Visione Yacht News & Events

France

Following a three-year hiatus, St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2023 made its comeback in 2022. This invitation-only sailing regatta welcomes the finest sailors from across the globe, and is famously filled with exhilarating racing and shoreside fun.

Ranger yacht st barths bucket regatta 2022

original

small

medium

large

extra_large

St Barths Bucket Regatta logo

St. Barths Bucket Regatta

Kamaxitha yacht st barths bucket regatta 2022

The Baltic sailing yacht Visione

Visione in Antibes

Visione layout

Visione in Palma de Mallorca

Visione

The full custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> 33.84-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> has been launched. The foil assisted sailing yacht is constructed from lightweight advanced composite with a custom finish. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277316/image/large-38369cccd58c0f617e5ff506b213e8e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277316">Moved to the Jakobstad facility where she is due to be launched, the yacht is one of the most extreme yachts to have been built by the shipyard. Broadly described as a foil-assisted, ultra-lightweight superyacht, she will be used primarily for day sailing, but also undertake high-speed, long-distance passages. Not easy to categorise, this yacht can be placed firmly in a class of her own.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277318/image/large-8edcaf7666ab834cf91d3ef198878160.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277318"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a>’s experienced owner’s project manager, Garth Brewer of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4627" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A2B Marine Projects S.L. (Company)">A2B Marine Projects</a>, said: “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> doesn’t fall easily into a category, but if I had to place her, I’d say she’s the equivalent of a high-end Super-car. The boat is primarily for pure enjoyment and the owner likes the challenge of doing something that hasn’t been done before.”“He really understands the technical elements and this will be a development project which will require a measured approach,” added Brewer, who emphasised the need for incremental steps in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a>’s trials, building confidence and understanding over time as the boat reaches her peak performance. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277321/image/large-9d03d04ce17c2e330feafcd65f4e0ee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277321">Interior designFeaturing interior and exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan (Company)">Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan</a>, the superyacht features an ultra lightweight interior, combining the yacht’s complex all carbon construction with styling which pays homage to Baltic Yachts’ rigorous programme of weight saving. Her designer explained that the owner was keen to combine the need for weight saving with the opportunity to expose the remarkable carbon structure of the yacht to create a unique interior design aesthetic.The focal point of the interior is centred around the glazed sides of the large cockpit, dubbed the ‘bird’s nest’, which forms a type of inverted observation ‘dome’ allowing occupants to view the carbon dominated accommodation. The glazing is in fact Perspex, which is considerably lighter than toughened glass, representing an overall saving of 250 kilograms. It is reinforced with a criss-cross pattern of carbon mullions which gave it its bird’s nest description. Further weight saving is achieved by minimising the amount of caulking between each pane replacing some of it with a foam fillet.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277320/image/large-cf22382cc4fec9d36413be803111aa06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277320">Spacious saloons are located fore and aft of the bird’s nest, the forward one laid out with a galley and dining areas and the aft space dedicated to the owner’s sleeping accommodation, with a large double centreline berth folding up against an interior bulkhead when the yacht is in performance mode. There’s also a passage berth or sea cabin to starboard. The aft section of the yacht is largely empty, but forward there’s accommodation for four guests in two cabins and extensive crew accommodation including a captain’s cabin.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277319/image/large-94bedb6827ba630b348e74b2e6334207.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277319">Further weight saving has been achieved by modifying a custom bamboo seat in one of the shower/head compartments with carbon tubing made to look like bamboo, complete with its characteristic rings and a remarkably realistic painted finish.The naval architects and structural engineers behind her are <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6261" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Botin Partners Naval Architecture (Company)">Botin Partners</a> and PURE Design respectively, both at the leading edge of America’s Cup design. “This project undoubtedly represents one of the biggest challenges <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> has ever embraced,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic Yachts</a> Executive Vice President, Henry Hawkins. “But that is what we do – we have a long history of bringing leading edge innovation to the fore. We are surrounded and supported by a dedicated team who are led by Garth Brewer, who oversaw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>’s construction here at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 21 years ago and still keeps her on the pace.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277325/image/large-8578de1b3f2404852f66afe32e45dc33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277325">Foil TechnologyThe yacht's hydrofoils are T-shaped and mounted on hydraulically controlled side-arms capable of supporting some of the boat’s displacement. At her transom, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> will be equipped with vertical Interceptor trim tabs to adjust fore and aft trim at speed and there is movable water ballast, carried in built-in tanks in the aft quarters to boost the righting moment required while sailing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277317/image/large-1cc04458ca4af8a6b1f16a9f29852432.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277317">Designed to sail partly on her leeward chine, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> will derive her stability and lift, while sailing, from her foils, leaving her 9.3-ton fixed keel bulb and precision-engineered 5 metre long fin to provide basic stability. It’s also the location for a fully submerged intake for cooling water and is designed with a sacrificial zone to absorb impact in the event of a collision.Lighter construction<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5284" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jarkko Jämsén - Aivan (Company)">Jarkko Jämsén</a> added, “The company was selected because we believe it has the courage, experience and track record to take on the challenge. Calculating weight and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a>’s well-known ability to hit displacement targets were critical.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277324/image/large-c53dcbd3320115983353d2126c2d25ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277324">For Sam Evans, project manager, and Mattias Svenlin, project co-ordinator for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a>, the challenge was to construct a superyacht much lighter than anything previously built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> - yachts that were already considered light in the sphere of superyachting. “Mattias’ experience, creativity and flexibility, supported by a dedicated production team combined with Sam’s communication skills, have been key factors in the overall success of the build,” added Garth Brewer.“This is another level entirely in terms of weight saving,” said Mattias. To ensure as fair a hull finish as possible, a carbon mould was preferred to reduce excessive heat differences and thus distortion in the curing process. “We re-assessed the hull coating schedule to reduce weight using light primers and filler instead of Ultra-Build to reach the acceptable industry standards – in effect coatings do the job of filler,” he said. Using this technique in a superyacht is unprecedented.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277322/image/large-835557e8db05616075deef0313d5da13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277322">Hull and deck construction use carbon IM fibre pre-preg, employing the highest quality fibres on the market, and a Kevlar honeycomb sandwich throughout. The owner has accepted that sailing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> at speed will be noisy so the elimination of any attempt to sound deaden represents a huge weight saving. “But we have created an interior finish with special surfaces affecting the acoustics to ‘soften’ the noise a little,” said Mattias. He pointed out, however, that all the adhesives suitable for bonding this material to bulkheads were compared for weight, the final choice resulting in a saving of 6 kilograms. In terms of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> project that’s a big number.Baltic Yachts also revisited all weight saving opportunities shaving 100 grams off every carbon pipe bracket, making carbon cable trays even lighter and switching out steel hydraulic pipework for lighter hosing which has saved 160 kilograms. “We’ve even reduced the weight of the shower door from 13.5kg per m² to just 2.3kg m²,” said Mattias.Even as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> neared completion, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> build team were continuing to identify weight saving opportunities including replacing the metal clips holding the lightweight carbon tubular accommodation framework in place. “Östen Sundelin, one of the team, reckoned we could 3D print them in a far lighter material so we went ahead and made that saving,” said Mattias. In-house 3D printing is increasingly used at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> to fashion custom items to save weight and optimise design, the complex titanium head of the yacht’s retractable propulsion system (RPS) mechanism being a case in point.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277325/image/large-8578de1b3f2404852f66afe32e45dc33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277325">PropulsionFor propulsion and generating, the design team settled on a diesel electric hybrid system for lower emissions and efficient weight distribution. A Swiss 130kW Phi-Power AG electric propulsion motor is located just aft of amidships and twin 80kW Yanmar generators, optimised to save weight, located further aft. These charge two battery banks which power the main propulsion motor, hydraulic pumps and accommodation services. The drive train is completed by a retractable propeller designed with carbon blades and a titanium hub.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277606/image/large-da835c315ba3bb80f225983196c0b9be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277606">Sailing performance<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a> are responsible for her carbon mast and she features a North Sails 3Di upwind wardrobe using Helix structured luff technology. A variety of Code and asymmetric sails can be set off her 8m long bowsprit.Something Raven’s design engineers and Baltic had to pay particular attention to was the yacht’s almost full beam mainsail sheet track. Because Raven will be developing so much apparent wind, she’ll be sailing most of the time with a wind angle well forward of the beam. So, like a multihull, the main is likely to be almost permanently sheeted home while trim adjustments are made by moving the mainsheet car along its track.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277607/image/large-84dcef3261f5a3f95bb602d3fdeb5e05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277607">With a beam of over 7.4m and her accentuated hull chine, ‘driving’ Raven will feel more like sailing a multihull than a monohull and appropriate trimming and handling techniques will be needed to extract her full potential.Following her launch, initial trials off Jakobstad will see <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Raven33.84m (111'0&quot;)Baltic Yachts2023">Raven</a> sailing minus her foils. These will then be fitted, further trials in Finland will take place and following delivery she will leave for a destination providing the conditions in which she can be worked up steadily as her potential is realised.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277608/image/large-effc0da3f0ac388658508688d30841b3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277608">

Baltic custom yacht Raven launched

The custom Baltic 111 yacht Raven launched.

