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When it comes to the field of sailing yacht naval architects, Bill Tripp is undoubtedly among the top names in this exclusive section of design. The American’s portfolio contains some of the most technologically advanced and innovative projects out on the water today. As Tripp spends most of his time at the studio in Connecticut, we were fortunate enough to catch up with the maestro in his charismatic satellite office located in the heart of Amsterdam to discuss the responsibilities of naval architects, the future of design, and what it is like sailing one of the largest yachts in the world.

Does your involvement in projects stretch beyond the design phase?

It does happen that when we do a motor yacht it is sometimes a case of handing over the keys, where after we may or may not hear about the yacht ever again. Sailing yachts however, and the ones who actively take part in races in particular, we are still very much involved with even after the launch. It is part of our passion to stay in touch with the owners and crew to follow them on their journeys around the world and relive the experiences that was enjoyed on board with them

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160219/image/large-5da2672a56ebfbcfb162c6305360af78.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160219">

Have you thought about becoming more active in the motor yacht scene at all?

As a studio we are interested in design and technology first and foremost. When the motor yacht world decides to start driving towards greater efficiency, then we will definitely be keen to get more involved. Creating a yacht to stay tied up in a marina and to enjoy your cocktail on does not interest us very much. I do however believe the motor yacht world is due for change especially with regards to the impact on the environment. Every other industry is working towards it, and I believe so should we.

Where do you find your design inspiration comes from?

Well, really any design that we find interesting. Design is something that we think is always evolving and moving forward. We particularly like to look at the classics. Although considered old-school in today’s terms, at the time they were the pioneers of technology, and we like to learn from that to see what is possible today. Better Place is a prime example of how, working with Luca Bassani, we applied nearly everything that is possible today into a single yacht, and because of that some people find it an unusual boat, others see her as extraordinary.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160220/image/large-e7c278ccdc754f6d48c41765671d9929.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160220">

Aquijo was recently delivered. What was the brief that you received to design one of the world’s largest sailing yachts?

It started with the owners of the yacht coming to us with accommodation requirements and a preliminary layout (from Dolker&amp;Voges), and describing to us what he wanted: Safety-Comfort-Speed. We then put pen to paper and tried to give some design leadership, but also follow through with his ideas to make sure that what he was after from the beginning was in fact realised. We started out with a lifting keel and fitting the yacht with a very particular rig. From the beginning he made it clear that he didn’t want an aero rig but two masts instead. Boats that size are often three-masted but from an ascetic’s point of view he opted for two, which seemed like a reasonable request to us. From there our work involved making the rig controllable and not having too many sails having to go up at the same time. The final configuration essentially makes Aquijo a four-sail yacht which makes her an interesting and fairly easy boat to sail. In Palma we were out in near 30-knots of wind and with a reef in the mizzen and the one in the main and the staysail up, we felt quite comfortable. No one was looking around thinking uh-oh, what’s going to happen next. There were discussions as to why not fit the yacht with a sloop rig. We had a quick look at the calculations and soon realised that fear was a pretty good reason not to go that route. We wanted something that would be comfortable to sail when the wind is blowing hard, and not have people on board think about whether they are safe, or whether they will get back.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160221/image/large-c23ce2ae6380aaf3edabd785498da978.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/158964">

You have a strong history with Wally. How did that partnership come about?

When the owner of Alithia was thinking about building his new yacht, he had us and Wally bid for the eventual design. He ultimately chose our design, not because of anything Wally did or didn’t do, but perhaps of our ties with Abeking &amp; Rasmussen [the shipyard where the yacht was ultimately going to be built]. Afterwards Luca Bassani got in touch to congratulate me and asked if I could come down to meet with him. A few years later Esense was built at Wally, and yachts such as Saudade followed soon after.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160222/image/large-0bf67f0e25f9aecbac5e9acb945ccb0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160222">

In terms of technology how do you see the sailing yacht industry developing over the next few years?

There is a lot of exciting developments happening in the world of professional racing at the moment. What we are focusing on is taking technology that is workable and safe and implementing that into something that can go around the world. Which is why racing is so important to us; it allows us to explore different types of construction, rigs, keels, foils and rudders, all the while keeping innovation as the drive force. There is a lot of risk involved in being a naval architect, whether you are working on a 62 footer or an 86 metre that is sailing around the world. You want to make sure the people on board return and also enjoy their experience on the boat. In terms of materials, composite technologies have advanced tremendously and has already made its way into sails and rigs and will soon be introduced into the hull materials as well. Ways to make the yachts less environmentally impactful is also developing. Creating lighter boats means we can simply do with smaller engines which use less fuel.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160223/image/large-1be634c7fe36d01d2efada0f8a76f4d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160223">

How important have superyacht regattas become in the sailing yacht industry?

