out there and ready to race tomorrow,” said owner/driver Hap Fauth.In the Maxi 2 class, Lupa of London led the way, while in the Spinnaker 1 class, Lazy Dog won. Ventarron, Music and Martinique Premiere-Credit won the Spinnaker 2, 3 and 4 classes, respectively. L'esperance took Non-Spinnaker class, while GFA Caraibes won the Melges 24 class.By Gemma Fottles

Opening day of the Les Voiles de St. Barths regatta

Seventy teams will begin the Les Voiles de St. Barth today. Amongst yachts competing in the maxi division will be Comanche and Rambler, as well as eight other maxis between 63 and 90 feet in length, including Bella Mente, Lucky, Odin, Lupa of London, Selene and Aragon.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/153440/image/large-065c7a73221fce13fb68423f37f0daa9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153440" class="legacy">Comanche and Rambler will sail in the Maxi 1 class with Bella Mente and Lucky but will start on the same line as the other Maxis, which will be sailing in Maxi 2 class. Scores will be tallied separately for each class; however, a combined score for all Maxi Division entries at the regattas conclusion will determine the winner of the Richard Mille Caliber RM 60-01 Regatta watch.The two Maxi classes and five Spinnaker classes are sailing under the CSA rating, as defined by the Caribbean Sailing Association, and have been split into their classes according to rating bands. “We have defined the classes with a true sense of equity,”&nbsp;said Les Voiles' General Commissioner Luc Poupon. “The idea is to create groups that are as homogeneous as possible so that the battle on the waves is as tight and exciting as possible.”<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/153441/image/large-73032ec13f336a236103b4c24baf78d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153441" class="legacy">As for how that rating will play out in the Rambler vs. Comanche battle, no one yet knows, but all are curious. Optimizing for ratings was not a priority in the design or building of either boat, as both were conceived for straight-line speed, specifically to break distance records. (Rambler, at 88 feet, is 12 feet shorter than Comanche.)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d9-qQJzhyjw" width="560" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>“We're not here for rating honors,” said Comanche's helmsman Ken Read. “Our goal is to be first to finish (over the line), and clearly it will be a lot of fun lining up against Rambler, a very similar boat, for the first time. They'd like to beat us boat-for-boat, and we'd like to beat them boat-for-boat, so I think the sailing world is excited to see this. We're excited to see this.”For any of the 27 different course choices with distances ranging from 10 to 42 miles, the start and finish lines will be set near Pain de Sucre and Gouverneur Beach, on the southwest side of the island. Something new this year for the smaller boats: two inflatable buoys in the colors of Richard Mille - the first in the bay of Saint Jean and the second in front of Gouverneur - will be placed so that the public can see the boats sail closer to the shore. Also new, the Race Committee has planned for one day, weather depending, to start the fastest big boats on course number 27 (a loop between St. Barth and the island of Tintamarre, to the east of Saint Martin) in order to give all reaching-optimized boats an opportunity to show their speed and establish a speed record for Les Voiles de St. Barth.The race will have a Lay Day on Thursday 16th April, before continuing on to the second half of racing on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April.By Gemma Fottles

Les Voiles de St. Barth kicks off today

This month we looked at the top stories in the latest magazines: Boat International, Boote Exclusiv, Yachts International, Showboats International, Dockwalk and Yacht Première.Boat International – March 2015 • The Hollywood Issue • Yachts on film - The ultimate guide to the superyachts that went from sea to silver screen • World Premiere - Onboard Blohm + Voss's 82-metre star • Software mogul Jim Clark's Sydney to Hobart speed machine • The best cinemas for your deck • Oscar-worthy destinationsBoote Exclusiv – March/April 2015 2015 • On board - the mystical Graceful • The launch of the innovative Feadship Savannah  • Feature: Jan Verkerk and his projects Sherakhan and Legend • Feature: Haute Cuisine on the high seas • On board: Benetti Illusion VYachts International – March 2015 • Opulent Minimalism: Logica's 147 • Adrenaline Rush - World-class Tenders and Toys • Perini Navi's Amazing Grace E • Brokerage Outlook 2015 • Feature: Sunseeker 101 Sport YachtsShowboats International – March 2015 • The new Delta Onika is ready to take on the world • Jim Clark's super maxi Comanche isn't for mere mortal • A selection of the world best spas a tender ride away • Feature: The 1st Benetti Veloce 140 • Feature: Custom Line's innovative Navetta 28Dockwalk – March 2015 • Top Chefs - Spice it up with some celebrity help - onboard and ashore • Take your guests senses to new heights by mastering the art of wine &amp; food pairings • Building the future bridges - Experts look at the future of bridge designYacht Première – March 2015 • Skyback by Fincantieri Yachts • Baglietto 46M by Baglietto • Admiral Regale 45 “Flying Dragon” by Admiral – The Italian Sea Group, Admiral Centro Stile • Atomic by Sunrise Yachts • Ketos 48 SS by Rossinavi / Rossi Group