Radical 34m foil-assisted Baltic custom yacht Raven nears launch

After a three day battle is customary high winds and bright sunshine, the 33.24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/8" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Denship A/S (Company)">Royal Denship</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the St Barths Bucket 2023 over this weekend. 25 yachts competed between the five racing classes that took part in this year's event; Les Gazelles, Les Elegantes, Les Mademoiselles, L'Esprit 1 and L'Esprit 2 (the Corinthian Spirit Class). <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, the 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a>, a regular on the race circuit, took home the prize for best owner driven performance, while her sistership the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a> 51.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1226" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Prana51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2006">Prana</a>, was awarded best starter.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262098/image/large-a9663124253318752df558799d73ca73.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262098"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262018/image/large-d987aa7f202ad57c9f622d7c1de9f44b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262018"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262068/image/large-da7bd64052ae4e40c41a7d94b6f1afe1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262068">Race Day 1The first day of the regatta saw the fleet sail counterclockwise in an 28-25 knot northerly, with the conditions forcing three yachts to withdraw from the 20-26 nautical mile course.&nbsp;“After our light-air training this week, today was a wake-up call, but expected,” said Tom Whidden, helmsman for the smallest yacht in the fleet, the 28 metre ketch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>, which won Les Mademoiselles. “It was really rough in the corner on the other side of the island, on the way to the rock (a natural mark of the course named Ile Fourchue), but we were happy with the crew work and the boat management.” Whidden has won the Bucket before on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a>&nbsp;and twice more on different entries (including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, last year). He added with a chuckle, “You see, the captains of these boats tell you they will kill you if you break anything, so you have to be careful with your resources.” &nbsp;(<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>, sailing this year against Whidden’s team, retired due to a headstay furler that broke near Ile Fourche.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262024/image/large-7b2364e42cda9f5e3493ba2c97459efa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262024"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262022/image/large-55d4467729a449d63a85cf4909f28a41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262022">Peter King, navigator aboard the 52 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a>, which won L’Esprit 1, said his team “didn’t have the best start but made up for it later and didn’t break anything.” This is King’s fifth time competing in the Bucket and first time sailing in the “Corinthian Spirit” class. More important, it is the first time <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/66" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Red Dragon51.7m (169'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Red Dragon</a> has ever raced period, so the yacht’s owner is delighted. “The owner loves to drive, so he drove the whole time and did a great job,” said King.The 44-metre schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>, one of the most elegant yachts in the L'Esprit 2 fleet, recorded a 43.5 degree of heel on its winning sprint. “We were taking a lot of water over the deck but we were under control,” said guest crew Jakob Havrlant, who counts this as his first Bucket but says it won’t be his last. “Some of the sloops were catching us upwind, but we were a reaching machine on the other legs. It was a perfect race for us.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262032/image/large-3b5b9f18e2aeb1b28744676f0fdc61b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262032"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262031/image/large-0ec3a3f6dab99fc18126e6e86b5123fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262031">Race Day 2The second day saw yet another high wind event with 25-27 knots over the 23-26 nautical mile course. “It was a lot of wave action and wind, with gust of 25-27 knots,” said Steve Rowland, the owner/driver of the 34 metre sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>, which now leads Les Mademoiselles after suffering a steering problem and finishing fourth yesterday. “It made for a lot of hard work, but we won, so I guess that was a good thing!” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262028/image/large-63d1c5872098bfe93ae5d3dd11b57f38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262028"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262030/image/large-4420de271e2f182aa983a156bd435a38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262030">The yacht was the fourth to cross the start line, but was the first to cross the finish line, despite an issue with her spinnaker during the opening leg. She managed to peg <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> to cross the line first, followed closely by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262103/image/large-eb6046c44b2cb0daea1b7999db055ee6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262103"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262104/image/large-2e8fe29f68d01d3f44b25d15f34e30d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262104">In Les Gazelles class the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> took the top spot, overtaking the Day 1 winner, another <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>. “Yesterday we got stuck behind some other boats and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>, faster on the reaches, beat us right at the end,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>’s Captain Will Glenn, explaining that today, with longer downwind legs than yesterday, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> had an advantage. “It is what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a>&nbsp;is designed for, and tomorrow’s course has lots of downwind in it, too, so we are confident we can win.”In the L’Esprit 2 Columbia once again took the top spot, with the 52-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/401" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q52.0m (170'7&quot;)Alloy Yachts2008">Q</a> close behind her and 56.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Melek56.01m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2010">Melek</a> taking the third position.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262038/image/large-cc10bb13691545eabe92a582675dd8ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262038"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262057/image/large-864b8c3fbf9a53d71b6cfac7007f653a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262057">Race Day 3The wind on this last day of the three-day series toned down ever so slightly to 18-24 knots, giving sailors somewhat of a reprieve from the 20-26 knots that prevailed on Friday and Saturday. In all classes, the leaders of Day 2 held their own to clinch overall victory on the final race day.“The wind and sea state was definitely at the upper end for some boats, and certainly for the Race Committee making decisions,” said Race Chairman Peter Craig. “Typically, we sail around the island on Sunday, but we made a decision to keep the boats in the lee of St. Barths for the larger part of today’s race with a course option that was newly added to the Bucket this year.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262059/image/large-752263cd59cbb776f083830aeaf328c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262059"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262060/image/large-e591bf54e38666089bf3a4465ed2aa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262060"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> won the six-boat Mademoiselles to take overall victory in that class with a 4-1-1 score line. “I’m over the top about it,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a>’s owner/driver Steve Rowland, explaining that this is his fourth Bucket with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nakupenda33.24m (109'1&quot;)Royal Denship A/S2005">Nakupenda</a> and his first class win, not to mention overall victory, which is decided by a number of factors including performance and time differentials. “We were in a three-way tie going into today with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a>, so we knew we had to beat both of them. I tried not to think of anything but getting to the finish line once we had passed Bequia (the 28 metre ketch that started ahead) in the final miles of the race and had <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> (the 37 metre sloop that started behind) gaining on us from behind.” (<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bequia27.61m (90'7&quot;)Brooklin Boat Yard 2009">Bequia</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Action37.3m (122'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2015">Action</a> finished second and third, respectively, in overall results.)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262087/image/large-eefdccb01be2ca2a8ff27ac454f9585f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262087">In the L’Esprit 2 Corinthia Spirit Class Columbia held her own and was the only class winner to also win every one of her races. The 49.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was her closest competitor, taking the second position. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262015/image/large-673bdaf099414fbd8852e797abee99af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262015">“In both the first and second races, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/925" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Almyra II49.8m (163'5&quot;)Perini Navi2000">Almyra II</a> was ahead of us,” said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a>’s tactician Tony Rey, “and I have to give credit to our crew members who handled the spinnaker, because we were able to pass them back both times on downwind legs.” On day one, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5645" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Columbia43.03m (141'2&quot;)Eastern Shipbuilding Group2014">Columbia</a> started first and finished first, putting others on alert that this was not just a modern-built recreation of a 1924 fishing schooner that would be slogging around the course. “The boat’s like one of those old flexible flyer sleds you might have had when you were a kid; everything moves and bends but it keeps moving ahead,” said Rey. “We had a mix of traditional schooner sailors and grand prix sailors working together. Our navigator Nacho Postigo helped bring some digital know-how to an analog boat and tracked our progress over the last three days; it was nice to see how we improved as a team.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262092/image/large-9842c9b7f11fc4741ac716d38bb4b863.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262092"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/262094/image/large-8f33ee74c55528b13ccf3ce367b5faa7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/262094">

St Barths Bucket 2023 results

The St Barths Bucket 2023 came to a close over the weekend with Nakupenda taking the top spot.

St Barths Bucket 2023: Nakupenda winner, with Red Dragon and Prana awarded special prizes 

2023 St Barths Bucket Regatta yachts

The entry list for the 2023 St Barths Bucket  has been announced, with 26 yachts racing.