First of all, the superyacht world is not about the media or the architects, it’s about the owners. There are only a couple of thousand people who support this industry and so when we are forty people out on a sea trial or taking part in a regatta, we are all working for the owner. We want to make sure that there are various ways that they can enjoy their yacht, and I feel regattas are fantastic for a lot of these guys. It’s an event to meet people with other boats, with different ideas and a way to enjoy the act of creation together. For us as architects, racing these boats is a great way to adapt the technology that is available and implementing it into the cruising scene.

What are on the boards for the studio’s future?

I like to keep things tight around the studio. I certainly do not have grand ideas of expanding the company to 30 members, the largest we have been was 12 with the smallest team only six of us. I don’t see us progressing into the aviation and property design arenas in the future either, so with the yachting scene being as small as it is our studio will remain at a manageable size. Young designers with fresh ideas are important to us, and involving some cross-cultural individuals as well. There is a lot of room for young ideas but you don’t have to get intellectually old at the same time.

Sunscribe here to the latest issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper to enjoy the full interview: 
	 

<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160224/image/large-bf45c78e59e6e38617db4e2fdac847a8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159949"></a>

Photos: Giles Martin-Raget and Carlo Borlenghi

Insight: Bill Tripp on designing the largest sailing ketch in the world

Wally has today announced the sale and subsequent start of construction for hull #4 in the popular Wallycento series. She has been sold to an experienced racing yachtsman, who was reportedly impressed by the performance seen on the vessels predecessors; Galateia, Magic Carpet Cubed and Open Season.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157369/image/large-955a6cc8a7985edf75a4f386bf9fc77c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157369">Measuring 30.48 metres, the fourth Wallycento box-ruled superyacht has been developed by Mark Mills of Mills Design, marking the third naval architect to collaborate on the series. Though her exterior and interior designers are yet to be confirmed, Wally President and Founder, Luca Bassani, explains the decision to work with Mills: “We suggested Mark to the client because I was impressed by the performance of the Maxi72 Alegre. Since the first meetings, we shared with him the same vision of the innovations that can be applied to this type of yachts like the cutting-edge deck layout that combines our flush-deck with bulwark introduced in 2006 with Esense, with the ramp deck of Alegre, perfectly reflecting the Wally DNA of improved functionality.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157370/image/large-3e1bb6d61bc9fd0416d287adcd60d05b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157370">On board, she accommodates six guests, as well as a crew of up to four. She will boast a sail area of 640 square metres, and will have a top speed of 11 knots from a 300 hp engine.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157371/image/large-9b5e148d8534504422a0e84447dce660.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157371">Bassani continues to talk of the success of the Wallycento range in the racing scene as well as the type of client the boats are attracting. He says, “Cruising in comfort at the speed of the fastest maxi racer and racing at the highest level of competition is the dream of every passionate yachtsman. Wallycento is the first and only superyacht making this dream come true. I am very happy to see owners who share my view of the development of the maxi racer-cruisers, building up a good wallycento fleet.”The vessel is currently under construction at Persico Marine yard in Italy, and is expected to be delivered to her new owner in June 2017.By Gemma Fottles

Fourth Wallycento sold and under construction

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153514/image/large-0eb82090a380559c11dc1c17812c557d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153514">Superyachts in West Palm BeachDocked side by side in West Palm Beach, from left to right are superyachts Naia, Grace E, Esense, Better Place and Tango. Naia, the second largest in this row, is a 73.6 metre built in 2011 by Freire Shipyard, to a combined design by H2 and Moore Yacht Design. Grace E, a 73.3 metre Picchiotti Vitruvius superyacht from the Perini Navi Group, was launched in 2014. Esense is a 43 metre high-performance sloop by Wally, characterised by the innovative design by Tripp Design. Docked next to her, is another Wally-Tripp superyacht, Better Place, this one measuring 49.90 metres. The largest yacht in the row, is the 77 metre Tango, delivered by Feadship in 2011. She is designed by Eidsgaard, with naval architecture by Feadship.By Maarten Janssen, photo by Charl van Rooy / <a href="http://SuperYachtPhoto.com" target="_blank">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