What's inside this month's superyacht publications - March 2015

A new participant in the 6thth annual Les Voiles de Saint Barth has been announced. The owners of the super-maxi Comanche, Jim Clark and his wife Kristy Hinz-Clark are following one major goal with their boat: to cross the line first and to beat existing ocean records.The comparison with a Formula 1 racing car may come from Comanche’s ability to approach 32 knots. Built at Hodgon Yachts in Maine and launched in October 2014, this 100’ black and red beauty with a sleek shape and a high mast, will definitely be one of the yachts to keep an eye on. With a design by VPLP and Verdier Yacht Design this boat is a precursor in superior technology.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152578/image/large-936a0f3e30504f42d3af2fdfe2b6a47c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152578">Jim Clark has hired a crew, including American skipper Ken Read, president of the North Sails, who has been the Yachtsman of the Year in 1985 and 1994 and a six-time world champion in J/24 class. He has participated three times in the America’s Cup and twice in the Volvo Ocean races. The international 23-member crew also involves navigator Stan Honey from the US and tactician Kevin Harrap from New Zealand and has huge chances of winning the races in Saint Barth.Comanche’s first regatta was the Sydney-Hobart in December 2014. Short before crossing the finish line and after a neck-and-neck-race with Wild Oats XI, Comanche has lost this race. But this regatta was a first prove that this sailing yacht has huge potential in both medium and strong winds, with serious acceleration.Before the 2015 Transatlantic Race in June and Les Voiles de Saint Barth in April ’15, Comanche will participate in the Sydney-Hobart again. In Saint Barth Comanche will race against the brand new Maxi Rambler 88, which was launched in December 14. By Sina Hillmann, Photo by Onne van der Wal

Racing Yacht Comanche at 2015 Les Voiles de Saint Barth

The 70th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race concluded on New Years Day, with two yachts claiming the main prizes. Bob Oatley’s 30 metre Wild Oats XI took a record-breaking eighth line honours victory, whilst the original Wild Oats arrived at the finish line with a corrected time finish that would ensure overall victory as well as the Tattersall’s Cup trophy. The 43’ Wild Rose, skippered by Roger Hickman, secured her second victory in the history of the race an impressive 21 years after her inaugural win.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152248/image/large-f9ab21138156747e550c2dbb2716aebf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152248">The 628 nm race began on Boxing Day, with 117 yachts and approximately 1,500 competitors arriving in Sydney for the start. Five 100 foot Maxis started the 2014 Rolex Sydney Hobart, ensuring the quest for line honours would be the most dramatic in years. Hull damage on the first night forced Anthony Bell’s Perpetual Loyal out of the race; conditions were unsuited to the American entry RIO 100 and Ragamuffin 100, the latter skippered by Syd Fischer, who at 87 became the oldest sailor in the race’s proud history.The resulting duel was a forecast heavyweight contest between Oatley’s Mark Richards-skippered Wild Oats XI and the newcomer, Jim Clark and Kristy Hinze-Clark’s Comanche, recently launched and the latest thinking in Maxi yacht design.Following a glorious Sydney start, with plenty of breeze, Comanche powered towards the Sydney Heads leaving the rest of the fleet in her wake, setting an unofficial record for the fastest boat past the first turning mark: four minutes, 35 seconds.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152249/image/large-afd2edf949603f473df168dee4a7476c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152249">The two Maxis shadowed each other down the New South Wales coast; Comanche led for the first 24 hours but when conditions lightened, Wild Oats XI took charge proving quicker in negotiating a lighter patch of wind. “That was the key moment,” confirmed Wild Oats XI’s Spanish navigator Juan Vila.Arriving in Hobart after 50 hours at sea, Oatley’s crew enjoyed a rapturous applause from an enthusiastic public. Comanche lived up to her pre-race billing as a serious contender arriving just 49 minutes later. “Our team did an unbelievable job,” explained skipper Ken Read. “On one hand we are disappointed, on the other proud of what we put together. Both boats sailed a flawless race. They had their day, they had 12 hours of Wild Oats weather.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152250/image/large-b23d63daf5e2d1595db3d6c302a4f75c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152250">The two winners were awarded Rolex timepieces for their momentous achievements on the water.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152251/image/large-f271117dbdb8fb501fbc4b8cf1a598ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152251">By Eddie Kloosterman

The 70th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Gemma FottlesHodgdon Yachts has launched the 100 ft. pre-preg carbon racing yacht Comanche, for well known superyacht owner Jim Clark. She was launched at Hodgdon Yachts yards in East Boothbay, Maine on Saturday, September 27, 2014.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150959/image/large-5036679db1a164008225a782241818de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150959">The yacht will now be towed to Newport Shipyard, RI where the rig and the keel will be fitted and where she will conduct sea trials. When completed, she will be shipped to Sydney to compete in the Sydney to Hobart Race.