Yachts attending the 2023 St Barths Bucket Regatta

Establishing a successful yacht design studio is by no means an easy feat. Ensuring the studio continues to grow and thrive is another challenge in itself, one that Mark Tucker, founder and managing director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> has relished over the past 18 years. Having worked on numerous award-winning projects over the years including the 64.68-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a>, 53-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mirage53.0m (173'11&quot;)Feadship1979">Mirage</a> and 46.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pink Gin VI53.7m (176'2&quot;)Baltic Yachts2017">Pink Gin VI</a>, the British studio has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the vision of its founder and his team. As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> focuses on its upcoming projects SuperYacht Times took a moment to catch up with Tucker during <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2019">METSTRADE</a> to learn more about the team, their projects and his thoughts on yachting.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/62180/image/large-c4e3f0e1f7869c35041b26b07a9ff870.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/62180">You set up&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>&nbsp;in 2000 - what are some of the studio's significant milestones?That's a tough one! There are certain boats stand out to me, but all of our customers have amazing yachts. Some of our earliest boats like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Visione44.84m (147'1&quot;)Baltic Yachts2002">Visione</a>, a Baltic 147' that was the biggest composite sloop at the time, comes to mind. She was built 18 years ago, but the owner still owns it and is still sailing it, which is great! Other milestone boats I’d say would be <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a>, a beautiful, classic gentleman’s motor yacht. We just completed another one which is named Alyssa, for a very different market sector of the world. Then you get your Pink Gin’s, Pink Gin V, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4899" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pink Gin VI53.7m (176'2&quot;)Baltic Yachts2017">Pink Gin VI&nbsp;</a>- an evolution of a famous name. She is a unique boat, with a very, very different feeling. We designed three yachts for that particular customer, and we got to know him and his taste very well.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/25866/image/large-ef9a0049518d1f4eac843da75d306643.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/25866"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>&nbsp;works on both custom superyachts as well as production series. Do you have a personal preference when it comes to design?I get rewards which are both similar and different from both. Custom work is very rewarding in terms of its status in the industry, the feeling you have once you have achieved a new, unique design. However, production design is also very important regarding what you can bring into the market, such as responsible design, and how it reflects on other yards. We do a lot of production work with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a>, Hansa Group and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Windy Boats AS (Company)">Windy</a> and we are proud that we have good relationships with those companies. Although it’s a different section of the market than custom superyachts and can be quite challenging at times because you have a number of cost-control measure, design and USP to keep in mind, these things make it quite interesting as well. At the end of the day, if you see someone having a great time on one of your boats - custom or production - it's the same. The owners get the same pleasure across the board.Can you tell us a bit more about some of your recent projects - such as the new aluminium model for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon</a>?Well, we just started working with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> on the Icon product line, and that is a very big step for them. However, our work with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> is more of a behind-the-scenes collaboration - any model we create is 100% a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sunseeker (Company)">Sunseeker</a> yacht. We previously worked with them for several years, up until 2008, and developed 12 of the former models, so it is nice that they have come back to us to work on this new range. We are working on a few other projects with them, but I can't say anymore I am afraid!We are also working on another new, very exciting range of explorer yachts which will be announced in <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Boot Düsseldorf - 2019">BOOT - Dusseldorf</a> - it is a very recent signing, so I can't share any more on that either!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21041/image/large-5e4caa71126d7fc0b7de1be453192f56.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21041">Where do you look for inspiration when working on a new yacht design?&nbsp;We look at everything for inspiration - including yachting! The yacht design industry is an amazing industry to follow, full of incredible designers and you should always respect that. While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a> may not be the oldest design studio, I think it's essential to learn from what some of our peers have done over the years. We also find inspiration from all sorts of other areas - the world is a big place. Think art, colour, seasons, textures, architecture - they all come into the equation. Our team is continuously looking and observing what is happening in the world and that's easier to keep track of today thanks to the internet and tools like Pinterest.&nbsp;I do rely on our team for inspiration as well. I am very much a team believer, and I feel that working with other people and listening to them helps me come up with new ideas.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/22696/image/large-13d90b0100c7323777691d6ce347c373.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22696">How would you describe yourself and the design team at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/329" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Unlimited (Company)">Design Unlimited</a>?I am a team player. I like working with people and think we have quite a nice, mixed team. It's invigorating working with young people and the fact we can give them a chance to work on amazing projects is great. I like to think that we promote diversity in our designs for our customers - if you look at our projects and our range of boats, there is no stereotypical, hit-studio style. I'd never force my own personal ideas onto a project - our team is involved in all projects, &nbsp;whether it be custom or production. I think it is good that there is more than one person behind a design because young people have great ideas - they haven’t got the clutter that some of us oldies have got, they see things differently sometimes. And also it's just really good fun working with them. We just hired a new lad, right out of university and he has brought a fresh injection to the studio, new ideas, new ways of doing things.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/45612/image/large-54834dd693c9431ddecab68b38835961.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45612">Do you think that there is sufficient innovation in yacht design?I would say there is - especially among some of the more trendier styles, such as explorer yacht. While everyone has their own opinion on what an explorer is or isn't - a true explorer, in my opinion, is one which helps develop responsible systems. However, trying to put all these newer systems together in a whole package can be difficult. We are working on a new range of explorer yachts at the moment, they are not superyachts, but they are absolutely true explorer yachts, and the whole ethos is started from scratch, with a new platform. We only signed the contract a few weeks ago, but after the briefing, the entire team went 'wow'. There was a buzz going around the studio, and everyone was going on about it - it is sure to turn a few heads.&nbsp;How do you foresee the superyacht industry evolving?The superyacht industry is small, with a lot of people in it. It’s a matter of can it and will it sustain itself, especially as more and more people come into it.&nbsp;Historically we are not a very green industry either. I think that we would all like to be more responsible and conscious, but it has to come from so many different aspects - starting with the engines, the main oil burner. There is much responsibility across the board, but not all clients are willing to pay the extra costs linked to hybrid systems. Fortunately, there are owners out there who are looking at the explorer platform with the idea to do something more green. Overall I think change is afoot, I think that the next generation that comes along will push harder in certain areas, I think that is inevitable. But we have to give them the platform to move it along.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/55401/image/large-6524e9c9dfc37e22bf131ecc39bea57e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/55401"></a>This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now&nbsp;</a>to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited interview

Mark Tucker, founder and managing director of Design Unlimited, answers questions about the studio's past accomplishments and future aspirations.

Q&A with Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited 

Yesterday was the third day of racing at the world’s most prestigious regatta in St Barths as the 23-strong superyacht fleet set off on a 22-25 nm course littered with several natural turning marks on the western side of the Caribbean island. Sailing in a separate fleet, yesterday was also the fourth of five races for the J Class sailors. Below is a recap of the day’s results. &nbsp;Photos by Jeff Brown / Breed Media<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29162/image/large-f097957ba22bce2fe81173afda3b5d00.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29162"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29169/image/large-7d4f868f8b9a79176d5bffeed543f778.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29169"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29164/image/large-5081eaadf3120153d8724768f887a4ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29164"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29170/image/large-6f9f6e660586d34de8fd1f6986e69244.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29170"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29166/image/large-6a0ea5ee3f85a8ebaac2ac93d37d1bd2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29166"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29171/image/large-3efad11d7678db1f4eaf8e2ccdefe08c.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29171"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29167/image/large-ccf7b2c4f5cf32257c8fdef229a5fddf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29167"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29172/image/large-c8e6f7ea1a34798d30bf10e00dbdc482.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29172"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29160/image/large-3f6e50caa36156dd85c4b88acf1fe751.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29160"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29173/image/large-4f5b355603cf2f5ae70ecc1a506f6ede.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29173"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29157/image/large-ea2cbf041f4cdefccf22b23c63f35107.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29157"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29174/image/large-b015995419b061b8a22200b7becb4201.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29174"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29165/image/large-9eef2896a01a7736d070ac2bcbc8e2d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29165"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29163/image/large-c76064ce862da3d93bc6f3ee3ff6e24f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29163"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29159/image/large-6e24d31e6a889b7bea5cb5bd62634bf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29159"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29158/image/large-fe662d9bff1e457c3380a5aafad1f7a6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29158"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29161/image/large-6c70acc22bd6b845d46f96745da5f5e7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29161">

Racing action from St Barths Bucket 2018 Day 3

The 2018 edition of the St Barths Bucket kicked off on Thursday, where some of the world’s fastest, coolest sailing superyachts spent the day preparing for three days of Caribbean racing. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/29065/image/large-33de7e127e6a50d44f2668903b930c40.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29065"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29071/image/large-f5bc64ac49f4cadf4fa01071b9c05783.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29071">Day 2 of the event saw the first race day for the pursuit class after Day 1 was reserved for two J Class races which saw Svea walk away with the day's win followed closely by Topaz and Valsheda. Below are the results for the five different Pursuit Class categories. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/29077/image/large-6dd237a68d744a90564c2b2e1c6a2c9a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29077"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29073/image/large-e896aa07112815048c2bbcbc70c44d3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29073">Images by Jeff Brown / Breed Media&nbsp;We'll be sharing a daily photo gallery from our friends at Breed Media throughout the duration of the Bucket. Check out Breed Media's work <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/">here.</a> Breed Media's images from the show will be available <a href="http://breedmedia.photodeck.com/-/galleries/regatta/2018-st-barths-bucket">here</a> and are currently available at 30% off until 29th March. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/29078/image/large-d3bfd5c52a9d9da539842c1e81d08242.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29078"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29076/image/large-33d41becda6bc93983d5ca46370c0add.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29076"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29079/image/large-4ffeefb5662e449071faf072b82978fd.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29079"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29075/image/large-c2777d697a0070071e89278f80c5bee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29075"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29081/image/large-6cefa1c9c014db834494e69af8f44f55.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29081"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29074/image/large-072ad3e54ceabed91518644131428c75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29074"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29080/image/large-998093028c915d6a8a5f142f7d656bd8.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29080"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29072/image/large-05ac9476910011f3ab8e3ad3b00e312a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29072"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29070/image/large-63643c1182f83430f7573e2535c5a25f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29070"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29069/image/large-b892d0b101f1c32f865947e921cb3db3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29069"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29068/image/large-45047a36e7f1c5dff069fdaf7f644dcc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29068"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29067/image/large-bb7de311ec907dc71f8af4698ec8b586.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29067"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/29066/image/large-46985dea7ec23959341e368ab3798714.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29066">

In Pictures: Day 2 at the St Barths Bucket 2018

Sponsored Content

With the company established in 2000, the last 17 years has seen Design Unlimited’s portfolio shine, with notable projects including the 64.68-metre Shemara, 36.8-metre Bliss, 53-metre Mirage and 46.2-metres Pink Gin V. With Pink Gin VI currently under construction at Baltic Yachts, here Roxanne Hughes of Breed Media sits down with founder of the design studio Design Unlimited, Mark Tucker, for a behind-the-scenes look at the studio.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165328/image/large-b702b9f12f127cccb4ba680828d1b6a3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165328">

You established the Design Unlimited studio in 2000. Tell us a little about your history and what lead you to establish your own design studio.

I have always had a passion for boats and for the sea. I started sailing at an early age, crewing for my dad’s friend in an Albacore dinghy before moving on to have my own Mirror dinghy, the first in a very long line of dinghies and boats. My interest in sailing meant that after studying industrial design at Cardiff, I joined Camper &amp; Nicholson’s Yachts to work in the design office of their shipyard in Gosport. The experience gained at Campers has proven to be invaluable over the years - it gave me a secure technical knowledge of what is actually feasible in terms of build, as well as a great insight into construction methods and joinery.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165329/image/large-01706cfb61279090f3e42a2a83f70fc9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165329">

I then joined Ken Freivokh Design where I worked my way up to becoming a partner before deciding in 2000 that, with 14 years of experience under my belt, the time was right for me and my wife Julie to branch out on our own and Design Unlimited was born. At the beginning of this year, we moved to new premises. The new studio has given us much more space, allowing for expansion and better facilities for welcoming our clients.