Superyachts in West Palm Beach 

ISA – International Shipyards Ancona and JLT Yacht Agency have announced a partnership agreement today naming JLT as the preferred partner of ISA to provide marine and VIP concierge services to all ISA clients. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134088/image/large-e03dd32f1e4e792fb6a070b48a5405c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126904">As a result of the agreement, JLT will be able to provide special promotions to their clients who decide to berth in Ank’s Marina, which is managed directly by ISA’s After Sales and Refit division and is available for maintenance and refit projects. The new marina boasts 10 berths for yachts up to 90 metres LOA (5 metres draft). The first half of Ank’s Marina started its operation in 2010 and by the beginning of summer 2011, the second half will be completed and fully operational. Just a few minutes away from Ancona’s International Airport, Ank’s Marina is an excellent base for charters in Croatia, or for a crew stop and can provide a full range of high quality technical assistance including haul out up to 400 tons. Alfa Nero, Carinthia VII, Talitha, Haida G, Cloud 9, Force Blue, Addiction, Esense and Silvana are just some of the yachts that have already stayed at Ank’s Marina. Alfonso Postorino, Ank’s Marina Manager says “We believe that JLT’s knowledge and experience in providing effective and efficient service to the yachting community will be greatly appreciated by our customers. With the help of JLT Yacht Agency we will be able to deliver the same high quality service and assistance offered by the best marina in the world.” “We are very pleased to announce this partnership with ISA, as their technical support and the facilities are second to none. The brand new Ank’s Marina is placed in an ideal strategic position for vessels moving throughout the Adriatic in the summer. Both groups share the same philosophy in providing the best services to our clients and we are confident that this partnership will benefit vessels cruising the Adriatic,” comments Caterina Oliviero, Manager JLT Yacht Agency. ISA Yachts Alfonso Postorino +39 349 1322334 <a href="mailto:service@isayachts.com?subject=ISA%20Yachts%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">service@isayachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.isayachts.com">www.isayachts.com</a> JLT Yacht Agency Caterina Oliviero +39 348 91 06 519 <a href="mailto:venice@jlt.it?subject=JLT%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">venice@jlt.it</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jlt.it">www.jlt.it</a>