What are some of the major milestones over the past 17 years of business?

One of our early projects was Visione which, at the time, was the world’s largest carbon sloop - a great coup for a young studio. This came about through my connection with Jim Pugh from US naval architects, Reichel Pugh and was the start of what has been a very long and productive relationship with Baltic Yachts in Finland. The relationship with Baltic Yachts, formed during our work on Visione, was pivotal in securing the contract for the design of Pink Gin V and forging a fantastic relationship with the owner and his team.

Our work for Sunseeker International was another milestone for the studio. During our early days, we carried out the interior design for an 86’ Sunseeker model which proved popular with their owners and we were then approached by the company to redesign the interiors for their entire range over the period 2006 to 2011; a total of 15 models.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165330/image/large-a390c800f44527e7a44b5106d4334e71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165330">

The refit of Shemara was another great project for our studio. This beautiful gentleman’s motor yacht was completely rebuilt to give her a new lease of life and again, we formed a strong bond with the team. The multi-award winning and aptly named WinWin was also a high point for us.

The refit of Mirage was another significant project on our evolutionary ladder. We had previously designed the refit for this yacht when she was Elisabeth F but a contact with the new owner, for whom we had done some interior work on his race boat, saw us commence what turned into a very large refit carried out over three consecutive winter seasons whilst the owners used the yacht during each summer. All interior areas were completely refitted and modernised utilising a cool, contemporary look with Scandinavian touches. Mirage was awarded Refit of the Year at the World Superyacht Awards in 2016.

In numerical terms we have completed 30 custom superyacht projects, 28 production motor yachts and over 20 production sailing yacht designs, and are grateful to our clients for giving us the opportunity to work on such amazing projects.

The next yacht to launch that you’ve worked on will be Pink Gin VI - built by Baltic Yachts. Once launched, she’ll be the largest carbon-fibre sloop in the world. How did that project come about? What are some of the main rewards and challenges when it comes to the Pink Gin VI project?

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165331/image/large-028df5e98496bfccd096adab1bd6428b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165331">

As mentioned above our initial contact with the Pink Gin team came about through the design of the owner’s previous yacht, the beautiful Pink Gin V. The owner was so delighted with this yacht that he was determined to have the same team working on his new project. Initially, work started on Pink Gin VI in 2012 but the project was put on hold before restarting in earnest in 2014. The launch this summer will be the result of three years’ intense work - the results will be truly remarkable and original. Whilst the details of the project are still under wraps, there have been some incredible challenges associated with building an innovative composite yacht.

Pink Gin VI will feature two hull doors, a first for a carbon sailing yacht, and her closely-guarded interior design will be revealed to all at Monaco Yacht Show in September. Our interior decorator, Nicola Brook, has worked very closely with the owner and her attention to detail means that every last aspect of this amazing project has been carefully considered.

You design for both production and full-custom superyachts. Does your work in each field help the other?

We are fortunate that we have been flexible enough in our outlook to work in both fields. My own sailing experience has meant that I really enjoy the demands of production yacht work, having a smaller envelope into which to fit a functional interior is a challenge which excites me, as is the idea of doing something new in this field. Also, that production yachts have a much shorter timescale for completion means that the results of production work are seen far more quickly.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165332/image/large-d3dce2aba6ee83bef1dea087394a6cde.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165332">

This discipline definitely helps with the custom superyacht design, although it's nice to use the custom work as an opportunity to give one’s imagination (and often the budget!) more free rein. Conversely, our work on custom superyachts also helps us to push the boundaries of the production yacht world and we have worked with many of our superyacht suppliers to help them develop and refine some of their products for use in the wider production sector of the market.

Tell us what is on your drawing boards at the moment, and what we can expect to see in the future.

We are currently working on some pretty exciting and diverse projects. This year we have a 78’ motor yacht launching from Baltic Yachts, an unusual step for this predominantly sailing yacht builder - the client being an experienced sailing yacht owner - and it'll feature a very clean and modern interior with many interesting touches. We are also working on the refit of a 49.9m gentleman’s motor yacht which will be launched in 2018, we have a range of exciting catamaran projects underway at McConaghy, and a 102’ sailing yacht underway in Turkey. We have also been working on designs for a range of motor yachts for Baltic - a new venture for them, a range of production motor yachts building in China, a 46-metre trimaran and we have a few other things up our sleeves as well!

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165333/image/large-0fcbe6aae9813a7d9c93eebd98353a1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165333">

Hear more about Design Unlimited on their <a href="http://www.designunlimited.net/" target="_blank">website</a>.

 

Design Unlimited <a href="http://www.designunlimited.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165334/image/large-ed53858562b66c3bea8fa6ac79c5f841.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165334"></a> 
	Wallington House 
	35A Waterside Gardens 
	Fareham 
	Hampshire 
	PO16 8SD UK

T: +44 (0) 1329 282 44 
	E: <a href="mailto:info@designunlimited.net">info@designunlimited.net</a>

Insight: Behind-the-scenes with Design Unlimited

The term Sunday Showdown lived up to its name yesterday, on the final race day of the 2016 St Barths Bucket Regatta. A large swell and strong breeze made for some exciting race conditions as the impressive fleet ranging from fast high speed to large performance cruisers circled the island on the longest stage of the regatta. The Breed Media team captured these stunning images yesterday.

 

The new Vitters sailing yacht Unfurled made up for her disappointing fourth place finish in Saturday, to not only cross the line first in the final race, but came out on top in Class A, ahead of Nilaya and Visione. Out of the big ladies, it was the regatta-ready Rosehearty that proved to be the fastest across the three days of racing in Class E, outrunning Ohana and Seahawk.

Having fallen behind Ganesha on day one, the regatta regular Perini P2 claimed top spots in the two final races, earning her the overall the victory in the competitive Class B, with Wisp finishing in third overall.

Photos by Jeff Brown / <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" target="_blank">Breed Media</a>

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159137/image/large-195495761fd51448580f39d1578a51ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159137">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159138/image/large-fc62a034e81123874e9b77d9e3f16011.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159138">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159139/image/large-5131237759e767972c58d47a652a0216.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159139">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159140/image/large-436905c7662a2ad2cbf55965f84011ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159140">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159141/image/large-52ec233a540d7364cec638915c2041a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159141">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159142/image/large-9181939e3b70e2c72dc4c2c54ac91176.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159142">

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159143/image/large-9aea82aa46439cd71f4e06bbca84a05e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159143">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159144/image/large-dda94e32da47a272cccd9085c7c9e867.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159144">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159145/image/large-8b552c9a37bf63a6b50de953530197ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159145">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159146/image/large-9a53ec7bc54f523cef9dfa0306da1f64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159146">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159147/image/large-1808b0f2b99a6c44ea9a1ee4061ae0d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159147">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159148/image/large-dbc0e6a092ed2c9e08c053a41a36c26a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159148">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159149/image/large-237d39c3f28bd70f71189c632769dc17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159149">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159150/image/large-78734e3cce5ac2afcf83e0ee89252daa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159150">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159151/image/large-9703deee1b450d84229a03b433901a0f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159151">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159152/image/large-35dc0841e1fd391dcd080783da0f4924.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159152">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159153/image/large-140fc2a4475ea948d04b007a58973458.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159153">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159154/image/large-02c3c8e6aaf2d2f4f201ae322ee692d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159154">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159155/image/large-8644bd816f32c5262a3032f13bcf7fb3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159155">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159156/image/large-dbbd27a9185e28b84df2ad5e5add7b09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159156">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159157/image/large-465ea59f2d30161586d162c526afa68f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159157">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159158/image/large-8a401570e0ac1d827c6a8b364b9f2bbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159158">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159159/image/large-e096bc6ed467270d021e3b8274654e6f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159159">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159160/image/large-a40e394572b80b3293586132e376adaa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159160">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159161/image/large-a9b2706e13d74b1913bcfbf37f85f4b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159161">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159162/image/large-ae8030d7c858689027a4f9757d019b2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159162">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159163/image/large-7546a5b9a1d62e3ba2d931b47fda4c04.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159163">

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/159164/image/large-69543094f936ffbe711192f5bdb7dda2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159164">

Final race day photos at St Barths Bucket 2016

A fleet of nearly 40 sailing yachts jostled at the start line off the island of St Baths yesterday for the start of the oldest annual sailing regatta in the world. Day 1 of the 2016 St Barths Bucket saw the field take on a 20+ nm course around the island. Our friends at <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/" target="_blank">Breed Media</a> is on the ground this week, and sent us these exclusive images.

In Class A it was Vitter’s brand new <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5560">Unfurled</a> that took the honours, outrunning <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4304">Nilaya</a> with mere seconds separating the top three. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/367">Rosehearty</a> once again proved to be the fastest between her Perini Navi sisters, holding on to a lead in Class E over Fritzroy's <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3355">Ohana</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4146">Seahawk</a>. The largest yacht in the field, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288">Athena</a>, was unable to take part on Day 1.

Yesterday was the second day of racing for the J Class fleet. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> was the first across the line in race 1, with <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> returning the favour yesterday. The Holland Jachtbouw-built <a href="#managed-by-application" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632">Topaz</a> finished last in both races, but is not yet out of the race. With tight race times and two further races remaining, anything can happen in this exciting class.

Enjoy these exclusive photos by <a href="http://www.breedmedia.com/">Jeff Brown of Breed Media</a>

Exclusive photo gallery of St Barths Bucket Race Day 1

With a fleet that's teeming with regatta regulars, carbon flyers and yachts boasting the world's top sailors it comes as no surprise that the racing these past two days has been as tight as ever. For example on the 90ft Nautor Swan Odin almost half of their sail-savvy team consist of Olympic and America's Cup sailors. Also the performance Perini P2 is sailed hard by an equally large amount of big name sailors who have been racing together for many years now. This year the team was complemented by Archie Leeu (18) and Thami Hoza (17), two students from the South African Lawhill Maritime Centre who have been selected by Marine Inspirations to race as part of the crew in order to get some hands-on seamanship and expose them to possible yachting career opportunities.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155087/image/large-0eebc8c20820a329137ec46076308613.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155087"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155088/image/large-2b625ee3d6238e373cd830c85eaabb33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155088"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155089/image/large-5d69aae34621e32197fe2abb5dc1bfbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155089">Both the first and second day of racing has seen some intense superyacht competition: smart tactics, close racing and fierce battles. So there was still a lot to tussle for during today's ultimate showdown. In Class A it was the beautiful, black ketch Marie who went into the final race day with a lead of two bullets, sitting a comfortable 3 points above regatta veteran P2. In Class B things were extra exciting with both team Odin and the dazzling, carbon flyer Inouï sharing four points, just one point ahead of yesterday's winner Kiboko Dos. And in Class C it was the new Oyster Maegan who went into today's last St. Regis Race with 2 points over Clan VIII and Blue Too.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155090/image/large-f2794227d8d20a950b1e3f7f2b44c5c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155090"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155091/image/large-00413dbce3717b8a8bc60c68cd7cebb5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155091"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155092/image/large-e7323578298854c427b77ee36c2d9bd8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155092">Today's clear skies and the prediction of Palma's trustworthy SW sea breeze peaking mid -afternoon meant the 21-strong fleet were in for a real treat going into the deciding race. The race committee opted for a riveting and tactical 27.5nm course which started the fleet off on a downwind leg, to keep the competitors on their toes. Racing got underway at 13.00 and saw Thursday's Class winner Clan VIII round the leeward mark first, followed closely by classic lined Blue Too and Claasen's Truly Classic Heartbeat. Heartbeat bagged a class win during last year's SYC and claimed overall victory the year before so clearly has a lot of race winning potential.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155093/image/large-f47911353efafe21a8f426b71883a8fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155093"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155094/image/large-a9a44a519afe70ec5be80c14ad700318.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155094"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155095/image/large-41fa4ad0eecb8a514819fd2d5122ba6f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155095">The second mark saw a reversal with both Blue Too and Heartbeat snatching the lead from Clan VIII. The drama ran deeper in Class A as P2 ran over their kite in the drop and got it wrapped around their keel. Team P2 had to retire from the race just like the giant of the fleet, the 60m P^3, who suffered from technical issues on board.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155096/image/large-dbdfc6ea6f817e6b2de1639c5a7ef4bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155096">The classically elegant Maria Cattiva, who's competing this year for the fifth time, was the first round Bahia two, ahead of Maegan and Marie. Still on her A game the 55m Marie chased Maria Cattiva down and rounded Illetas 1.28 minutes before Maria Cattiva and 2.49 minutes before yesterday's Class C winner Maegan. The black hulled Vitters built boat was not giving an inch today and screamed around the fifth, sixth and seventh mark, leaving first the all-carbon cruiser Win Win and then, the newly reinforced Open Season to chase her down.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155097/image/large-90aca53422fa0fd3bc28fdf3f90c9253.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155097"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155098/image/large-3d2a74f553098ce2942dba7979c2b445.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155098"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155099/image/large-8f03c1877198c7757b850cc14ce873dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155099">The 30m Wally Open Season, known for cleaning up on the race course, managed to sneak out in front and round the 8th Porrasa mark first, 2.15 minutes in front of the cool and uncluttered Saudade. She continued to power down to the finish line, crossing 2.15 minutes in front of Visione and 3.07 minutes ahead of the 45m Wally Saudade.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155100/image/large-7b1a0fbdd60be6704baac312daed92a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155100">In Class A it was the unbeatable, cannon firing Marie who kept her class win from yesterday and the day before. Slick crew maneuvrings and solid sailing in Class B saw the exciting, high- caliber superyacht Inouï charge home to claim the win while the 45m Perini Clan VIII, again took top slot in Class C.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155101/image/large-15be7ece936ed8788ab2dcaf2b895bea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155101"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155102/image/large-9732d9c585f24a2c06c72fc79aea9075.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155102"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155103/image/large-1c6638a90b950f99707a37a78574d450.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155103">After corrections were applied the final calls were made and it was Marie who triumphed in Class A. And the 33m Inouï and the 25m Oyster built Maegan were victorious in Class B and C respectively. A big 'hurrah' goes to the mighty Marie who, with a clean sweep of no less than 3 firsts, is the overall winner of the Superyacht Cup 2015!<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155104/image/large-923c0267c2a7d7eb033e7107049ab9fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155104"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155105/image/large-becddfc3a68c3fd95ba81402327db17c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155105">This 19th edition concluded with the spectacular prize-giving with some of the very best of the superyacht sailing scene concentrated in the Superyacht Cup's race village, suntanned, smiling and still animatedly discussing the day's events.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155106/image/large-b38797d5b163d951935738c8b8e8b0e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155106">As 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes were awarded in each class, groups of at least 20 grinning sailors stormed the stage while receiving plenty of whistles and woo's from the convivial crowd. Fellow competitors were thanked for the past great days on the water assuring their return next year to passionately defend their title. One of the high points of the evening was off course the announcement of this year's overall winner, the 55m classic ketch Marie. No doubt the 9 winning teams will have a big night of celebrations ahead.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155107/image/large-4807417ac1e82a2a634896c1dbe8c1f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155107"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/155108/image/large-33f917ff81c83e705cc6f12b8b37b191.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/155108">And while the end of the day caps a close to another successful Superyacht Cup, owners, race crew, industry titans, family and friends shake hands and congratulate each other on a job well done. Before heading home or back to the boat though, a good dose of Superyacht Cuppers will be making their way down to Pascha's after party, along Palma's pretty, palm tree lined Paseo Maritimo, to kick off some sailing steam and have a last but probably very late one...By The Superyacht Cup, photos by Charl van Rooy

Marie overall winner of the SYC 2015

The past few weeks has seen the crews of all 21 competitors packing sails, protecting the interior, making the bottom of the boat squeaky clean and between each other buying enough Gatorade and Power bars to sink a superyacht. All necessary preparations have been made and the fleet were ready and raring to race the first, Pantaenius race.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154907/image/large-bf7b1ccedd0070269e4e81690dfba51e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154907"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154908/image/large-f8fe684acbda164d6eda627a96b663b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154908"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154909/image/large-62681735878d6d195f2143aff6480679.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154909">This 19th Cup edition sees an entry list as varied as ever, with superyachts ranging from the 24m Claasen built Heartbeat to the 60m Perseus^3, which boasts the world's largest single sail, a bewildering 2600m2 A2 spinnaker. And the coming few days will be setting the scene for a showdown between quite a few entrants who have been crossing swords with each other at previous regatta's. For example regatta regular P2 and the 45m Baltic built Visione have been neck-neck at each race during the St. Barths Bucket. It's the first time these highly competitive yachts will be racing together in Palma and we're sure none of them will be wanting to give the other any quarter.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154910/image/large-7762737a69678dca22007a3bea8fc872.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154910"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154911/image/large-c1ecb6fd5f684a11d039fd8fc268ad9e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154911"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154912/image/large-f5652a3e1807ef1d532ad1abddb2ec7e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154912">To ensure close racing between boats of comparable speed the fleet has been divided into three classes and for the first time this year the SYC will be implementing the all new ORC-sy rating rule. Tested and trialled previously in St. Barths and at both Loro Piana regattas this new handicapping system is heavily based on objectivity and clarity; event director Kate Branagh explains: "The main thing with the new rule is that it is transparent and you can understand how your handicap is achieved. It has brought people back into the game that had previously been out; boats want to know they are being treated fairly and that they have a chance of winning. It shows the owners and crew that it is being taken seriously- there is an awful lot of science, thought and process that goes into it."<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154913/image/large-146e491934fbe8a600417d03dc7c72cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154913"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154914/image/large-2a45baa7c70e6aebbcaef4ef496be03b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154914"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154915/image/large-0361f5fd874687398458274e094cc24c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154915"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154916/image/large-e94bd269ac26103374cb9df746de566b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154916">The race committee selected a 25 mile course which would make the most of the light air conditions. The day dawned sunny with clear, bright, blue skies and although light winds were predicted the sea breeze kicked in early afternoon to deliver a steady 12-14 knots. Today's first Pantaenius Race got underway at 13.00 and proceeded at two minute staggered intervals and saw the hefty 45m Clan VIII get off first to a great start. She was followed by the Claasen built, Truly Classic Heartbeat and first-timer Blue Too. By the time the fleet condensed on the run towards the second mark the conditions were great and the sailing was beautiful. Even though it was the 26m Tulip who charged ahead, the 55m Vitters built Marie with America's Cup veteran Tony Rey calling tactics, forged through the fleet to round first, closely pursued by the 28m Southern Wind Kiboko Dos, modern classic Tulip and the 27m Nautor Swan built Odin.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154917/image/large-01e2bcb6355d3ad2b79eb16b184a6d3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154917"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154918/image/large-721871b2435d0f63b106dd26ab3b0b69.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154918"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154919/image/large-069db38b995b8013eeb9a67bac9461cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154919">The mighty black hulled classic ketch Marie kept the upper hand and powered along to round the third mark first, but was chased hard by Kiboko Dos who managed to snatch the lead on the long beat up to the 4th mark. In Class B the well powered Visione rounded the 5th mark in front of the rest of the fleet, unstoppable she ripped towards the finish crossing the line 4.24 minutes before carbon racer-cruiser Win Win, who had been under pressure from the newly reinforced 30m Wally Open Season who finished a skinny 12 seconds after.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154920/image/large-d999e7e99a46625da26638eba869a411.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154920"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154921/image/large-b7183a23b6b6791a90fe1ace08ed4500.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154921"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154922/image/large-7fccab8090b11a9efbae5f4dc9388d1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154922">Savvy tactics and great sailing on board the 33m Vitters built Inouï was good for a first victory finishing just 5 seconds ahead of Odin on corrected time, both storming in with a solid 16-17 knots blowing. "It was great; great start, great steady wind and a nice class for us and we expect to do more time like this, it should be a good few days!" Smiled Inouï's Captain Stephane Luca. The 33m Win Win who has been the talk of terra firms took third. "I'll tell you what, with the building breeze all day and excitement escalating throughout the whole race it was pretty spectacular and the second upwind leg we had probably 9 superyachts all lined up, heading at a similar speed, just charging, charging, charging towards the shore" enthuses Clive Walker, captain on Win Win.<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154923/image/large-c74da8a3421ef6f89ecd8f09d05d8812.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154923"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154924/image/large-68e91ae83cf498403d5b996e09e389ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154924"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154925/image/large-78e78917b841afbc1f759d1578c48865.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154925">In Class A it was Marie's day in the sun as she came out on top crossing the line 3minutes and 2 seconds before the 46m Ganesha, with Matt Humphries calling tactics, who has competed in every major ocean race including six Sydney Hobart's and 5 Volvo's. "Conditions were really nice, we started in 12 knots and ended up with 20 knots at the bottom end of the Bay so overall a really good course, a lot of manoeuvrings and quite tight racing between all the superyachts which is always fantastic."<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; background-image: none; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154926/image/large-3b4daec1b574e96167736ec1edd6959e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154926"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154927/image/large-bed893b27d55a921ed20c5fe9f9b00bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154927"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154928/image/large-20bedf59a2a83e8afabbeac48a8d8d8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154928">By The Superyacht Cup, photos by Charl van Rooy / SuperYachtTimes.com