ISA Yachts and JLT Yacht Agency announce partnership agreement

The grande finale of the yachting season – certainly for the classic yachts that all summer-long prowl the Mediterranean in search of competition and camaraderie – began today. Close to 300 yachts filled the Vieux Port and nearby marinas for the weeklong Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a ‘don’t miss’ stop on the yachting circuit. Spectacular fall weather conditions, a brisk mistral from the north with clear blue skies, prevailed on the first day to please competitors and photographers alike. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132471/image/large-ec23d70af3081dd247cb1c3969e101d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132471">The Tradition class boats, which start racing tomorrow, don’t have the stage to themselves however; there is a impressive grand-prix fleet of “moderns” from maxi yachts such as the Judel Vrolik 72-footer Rán, straight from a win at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, the Wally class’ towering 44 metre Tripp-designed <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a>, to the Tofinu class, most of which at 9.5metres are just below the official minimum length, but this local fleet have been grandfathered in and seemingly up to the challenge of sailing on the same body of water as these comparative behemoths. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132472/image/large-30a25f332f26ab5755db78df809726af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132472">But it is the solely the Traditional class and, within this grouping, only boats 16 meters and over, that can compete for the Rolex Trophy – this year there are 50 entries eligible. The winner will be the boat with the overall low point score after the week of racing. The winning boat and skipper will be awarded the Trophy and a Rolex Submariner timepiece. Racing for the Rolex Trophy is the 25-meter cutter-rigged, Halloween, created by the renowned Scottish yacht designer, William Fife III, from whose drafting table many famous, head-turning, and seakindly lines came, from the turn of the 19th century through the early 1900s. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132473/image/large-5ea200a0991b16ed13f8d68d9c22f774.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132473">Halloween was launched in 1926 and was a new type of design for Fife, sort of a cruising version of the successful 15-Metre class, which included Tuiga and Lady Ann. With her original rig, Halloween was – and in fact still is – a powerful boat: shortly after her launch, she won the Fastnet Race and set a course record of 93 hrs, 13 mins (with the start/finish off Cowes). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132474/image/large-c4f3ec277ac97ea7b051ec0662a5f972.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132474">The boat changed hands and names several times over the years; as the yawl-rigged Cotton Blossom IV she was a force to be reckoned with, winning many races in the 1950s and ‘60s. She spent a decade in the Caribbean as a charter yacht, and was refitted in the late 1980s in Newport, RI. Then, sold again and taken to the Med, Halloween was returned to her original name and cutter rig, as per Fife’s original design. In a subsequent refit her mast was lengthened and boom shortened to allow for a more easier to manage permanent backstay. Halloween newest owners bought her in 2006. Two of them, Michael Cotter and Dan O’Connor, were racing Dragons in the Med where they were told the 83-foot classic was for sale, and what started as an innocent inquiry ended up as an addition to the fleet. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132475/image/large-27d3703d89bf634e5df5b89876f3ed9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132475">The owners, in fact, include five keen Irish sailors, from around Dublin, who have known one another for over 20 years, many of them active in the Dragon fleet and other classes as well. One of them, Michael Cotter, also owns a similar sized Reichel/Pugh-designed modern maxi yacht that he’s actively campaigned at the Rolex Fastnet Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race, and Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, where he won class in 2009. But that carbon fibre and Kevlar-built boat is light years from the likes of Halloween’s teak planking on oak frames, yet Cotter and his happy-go-lucky band of friends seem to enjoy the best of both modern and classic sailing worlds. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132476/image/large-7f46c7256d8a1e81e0ba2d64c3f633fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132476">While the boat is regularly used, and shared, by all owners in a seemingly easy-going arrangement, it is also chartered for cruising and racing. Only a few classics with such a rich history as Halloween offer an opportunity to compete in an event such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The Rolex Trophy The Rolex Trophy will be awarded during Sunday's prize giving ceremony at the Citadelle.The very first winner of the Rolex Trophy in 2006 was the 25 metre Marconi-rigged schooner, So Fong. Designed by the renowned naval architecture firm, Sparkman &amp; Stephens, So Fong was built in Hong Kong in 1937. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132477/image/large-01476357089c1b6f97d57f6e2a48283b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132477">The 25 metre yawl, Agneta, built in 1951, won the Rolex Trophy in 2007. Agneta’s beautiful varnished mahogany hull and tanbark sails are unmistakable on the water. But it is the Herreshoff-designed NY 40 class Rowdy, that all eyes are on this year. Rowdy won the Rolex Trophy two years in a row – 2008 and 2009 – and is back to defend her title for a 3rdtime! <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132478/image/large-684bccd8b9a2d4a58a52e90dc027986a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132478">Rowdy is one of the New York Yacht Club 40 class, so named because the design was commissioned by the New York Yacht Club and is 40 feet on the waterline. Of the approximately 14 boats constructed, Rowdy is one of the few left. In addition to having a major refit, the boat has been optimized more recently, under owner Graham Walker’s care. Walker’s crew, including boat captain Jonathan Greenwood, have left nothing to chance, carefully tweaking and improving both the boat and how they sail her. Rowdy has enjoyed an impressive record on the classic circuit and she’ll be a formidable boat to beat. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132479/image/large-fd30fcf13b9502f9e8f291c135557f05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132479">Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2010 Event Programme Sunday, 26 September: Welcome for yachts Monday, 27 September: Welcome for yachts; Racing in Modern division Tuesday, 28 September: Coastal race for all Wednesday, 29 September: Coastal race for all Thursday, 30 September: Challenge Day (match racing) Friday, 1 October: Coastal race for all Saturday, 2 October, Coastal race for all Sunday, 3 October: 11am, Prizegiving Ceremony at La Citadelle Photos by Rolex / Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2010 kicks off