Inouï, Marie and Clan VIII lead in The Superyacht Cup

The Superyacht Cup ( SYC) 2015 Palma is about to kick off again, celebrating its nineteenth edition. A total of 21 yachts from 12 different shipyards will compete in the Majorcan waters on the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th of June.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154801/image/large-402209f4fd8c19dc14c09e57223c1cfc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154801">The yachts that will compete range from 24 to 60 metres, and will race in several different categories.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154802/image/large-7c0dcaba6778cb6a33784d55d4138c0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154802">The Cup will attracy hundreds of visitors, participants, sponsors and media, all bringing in money into to area. According to a study by the Chamber of Commerce, the economic impact of the The Superyacht Cup could be around between 3 and 4 million euros.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154803/image/large-5048c0bfd585c01c467cbe8e64d56ee6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154803">The Cup has been Running since 1996, and is the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe.The following yachts will take part in the regatta:<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">	<tbody>		<tr>			<td>Heartbeat</td>			<td>24 metre </td>			<td>Claasen Shipyards</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Tilakkhana</td>			<td>24 metre</td>			<td>Wally Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Maegan</td>			<td>25 metre</td>			<td>Oyster Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Guardian Angel 
</td>			<td>26 metre</td>			<td>Oyster Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Tulip</td>			<td>26 metre</td>			<td>K&amp;M Yacht Builders</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Odin</td>			<td>27.7 metre</td>			<td>Nautor Swan</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Kiboko Dos
</td>			<td>28 metre</td>			<td>Southern Wind Shipyard</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Open Season
</td>			<td>30.4 metre</td>			<td>Wally Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Gaia</td>			<td>30.6 metre </td>			<td>Spirit Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Inoui</td>			<td>33 metre </td>			<td>Vitters Shipyard</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Win Win
</td>			<td>33 metre </td>			<td>Baltic Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Blue Too
</td>			<td>34 metre</td>			<td>Alloy Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Highland Breeze
</td>			<td>34 metre</td>			<td>Nautor Swan</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>P2</td>			<td>38 metre</td>			<td>Perini Navi</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Maria Cattiva
</td>			<td>40 metre</td>			<td>Royal Huisman</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Clan VIII
</td>			<td>45 metre</td>			<td>Perini Navi</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Saudade</td>			<td>45 metre</td>			<td>Wally Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Visione 
</td>			<td>45 metre</td>			<td>Baltic Yachts</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Ganesha 
</td>			<td>46 metre</td>			<td>Vitters Shipyard</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>Marie</td>			<td>55 metre</td>			<td>Vitters Shipyard</td>		</tr>		<tr>			<td>
Perseus ^3
</td>			<td>60 metre</td>			<td>Perini Navi</td>		</tr>	</tbody>
</table> By Maarten Janssen

21 Yachts to compete in the Superyacht Cup Palma

Held from the 19th to 22nd March, the 2015 edition of the St Barths Bucket Regatta came to a close two days ago. The four classes of yachts competing in the race were Gazelles, Elegantes, Mademoiselles and Grande Dames, of which the Gazelles and Elegantes took the long course of 25.2 nautical miles, while the Mademoiselles and Grandes Dames completed the medium course of 20.9 nautical miles.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153067/image/large-25cccdba7de290d4bfe14545b3377e38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153067">Winning in the Gazelles class was the 44.9 metre sloop Visione, which also took overall regatta honors to win the coveted ‘Bucket’. P2 took a sixth in the race to fall behind Visione and runner-up Inoui in the overall standings. Visione's tactician Jens Christiansen comments on the race, saying, “The 10-11 knot winds suited us well. We were sailing very fast on the long beat, going farther out because we are that much faster than anybody else and staying clear of other boats in other classes so as not to get entangled in them tacking on each other." Built in 2003, Visione's first Bucket was in 2004 and has competed in half a dozen Buckets since.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153068/image/large-18ab3b79859683e7fa25840360627ec9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153068">Moving on to the Mademoiselles, the 30.2 metre sloop Cape Arrow chartered by Pier Luigi Loro Piana turned in all second-place finishes to top the class. Cape Arrow's tactician Thomaso Chieffi, veteran of four America's Cup campaigns and a Volvo Ocean Race winner, says, "Today, we weren't hoping to win the series; we were looking to maintain our second, but with the little change of rating that occurred overnight to the leading boat (Bequia, which won both race one and race two and took on five more minutes of handicap for race three, in which she finished sixth) and the fact that today was more our race, it made us eventually score a second and win the series overall. We are very pleased with the result. It came a little bit out of the blue, but we feel somehow that we deserve it.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153069/image/large-91c189dd3f37fde2a49048f969df3acc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153069">The 46.4 metre Royal Huisman ketch Elfje started 21 minutes behind the 44.6 metre schooner Adela and edged her out at the finish by eight seconds to win in Elegantes. The two boats ended up sharing overall class victory in the interest of an amicable resolution to a safety rule debate, while close contender Marie, the 54.6 metre Vitters Shipyard ketch that had been tied with Adela and Elfje going into the final day of the race, finished sixth for a third overall.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153070/image/large-1c17691038ac3708a7b62cefefe702eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153070">Taking overall victory in Grand Dames was the 37.6 metre ketch Axia, who beat the previous days leader, the 55.9 metre Perini Navi ketch Rosehearty, in the last day of the Bucket. "Today was by definition, truly a medium-wind day," said tactician Robbie Doyle. "If it had been a light-wind course, we would have owed Rosehearty more time, and it would have been really tough for us. They would have had another five or six minutes, which is what we beat them by." Doyle was explaining the race committee's choice each day, under the new rule, to officially designate the wind conditions as light, medium or high, which in turn affects starting times and sometimes order of starts within classes.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XIht5IjXYLI" width="560" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>The Regatta this year featured new stewards in ownership: Perini Navi, Royal Huisman, Vitters Shipyard and Rybovich.By Gemma Fottles, photos by <a href="http://www.corysilken.com/">Cory Silken</a>