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez is known for bringing together the most beautiful of both modern and classic racing boats - making a tour around the docks like looking into a magnificent show window of both the latest technology and architectural genius of centuries past. One looks from Esense to Senso One, which showcase all details of the modern, to the docks filled with the astounding cathedrals of sails belonging to Créole, Altair, Lulworth and Thendara. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125577/image/large-fa4d982be2f8d2eaf16e632a99a5e60a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125577">It is almost impossible to focus on a single yacht with all of the beauties that crowd the dock and transport this old fishing port back to historic times. Brought together these yachts arouse a curiosity and desire to learn more about the passionate men who were behind the drawing pen of these jewels. As of Tuesday, the Classic Yachts over 16 meters will join in the races to try their chances at taking home the Rolex Trophy. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125578/image/large-21ed84591d59ba15249d67d4192bdb46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125578">Since Monday night the port of Saint-Tropez has been filled to capacity as the Yacht Club de France's Autumn Cup came to a close and the yachts made their way here for the 2008 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The division winners of the Autumn Cup are Shamrock V (Spirit of Tradition), Kookabura (12 MJI), Moonbeam IV (Classic Yachts), Nan of Fife (Gaffs) and Rowdy (Marconis). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125579/image/large-7567bc58698d84e17043279b1d671de4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125579">The journey from Cannes to Saint-Tropez finished with the classic yachts berthed alongside the participating modern yachts, finally completing the collection of exceptional masts, that are almost all over 40 metres high, for this year's edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Last night was the official Welcome Cocktail and all of the teams came together in the race village to inaugurate the opening of the social programme that is an essential part of this world-renowned regatta marking the end of the Mediterranean sailing season. Olin Stephens, a man of legend Taking in all these great vessels that fill the harbour make one reflect upon the men whose designs have made these yachts a living legend. One of the greatest of these is surely Olin J. Stephens, a man who changed history with his designs and passion for building great yachts. Known as one of the greatest and most successful yacht designers of the 20th century, Olin Stephens' name will carry on for generations in the yachting community, a true man of legend. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125580/image/large-4a983dd54b312de3c3fc570999978ab8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125580">Born in 1908 in New York, Olin Stephens loved sailboats. His designs were often exceptional and the world had already begun to take notice when he was just nineteen years old. Stephens grew up sailing with his brother Roderick and the young Stephens dreamed of one day designing a monohull that would take home the prestigious America's Cup Trophy. The brothers Stephens joined in partnership with Drake Sparkman at the end of the 1920's to create Sparkman and Stephens, one of today's great yacht-design firms. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125581/image/large-0f8891c53fc7e13e21e42bc6ac3c82ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125581">When the Great Depression hit the United States, the future of the firm was assured with the order of a racing yacht named Dorade. This 16-metre yawl proved to be a great success, winning race after race including the 1931 Trans-Atlantic Race and the famed Fastnet Race. Her success changed the face of yacht design forever, launching the yacht industry into the search for the fastest, lightest yacht possible. Following the Second World War, Stephen's designs were behind many regatta victories, from the Admiral's Cup to the One Ton Cup and beyond. Between 1937 and 1980 Stephens helped design six twelve-metre America's Cup defenders, winning eight out of nine editions of the famed “Cup”, including Ranger in 1937, Columbia in 1958, Constellation in 1964, Intrepid in 1967, Courageous in 1974 and Freedom in 1980. In 1993 Stephens was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame and in 2007 he was presented with a lifetime achievement award and chosen as one of the initial six inductees to the inaugural ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame. During his career more than 2,200 designs made it from the drawing table to the waters of the world. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125582/image/large-3018cc13629873db797dc55fc725c444.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125582">Olin Stephens celebrated his 100th birthday this year and passed away exactly five months later on September 13th, 2008. He had even written an autobiography, published when he was 90 years old, and the final few sentences provide insight to the man that changed yacht design forever as we look back on his life: "In all phases of my work I was conscious of the need for balance, and I did my best to find balance in both the long and the short view. Broadly, I think I can say that I applied the principles of balance in design, in business and in the pleasures I enjoyed.” Stephen's Stormy Weather will be racing in the Tradition category during Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2008. Stormy Weather is known as one of Sparkman &amp; Stephens most acclaimed early designs after Dorade and she is most known for winning the 1935 Newport-Bergen Race and the Fastnet. Stephen's is said to have designed Stormy when he was just 25 years old. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125583/image/large-86be1d1021db963014f90a4affce7c68.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125583">Programme for the 2008 Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Classic Sailboats Sunday 28 and Monday 29 September: Welcome for the yachts Sunday 28 September: Arrival of the Yacht Club de France's Autumn Cup from Cannes Tuesday 30 September; Wednesday 1 October; Thursday 2 October (Jean LAURAIN Day, Challenge Day and Club 55 Cup), Friday 3 and Saturday 4: Coastal Courses, 1st start 11:00/12:00 Modern Sailboats Saturday 27 September and Sunday 28: Welcome for the yachts Monday 29 September; Tuesday 30; Wednesday 1 October, Thursday 2(Jean LAURAIN Day, Challenge Day), Friday 3 and Saturday 4 October: Coastal Courses, 1st start 11:30 The Prize Giving Ceremony will be held on Sunday October 5th, starting at 11:00 (on invitation). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125584/image/large-ca890cd9296919d98e4f4b06a0085ab4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125584">For the third consecutive year Rolex is in the “Partner Club” for Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. This regatta, organized by the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez (SNST), is part of the Rolex Yachting Portfolio that includes over twenty world-class sailing events that take place around the world. Rolex is also the title sponsor of mythic races such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart, the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race. Photos by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 2008: Tall masts and passionate designers

Day 2 of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup opened with less than promising conditions. The Race Committee kept the fleet ashore until 1130, but even then it was not until 1330 that the racing began in just over 5 knots of easterly breeze. Three hours later, the Cruising and Mini Maxis had completed a 17 nautical mile course that took them to a windward mark, before reaching back west towards Capo Ferro where they entered the channel and reached off to the submerged outcrop of rocks known locally simply as Secca. From there, in a freshening breeze, they followed a fetch north to Monaci and another fetch back to Golfo Pevero, before finishing off Porto Cervo. Ranger (CAY IS) took a second bullet in Cruising, as did Numbers (USA) featuring the Alinghi crew in the Mini Maxis. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125409/image/large-b2dd3f6da525932e906effbafc7356c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125409">The Racing and Wally Divisions stretched their longer, more nimble legs a little further covering 25nm which included a long beat from Monaci down towards Mortoriotto before returning to Pevero and the finish. As they turned the corner at I. di Nibani the returning Wallys found themselves on a beam reach and at times appeared overpressed under their massive mains and spinnakers. With the foot of kites toying perilously close to the foaming bow waves, crew nerves must have been tingling. What looked a short hop must have felt like an age. Open Season was one to almost round up as she took a gust broadside, but this did nothing to upset her otherwise perfect day. Thomas Bscher's Open Season (GER), in the Wally Division, was joined by George David's Rambler (USA) in Racing on today's winner's podium. Jochen Schuemann is tactician on Open Season: “The day started with a postponement but the race committee did a very good job. They waited exactly to the moment the breeze developed and we were able to sail downwind into the islands, which look great with all these maxi yachts sailing through the rocks.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125410/image/large-b38131d097eafe704575ea2b919b0a6e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125410">Schuemann, another triple gold medallist from the Games competing here this week, continued, “we have to fight in our division with two similar-sized boats. Today we had a good start and all three were very close together. Luckily we were in a very good position to keep Magic Carpet behind us and not to lose distance on Y3K in front. Real concentration was important during the entire race, but especially close to the coast where the wind was stronger than further offshore. Tactical decisions were very important because although you can't influence the smaller boats behind you have to beat them. It is what we were able to accomplish today and of course we are very happy about. It has been the first win for Open Season since quite a long time ago. The crew did a great job today!” Whilst Y3K led the 143-foot Esense home on the water, it was Open Season that took the race ahead of Jean Charles Decaux's J One on handicap and now leads the Wally Division after two races. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125411/image/large-e079c042adb2f8460c139f6a6e0e5a9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125411">Back to Aboukir Bay, or at least the reach past Capo Ferro and into Bomb Alley. This was great sailing for the front-runners in the Mini Maxi Division. Almost a straight-line drag race, but for an annoying gybe near the end. Neville Crichton's Alfa Romeo 3 (NZL) with Torben Grael in the hot seat led by some distance a pack comprising Alegre (GBR), Numbers, Roger Sturgeon's Rosebud (USA), Jim Swartz's Moneypenny (USA) and one or two of the smaller Wallys, such as J One down towards the unsuspecting picnickers. The wind had finally built to double figures at this point and the spectacle was complete, as the group gybed together, as though signalled to do so by the lead boat. Andy Soriano, owner of Alegre, who lives in the Philippines and is usually seen racing on the Asian Circuit was pleased with the way the day went and with progress generally, “it's a tough fleet. Every day we do a little better which is good. There was a little bit of everything today windwise, and we sailed a good race, which is important. I'm really enjoying being out there racing with a number of similar boats.” Alegre went onto to finish the race in third place on the water behind Alfa 3 and Numbers, but came in second on handicap and now lies second overall behind the word-perfect Numbers. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125412/image/large-ec2a11b28790fd8a605138eb7bb0e159.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125412">Peter Holmberg, an Olympic silver medallist, is tactician on All Smoke (GBR). Gunther Herz's 24-metre yacht, a former event winner under IMS, is struggling to keep up with the newly launched pack of IRC Mini Maxis, but finished a respectable eighth on handicap today to add to her sixth of yesterday. Holmberg paid credit to the Race Committee for getting the race underway, “I thought Peter Craig was being a bit ambitious, but he got us off at the right time. It was light at the start and these big boats can be pretty tricky in that, so it was a challenge. The breeze filled in downwind, so it was a good test of crew work and an enjoyable day.” Holmberg is also enjoying the range of courses on offer, “Today was tricky because the wind kept switching and you did not know how far it was going to change. Every boat has a navigator, the water's clear and when you have scenery like this I'd much rather race around the rocks than the buoys”. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125413/image/large-04ac4ec202ded517da4e2de76d1b35b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125413">In the Cruising Division the two J Class yachts Ranger and Velsheda enjoyed another match-race round the course, seemingly oblivious to all that is going on around them. Ghost was first home again after a poor first leg that saw her trail the Js around the initial windward mark. Some good work on the ensuing long, downwind leg saw her open up on her more traditional looking rivals. The gap was never going to be enough, because though Ranger and Velsheda seemed only interested in each other they are sailing so well to post a 1,2 today some 13 minutes ahead of Edwin Van Der Straten's Bristolian on handicap. Ghost repeated yesterday's eighth, whilst things went very badly wrong for the mighty Salperton. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125414/image/large-cfded0a8a339410ede2bbf4dae2132e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125414">After yesterday's wide grins, Salperton was forced to retire from today's racing with hydraulic problems that will see her crew hard at work tonight to ready her for a return to the fray for the remainder of the series. After yesterday's excellent result everyone has their fingers-crossed the biggest boat in the fleet will be on the start line tomorrow. In the Racing Division, the 90-foot, conventional keeled, water ballasted Rambler struck a blow for the little guy by pulling out a win today. Despite finishing some thirteen minutes behind the 100-foot, supremely powerful Alfa Romeo, George David's crew, with Ray Davies and Peter Isler sharing the tactician's role, scraped home on handicap by a mere 18 seconds. But that is the name of the handicap game. One second, one minute, one hour - a winning margin is a winning margin. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125415/image/large-b2be7b41a373634fbe90cf39fdd909fc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125415">Principal Race Officer Peter Craig is hoping for better breeze and earlier start tomorrow. Whilst the Mini Maxis are expected to undertake Windward/Leewards, the remaining three divisions will continue to contest more of the fascinating coastal racing on offer off Porto Cervo. Photos by Kurt Arrigo / Rolex