Looking back at the 2015 St Barths Bucket Regatta

Ship Motion Group supplies state-of-the-art Retractable Propulsion Systems, Gyrostabilizers and Flexible couplings for the international superyacht market. We met up with Jan Bruggeman and Wouter Kloppenburg, two former key members of Amartech BV, who founded the Dutch company Ship Motion Group BV, to discuss their product range.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/147438/image/large-15a2c9ebba314230c7e164f836761a97.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/147438">“There is a need for lightweight Retractable Propulsion Systems, especially for high performance sailing yachts and fast motor vessels as auxiliary propulsion. Most important consideration to place our Retractable Propulsion System in your yacht is the enormous reduction of the yacht’s total resistance. This results in vastly improved sailing performances in all sailing conditions”, says Wouter Kloppenburg.In 2012 a new type of Retractable Propulsion System was first installed in <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a>, a 147 ft. sailing yacht with exceptional sailing performance that puts most racing yachts to shame. “This sailing yacht is using our system now for over 1,5 year and has competed very successfully in several major regatta’s. The owner is very satisfied with both the performance of our Retractable Propulsion System and his sailing vessel”, says Jan Bruggeman.The Ship Motion Group RPS is suitable for carbon and aluminium hulls and is mainly manufactured of high-grade titanium and carbon reinforced fibres.Ship Motion Group field engineers just completed the installation of the next Ship Motion Group RPS in a new sailing yacht project at Baltic Yachts in Finland. This sailing yacht is designed for comfortable cruising with the minimum of crew or racing aggressively, fully crewed, in the major Maxi regattas and will be launched soon.<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&amp;isUI=1">
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF">
<param name="flashVars" value="videoId=3230171646001&amp;playerID=1789981947001&amp;playerKey=AQ~~,AAABoLtts-E~,weLPhGlYt7zIZ1sQQI7yrZ_DvjG1v5fh&amp;domain=embed&amp;dynamicStreaming=true">
<param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com">
<param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="swLiveConnect" value="true">
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always">
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=3230171646001&amp;playerID=1789981947001&amp;playerKey=AQ~~,AAABoLtts-E~,weLPhGlYt7zIZ1sQQI7yrZ_DvjG1v5fh&amp;domain=embed&amp;dynamicStreaming=true" height="270" name="flashObj" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" seamlesstabbing="false" src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&amp;isUI=1" swliveconnect="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed></object>“Lately we have put a lot of work and effort in developing an animation of our prestigious Retractable Propulsion System. This way we can show our clients in detail what happens when they decide to place our Retractable Propulsion System in their yacht”, Jan Bruggeman reveals.Ship Motion Group RPS system has several key advantages. Retracting your propulsion system will result in a total drag reduction from 4,6 to 10.2%, which ensures a significant higher speed and increase of sailing performance. The lightweight system has a proven reliability track record, partly due to the systems excellent maintainability.“We pay a lot of attention to the reliability and maintainability of the system, knowing that lifting a vessel out of the water is a very costly endeavour. The design is done in close corporation with classification society DNV, and will also match all the common classification societies”, Wouter Kloppenburg says.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/147439/image/large-f144386703baeac24686d9b97481394a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/147439">Drag reduction, by use of Retractable Propulsion Systems for sailing yachts, is in fact one of the topics of the 2014 edition of the Superyacht Design Symposium, taking place 24 &amp; 25 February in the impressive setting of Tyrol in the Austrian Alps. Ship Motion Group’s team of experts will be one of the companies attending the event.Ship Motion Products offers carefully selected motion-related products, including those from third party manufacturers, with exclusive dealerships for a number of products. Whether you choose a custom made solution or one of our advanced products, Ship Motion is your partner in motion-related products.Ship Motion Group +31 (0) 85 00 21 810 <a href="mailto:info@shipmotiongroup.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@shipmotiongroup.com</a> <a href="http://www.shipmotiongroup.com" target="_blank">www.shipmotiongroup.com</a>

State-of-the-Art, lightweight Retractable Propulsion System for superyachts

The 44.8m/147ft Reichel-Pugh sloop Visione is a committed and successful contender on the superyacht regatta circuit, so when the Owner decided to enhance performance with a complete new rig, his team knew that a key component in achieving his objectives would be an advanced new boom system. Rondal’s expertise in developing sail handling systems proven in challenging conditions – including aboard Visione - made them a clear choice for the brief. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139322/image/large-8842b78cdde4347f9f8cb0476819036f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139322">The key objectives were - to reduce weight while at the same time accommodating higher leech loads and outhaul loads through stronger, stiffer construction. In addition, the Team sought to achieve enhanced sail shape at all reef stages while minimizing chafing, stretch and other potential sources of damage to the sail. The first Rondal Rollaway Slab Reef (RSR) boom introduced a pioneering fusion of benefits. These included all the advantages of a rollaway boom to store and reef the main while offering the additional advantages of slab reefing to optimise sail shape and load distribution through fixed points of attachment in the sail at all reef positions. The second generation RSR boom has built upon these benefits with an impressive list of refinements and new features including: - Lighter, stiffer construction with simplified and fully integrated outhaul system to allow higher loads - Optimised weight distribution via relocated mandrel engine at forward end of the boom - Open-front boom facilitates tack fitting closer to the mast, reduces ramp on mast, avoids luff chafing. - Luff tension is adjustable by Cunningham - Rondal’s Style to Order custom styling service means the RSR boom will be as visually in tune with the yacht - Fixed tack and clew / reefing positions enhance sail shape, minimize stretch, and fully remove the load from the mandrel“It has been a great collaboration working with the Rondal Team. They embraced our vision for an enhanced, performance boom and have shown excellent cooperation with all professionals involved with the project. There has been openness to our ideas and a real understanding of the demanding sailing environment Visione is a part of and this has enabled us to achieve an excellent result within a constrained time-frame”.- Garth Visione’s new Rondal RSR boom is now in production and will be installed with the new rig at the conclusion of her current refit at Baltic Yachts in Finland. The new, second generation Rondal RSR boom can be retro-fitted to any yacht looking for performance upgrade opportunities, offering a straightforward means of improving performance and handling while at the same time saving weight and extending mainsail life. Rondal Paul Dielemans +31 527 24 35 00 <a href="mailto:p.dielemans@rondal.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">p.dielemans@rondal.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rondal.com">www.rondal.com</a>

Superyacht Visione gets Rondal rollaway slab reefing boom

Yesterday, day 1 of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2011 in Porto Cervo, tested the 27 crew and their yachts to their limits, and beyond in some cases. Broken sails and halyard strops meant a busy evening for some crew as they worked to have their yachts ready for today's race, but the sailors relished the challenge of the changeable conditions all the same. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/135388/image/large-1cec0e4126629556f9c5fd6e3b45c2b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/135388">Owner of Wally Y3K, Claus-Peter Offen, enjoys racing in Porto Cervo for the breeze and for the competition. ‘It is good racing here against a good number of competitive boats, and we had tricky winds today which demanded last-minute decisions, and that’s what makes the racing here so exciting.’ A little too exciting at times in the Performance Division, as the fleet converged on the first windward mark all together. Four protest flags flew from different yachts and it was a late evening for the afterguard of some of the Performance boats, and also for the international jury who were tasked with deciding what, if any, penalties to applied to some near-miss incidents. ‘You have to expect this when you have boats of similar speed all racing competitively,’ said Offen. ‘It’s a sign of good close racing.’ The larger and less manoeuvrable yachts in the Cruising Division were governed by a new set of safety rules, including a 40 metre exclusion zone to avoid any close calls that could result in a collision. The 19 yachts in this division also started at two-minute intervals, the fastest setting out last. Even if there wasn’t the boat-to-boat drama of the Performance Division, the wind had a few surprises up its sleeve. After virtually no wind at start time, the breeze built nicely to 15 knots, but later gusted higher. Just before the finish, a storm cloud just off the entrance to Porto Cervo caused the wind to turn through 180 degrees and created even more work for sailors on the foredeck as they scurried to change from spinnakers to headsails. The owner of Marie, the 54.6 metre Vitters ketch, commented: ‘It was an exciting race with up to 25 knots of wind, which caused a lot of broken halyards and headsails. We broke our head sail early in the race during a tack.’ Timoneer and Saudade also had trouble with sails and halyards, pushing them back in the rankings on corrected time. Dr. Peter Wacker’s Fitzroy Yachts 38.8 metre Ganesha won the Cruising Division by more than three minutes from Harry Macklowe’s Unfurled, with Hasso Plattner’s lightweight Baltic 147 Visione tearing past the rest of the fleet to finish in 3rd. In Performance, Irvine Laidlaw steered his Reichel-Pugh 82-footer Highland Fling XI to victory ahead of Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s My Song. Y3K came in third.Yacht Club Costa Smeralda <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yccs.it">www.yccs.it</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com">www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com</a>

Day 1 of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2011

Despite the set-back of not being able to hoist any mizzen sails, Sojana managed to hold-off the rest of the fleet and win the third and final race of The Superyacht Cup Antigua 2010. Bucket ratings expert, Jim Teeters worked out Sojana's temporary sloop rating after they suffered a broken mizzen boom on the first day, and gave them a 4 minute start advantage over second starting boat, Rebecca and a 29 minute start on Visione. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130099/image/large-da9569bb8110428db0a2299917a622ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130099">© 2010 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.Clairematches.com">www.Clairematches.com</a>It was another windy day with plenty of action for these immensely powerful superyachts, flying full mains and maximum downwind sails; they raced around the 24 mile course in just two and a half hours. The breeze picked up on the final beat to the high 20's and Visione closed the gap on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293">Sojana</a>, finishing just 51 seconds behind her. An elated Peter Harrison, owner of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293">Sojana</a>, cheered as he crossed the line in first place, a much improved day out for him and his crew who have played as many rounds of golf on the island as sailing races in the past few days! <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/44">P2</a> had a tight battle all day, crossing tacks several times. At one point <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/44">P2</a> looked to be clear ahead, but <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> gained on the last upwind leg, beating them by just over 3 minutes. Throughout the three days of racing the emphasis on sailing safe has been very high on everyone's mind and the superyacht racing protocol has been put to the test by the experts, without incident or protest. High priority on the agenda of this friendly superyacht regatta, the social program has been a huge hit; from Pirates of the Caribbean fancy dress, to last night’s all important 'cook-off' between the yachts, the social competitions were just as fiercely contested as the sailing. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293">Sojana's </a>Captain, Marc Fitzgerald, prepared a magnificent grilled halibut and vegetable risotto while <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301">Mirabella V</a> crew barbecued up a storm carefully supervised by the Captain 'Dr' Rocka. The event closed with a grand Prize Giving Buffet dinner at the Copper &amp; Lumber Hotel in Nelson's Dockyard. Results Overall: 1st <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> - 4 points 2nd <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293">Sojana</a> - 10 points 3rd <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> - 10 points The Superyacht Cup Antigua +34 971 402 553 <a href="mailto:info@thesuperyachtcup.com?subject=Superyacht%20Cup%20Antigua%202010%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@thesuperyachtcup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com">www.thesuperyachtcup.com</a>