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2008 Race Day 2

What is possibly the largest, and certainly the most spectacular, annual gathering of Maxi Yachts is set to take place in Porto Cervo in just over one month. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, established in 1980 and now in its 19th edition, will host approximately forty maxi yachts from across the globe from September 1st to 6th and the participating yachts will range from cutting edge, high-tech, pure racers to fast, but comfortable cruisers and vintage grand dames of the sea. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125229/image/large-2d61f4d2665efd591e95bbc88637fcf1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125229">Participating yachts should be divided into up to five separate divisions depending on the number and variety of yachts entered: Mini Maxi, Racing, Wally, Cruising and Spirit of Tradition. The Racing Division will see two-time winner (2003, 2006) Neville Crichton of New Zealand with his 100 foot-long (30.5 metre) canting-keel supermaxi Alfa Romeo hoping to continue his season's run of success which includes winning the Maxi Division at Rolex Capri Sailing Week, breaking his course record in the 243-mile offshore Giraglia Rolex Cup race and sweeping the board at the YCCS-organized Boat International Superyacht Regatta where he won all three races on both real and corrected time. Alfa Romeo is not the only race winning, record-holder to compete in the Racing Division, however, as Rambler (a former Alfa Romeo), owned by the USA's George David, currently holds the race records in both the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Rolex Buenos-Aires to Rio Race. Crichton, a YCCS Member, will also be present in the Mini Maxi Division with the August-launched Alfa Romeo 3 competing in her first-ever regatta. Like her older sister she is also designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by McConaghy, however, at 70 feet (21.14 metres) she is considerably smaller and lighter. Although Crichton himself will be racing aboard the larger yacht, he is particularly looking forward to seeing Alfa 3 compete in Sardinia to keep a close eye on the new team and boat's performance. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125230/image/large-530c2fb38a213647d843d54ff98d5b6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125230">The Mini Maxi Division encompasses boats measuring between 60 and 79 feet and could see the best of the competition. Alfa Romeo 3 will be joined by a number of serious racing machines, all launched in the last couple of years and currently taking the grand-prix scene by storm: the 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart winner, Roger Sturgeon's STP65 Rosebud/Team DYT, will compete alongside fellow American Jim Swartz's Moneypenny, also an STP65, which arrives fresh from battling it out at Cork Week with Andres Soriano's Mills 68 Allegre (GBR). Others to look out for include Acaia Cube, the Southern Wind yacht, chartered by well-known Italian actor Claudio Amendola with America's Cup sailors Flavio Favini at the helm and Tiziano Nava calling tactics. Carlo Puri-Negri's Atalanta II, division winner in 2006 and 2007, returns with Brazil's two-time Olympic bronze medallist Lars Grael, who will bring along his Argo project crew - an international team of sailors and athletes with physical disabilities due to participate in the 33rd America's Cup. The Wally Division will see the first-ever regatta participation of the custom 143 foot (43.7 metre) sloop <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a> (ITA). Wally founder and President Luca Bassani will be at the helm of this Bill Tripp-designed "contemporary classic" which features a carbon hull, 900 sq metres of sail area and a 60 metre mast for speed, plus, for luxury, a sea terrace, glass and mirrored walls, and adjustable modular guest cabins for the ultimate in comfort. Esense will be up against past event winners Jean Charles Decaux's J One (FRA, 2007) and Lindsay Owen Jones' Magic Carpet Squared (GBR, 2006). Two J-Class entries in the Spirit of Tradition division, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> (CAY), winner in 2007, and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> (USA), may race together with the Cruising Division yachts per last year's edition. The largest yacht in the fleet is expected to be the 44m/145-foot <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/494">Salperton</a>, designed by Ed Dubois and built by Fitzroy yachts in New Zealand. Sporting a 60m carbon fibre mast, she was built to the latest yachting standards and is a sleek superyacht designed for luxurious cruising performance. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125231/image/large-ff9d403c8fb294fdf0e0097a58743a6c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125231">Racing is scheduled to take place over five days with courses set through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia's rugged north-eastern coast. Racing will be followed by the usual array of exquisite social events organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and title sponsor Rolex. "This 2008 season has been a particularly busy one for the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda," commented YCCS Sports Director Edoardo Recchi. "We had six events back-to-back in May and June alone, including two world championships. Now the traditional big September events are just around the corner and we are raring to go. The fleet of Maxis lining up for this edition is truly spectacular and no sooner will they claim their prizes than the Swans will be here for their biennial gathering and another world championship. It will be another challenging and exciting time for us!" For further information on the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the entire YCCS sporting season please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yccsmaxi.com">www.yccsmaxi.com</a>.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2008

The season of winter refits started at full steam at Amico &amp; Co, and actually many are the yachts which decided to spend these months in the Genoa yard. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123529/image/large-c1dd6f8367dc186762754adc389a3d20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123529">First to arrive in the yard were two sailing yachts belonging to the Mirabella fleet : Mirabella and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1102">Mirabella III</a>, two twin hulls which came for maintenance work before starting a new charter season in the Caribbean. Then arrived M/Y <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1372">Radiant</a> (Amels 52m) which is going to be fully re-painted. Radiant had been hauled by using the powerful 550 tons travel lift of the yard and in less then 2 hours the vessel was positioned into one of the seven painting sheds. In October the arrival of three big sailing yachts: Rebecca (43m ketch), <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a> (Wally 143) and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> (Baltic 147 - 45m sloop). But at the beginning of this new winter season the most important job is surely represented by <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/141">Felicità West</a>, a 64m Perini Navi. Amico &amp; Co was chosen by <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/141">Felicità West</a> managers in order to re-paint the hull, the superstructure, the masts and the boom, as well as the checking of propeller shafts and rudder stock and whatever required by Lloyd’s Register to renew the five-year class certificate. During the Genoa Boat Show Amico &amp; Co inaugurated the brand new offices inviting authorities and press to a cocktail party. The offices are on the top of the new 1000m2 painting shed from where is possible to admire a wonderful panorama. In November Amico &amp; Co will attend with its own stand the METS, the Dutch fair trade specialized in nautical equipment and services. Amico &amp; Co is also the official repair and refit sponsor of the Global Superyacht Forum and Alberto Amico, Managing Director of the yard, will be one of speakers taking part to the round table discussing topics as the planning and the management of refitting works.

Amico & Co is running at full steam 

“I defy anyone” says Justin Ratcliff of Showboats “not to be blown away by the stunning lines of the new 143-foot Wally, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a>. True to her name, the yacht is both essential and sensual”. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122787/image/large-a75cd79bd33a1bc07220de9da38c2586.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122787"> During the 17th annual Showboats International awards dinner and presentation, held at the Sporting Club of Monte-Carlo, the editor in chief of the magazine, Jill Bobrow, and the publisher, Gary de Santis, presented the award to <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a>’s design team (Bill Tripp, the naval architect, and Odile Decq , the interior designer) and shipyard represented by Luca Bassani, who also conceived the yacht.Jill Bobrow further explained the award motivation: “Among her many outstanding attributes, the all-carbon-fiber <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/202">Esense</a>, which features naval architecture by Bill Tripp, has a stunningly sparse deck design that makes her feel as if the cockpit runs the entire length of the boat. Her exquisitely styled minimalist interior by Odile Decq is typical of Wally’s forward thinking”. Congratulations to the owners as well who fully embraced such a breakthrough project!<noscript></noscript>