Visione wins the Superyacht Cup Antigua 2010

The superyachts taking part in this week’s Superyacht Cup Antigua have all arrived in the Caribbean island of Antigua and preparations have begun in Nelson's Dockyard to accommodate the fleet and host the dockside parties. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130062/image/large-da150160aa6032f05431113427cd02be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126280"> Timoneer claims victory in the Superyacht Cup Antigua 2008The latest yacht to confirm their participation is the largest sloop in the world at over 75m LOA, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301">Mirabella V</a>. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301">Mirabella V</a> was designed by Ron Holland and launched out of VT Shipbuilding in the UK in 2006 and has clocked up many thousands of sea-miles since her debut at the Superyacht Cup Antigua in December of the same year. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301">Mirabella V</a> and her guests will be fully joining in the spirit of the event but will be sailing non-competitively against the rest of the fleet. Unfortunately the J class yacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> has had to pull out of the event at the last moment, but a top-class competitive cross-section of superyacths will be lining up for the first race on January 27th; <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/44">P2</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2349">Rebecca</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1293">Sojana</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a>. Many famous names in yachting are flying in to race these beautiful superyachts and enjoy the social events at this fun and relaxed Caribbean regatta. A Cocktail Party will welcome all the owners, sponsors, guests and crew to the event on Wednesday at the Admiral's Inn in Nelson's Dockyard. The sponsors of The Superyacht Cup Antigua 2010 are Slam, Wayfarer Marine, Pantaenius, Perini Navi, Newport Shipyard, Atollvic Shipyard and Antigua Rigging. The event is being run in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority and under the burgee of the Antigua Yacht Club. The Superyacht Cup Antigua +34 971 402 553 <a href="mailto:info@thesuperyachtcup.com?subject=Superyacht%20Cup%20Antigua%202010%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@thesuperyachtcup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com">www.thesuperyachtcup.com</a>

Nelson’s Dockyard prepares for Superyacht Cup Antigua 2010 

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s September sporting calendar consolidates the entire spectrum of modern-day yachting as sailing superyachts, competitive maxis and honed racing sport boats congregate in Porto Cervo for four events which attest the Club’s decision to concentrate on two distinct areas of development: superyacht events designed to bring the cream of the nautical world to the YCCS and competitive regattas for leading one-design classes. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/128541/image/large-c6c8c7e6b40b20ccfa231d302cbb5d99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128535">The month kicks off with the Perini Navi Cup from 3rd to 5th September. Organized for the first time by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the third edition of this rendezvous will bring a record fleet of 21 Perini Navi yachts to Porto Cervo for three days of racing through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago accompanied by a rich social programme for owners and their guests. With 19 of the competing yachts coming in at over 40 metres in length and the inimitable 88 metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385">Maltese Falcon</a> present to defend her victory in the 2006 edition, spectators will be in for a rare treat. The 20th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (6th to 12th September) will see Porto Cervo play host to another fleet of sailing giants, this time ranging from technologically advanced racing machines to elegant cruisers. Thirty-eight maxi yachts have enrolled to date and the fleet will be divided into Cruising, Mini Maxi, Racing and Spirit of Tradition categories while competing Wally yachts race in their own division. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is open to sailing yachts over 18 metres and some of the largest participating craft, Albert Buell’s <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/198">Saudade</a> (MLT) and Hasso Plattner’s <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> (GER), measure over 40 metres in length. Neville Crichton (NZL), who was twice victorious in his division (2003 and 2006) with his second Alfa Romeo, will be competing with the third version of Alfa Romeo, a 21 metre mini-maxi launched in 2008. The mini maxi division is likely to see fierce competition with the STP65s Container (GER) and Luna Rossa (ITA) signed up alongside Niklas Zennstrom’s Judel Vrolijk 72 Ran (GBR). Title sponsor Rolex will provide the traditional array of exclusive social events for owners and crews once back ashore. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/128542/image/large-6b4c4a90bb68006654af10a5e436eb10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128542">As the maxi yachts depart from the docks of Porto Cervo Marina they will promptly be replaced by a fleet of one-design racing boats which represent the opposite end of the competitive sailing spectrum. The Audi Melges 20 Sailing Series, the fifth and final leg of the class’ European racing circuit, will take place from 18th to 20th September. The Reichel-Pugh designed Melges 20 was launched in 2008 and is designed to be crewed by two to four people. Like other boats in the Melges sailboat family, the 20 footer combines clean, simple lines with top-level engineering and performance. A strong favourite for the event will be Benedetto Giallongo’s Value Team which currently holds a clear lead in the overall classification for the series. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s 2009 Porto Cervo sailing season will conclude in grand style with the first ever World Championship for the Melges 32 class. The Audi Melges 32 World Championship is scheduled from 21st to 27th September and approximately 30 teams are expected to participate. Twenty-five Melges 32s have recently completed the final leg of the Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series which saw Carlo Alberini’s Calvi Network (ITA) take overall victory. Other Italian teams to watch will include Lorenzo Santini’s Uka Uka Racing and Vincenzo Onorato’s Mascalzone Latino. Among the international competitors Pieter Taselaar’s Bliksem (USA) proved to have a strong team when they won the third leg of the series in Scarlino, Italy. “As is traditional, September will be a very busy month for us,” said YCCS Sports Director Edoardo Recchi. “It is a pleasure for us to be able to organize all of these events which bring us the most beautiful and most diverse fleets of boats: from the 88 metre Maltese Falcon to the 6 metre Melges 20.” Yacht Club Costa Smeralda +39 0789 902417 <a href="mailto:secretariat@yccs.it?subject=YCCS%20September%20Events%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">secretariat@yccs.it</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yccs.it">www.yccs.it</a> Photos by Kurt Arrigo/YCCS BI and Carlo Borlenghi

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda prepares for packed September schedule

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 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123056/image/large-22bf32f95555917a32deb28e735eee9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123056">The Baltic <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> participating in the Superyacht CupPhoto credit: <a href="https://www.superyachtphoto.com" target="_blank">Merijn de Waard / Yacht-Images.com</a> (If you have a yacht or yacht related photo then please send it to <a href="mailto:info@superyachttimes.com?subject=Photo%20of%20the%20Day&amp;body=Please%20attach%20your%20photo%2C%20a%20short%20photo%20caption%20and%20the%20photo%20credit%20and%20we%20will%20consider%20publishing%20it%20at%20Photo%20of%20the%20Day.%0A">info@superyachttimes.com</a> for Photo of the Day)

The Baltic Visione participating in the Superyacht Cup

Stronger winds and testing tactical conditions saw major changes in fortunes throughout the Superyacht Cup fleet for the second day of sailing for the Astilleros de Mallorca Rally. The change to an easterly wind direction led to a close reach along the coast to the Fortis mark off Caba Regana, where a colourful array of spinnakers were set as the fleet headed across the Bay of Palma to the turning mark off the Isla de Sech.Fortune favoured the early starters and the tacticians who chose to reach up into the bay when the wind first died and then changed to a south westerly.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122769/image/large-d2fc6029c0fea5ffcfc8c1c90abf5532.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122769">Captain Phil Wade on the 44.7m (147ft) ketch Timoneer, one of the most experienced 'rally' skippers, took advantage of the situation sailing around many yachts to take second place in Division 1.Whilst Superyacht Cup supremo Patrick Whetter continued to see north easterlies on the committe boat Ilona up in the corner of the Bay, there was a large hole in the wind at the NZ turning mark off Isla de Sech.At first glance it seemed that the handicapper for the pursuit starts had finaly got his sums right as half the 52-boat fleet came together as more and more yachts piled into the fray. For a short period in the ensuing melee yachts were drifting in every direction.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122770/image/large-87f5899307c625d333306fb0d0f20b31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122770">Considering the size, speed differential and lack of manouerabilty in light winds of many of the larger yachts, the fact that there was no damage is a testament to the boat handling and seamanship skills of the Superyacht Cup crews.The J-Class <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> was one of the major losers as her owner/driver time and again tried to cross the fleet on port to get on the right side of the mark, finally crossing close to Mystere's bow to get back in contention. Even with the time lost, Velsheda still managed to finish 12 minutes ahead of close rival Ranger.The fastest elapsed time around the course was set by Wild Oats IX in two hours 39 minutes, with Alfa Romeo seven minutes behind despite having held an early lead, and the Wally Y3K third fastest with an elapsed time of two hours 45 minutes.The points weighting multiple for the second day was 1.0 compared with 0.3 for the first day. For the final day the start order will again be the reverse of the previous days elapsed time, but the vagaries of the conditions will have undoubtedly upset many of the start times.The Superyacht Cup concludes on Tuesday with the New Zealand Millennium Cup followed by the New Zealand Millennium Cup Ball and a dockside crew party.Results Astilleros de Mallorca Day TwoDivision 1 1. Ganesha 2. Timoneer 3. EleonoraDivison 2 1. Arrayan 2. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1163">Visione</a> 3. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/411">Kokomo of London</a>