Two sailors have been discovered dead on their yacht, while sailing between Madagascar and Mozambique, off Africa’s south east coast in the Indian Ocean.

The yacht Acteon is a 50-footer registered in France, and was sailing in the Mozambique Channel, around 200 miles north east of Beira, Mozambique.

The two sailors have been named as Deirdre Sibly, 67, of Port Lincoln, Australia, and Frenchman Pascal Mahe. Both are understood to be highly experienced cruisers.

The pair were sailing to Durban, South Africa from Reunion Island, when a distress call was sent from their yacht on Thursday, 27 November, which was received by a cargo ship in the area that alerted French authorities.

Deirdre Sibley, an Australian cruiser reported to have been found dead aboard the yacht she was sailing in the Indian Ocean, in a photo released by her sister Sue Good.

Speaking to The Guardian in Australia, Deirdre Sibly’s sister Sue Good said that the cargo ship approached Acteon but was unable to board the yacht. Two additional vessels then joined the rescue effort, and crew were able to get aboard.

“I had a call from [the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade] at about 10am Friday morning, that’s when they told me someone was able to board the yacht and a man and woman had been found deceased,” Cook confirmed to Guardian Australia.

Speaking to Australian news broadcaster ABC Adelaide, Good was also quoted as saying: “We’re just devastated; she’d been away sailing with Pascal since early June … she was so happy.”

The yacht Acteon, as identified on the Marine Traffic AIS tracking site. Image Fran Solly/Marine Traffic

Piracy speculation

There has been no official indication of a likely cause of death, though some online reports have speculated that piracy may be involved.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it was “providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian missing in the Mozambique channel”.

A spokesman added: “Our thoughts are with the family at this distressing time.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

Historically there have been numerous incidents of Somali pirates targeting yacht sailors, most high profile of which were the Chandlers, who were kidnapped from their yacht near the Seychelles in 2009 and held captive for over a year before being released in 2011. That same year four American sailors were killed after being hijacked off the coast of Oman.

The Gulf of Aden has been known to be a high risk area for over two decades, although some yachts do still transit the area – 50-60 yachts are estimated to have crossed the Suez Canal in 2023 and 2024.

The reported location of the yacht Acteon when it issued a distress call on 27 November.

The waters further south were previously thought to be lower risk, though a radical Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique, funded in part by drug smuggling from Afghanistan to East Africa, led to authorities warning of an increased piracy risk in the area from 2020/21 onwards.

The Mozambique Channel is a key shipping route, and also a major oil and gas production area.

Madagascar and the eastern side of the channel were previously considered safer, though Madagascar has also experienced political upheaval and unrest, with a coup in November 2025.

The yacht Acteon is understood to still be adrift. We’ll report more when we have further information.

The post Mystery after two cruisers discovered dead aboard yacht in Indian Ocean appeared first on Yachting World.

The Famous Project CIC, the all-women challenge for the Jules Verne Trophy, the non-stop around the world record, departed on Saturday 29 November.

The team, which is skippered by French former Vendée Globe skipper Alexia Barrier and was set up together with British record-breaking yachtswoman Dee Caffari, is aiming to become the first all-female crew to complete a Jules Verne attempt.

But above all they are chasing one of the all-time great sailing records, the non-stop, no-holds-barred around the world record time, which currently stands at 40 days and 23 hours, set by Idec Sport in 2017.

As Dee Caffari posted on her Facebook page: “Sh*t is about to get real!”

Barrier and Caffari are racing with Annemieke Bes, Rebecca Gmuer, Deb Blair, Molly Lapointe, Xiquita Etchegoyen, and Stacey Jackson aboard Idec Sport, the same maxi-trimaran which set the current Jules Verne record in 2017, skippered by Francis Joyon.

The Famous Project CIC, 100% women crew, crossing the start line for Trophée Jules Verne on November 29, in Brest, France. Photo by Jean-Marie Liot / The Famous Project CIC

Starting a Jules Verne challenge

The Jules Verne Trophy has an official start/finish line between the Créac’h lighthouse on the island of Ouessant, France, and Lizard Point lighthouse on the southernmost tip of England.

Crews must sail around the world, passing Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn to port, before crossing the same line in the opposite direction to finish – a ‘great circle’ distance of 21,760 nautical miles (40,300km).

But the Jules Verne has no set start time, so teams may leave whenever their weather routers believe a suitable window of opportunity for a fast Atlantic descent is opening up.The Famous Project first moved to what’s known as ‘Code Green’, or ready to depart. Having left Brest, they crossed the line at 01.40 UTC (14 h 40 FR) on Saturday, November 29.

The Jules Verne Trophy course

Toughest 24 hours at start

The Famous Project crew set off in tough conditions with a blustery north-westerly, and will immediately face 4-5m waves in the Bay of Biscay.

“I feel very lucky and grateful for all the work that has been done over the last few months and years, all together. It’s really a collective celebration to be at the starting line,” said Barrier.

“Obviously, I’m a little nervous because what we’re doing is huge. But what reassures me a lot is having these incredible girls by my side. I’m not alone and I know my team is up to the task.

“We’ll be sailing downwind until we reach the equator. These are conditions we know well. Further on, the doldrums are still shifting.

“As Brian Thompson, who has helped us a lot throughout this training course on trimarans with the girls, would say, ‘You’re going to experience the toughest 24 hours of your Jules Verne Trophy.’ So we need to stay focused and conservative so we don’t hurt ourselves or break anything on the first day.”

Boat and crew of The Famous Project CIC, 100% women crew, before start for Trophée Jules Verne on November 29, in Brest, France. Photo by Jean-Marie Liot / The Famous Project CIC

“I’m surprisingly calm, but I think I’m calm to help everyone else, because you can feel a certain nervousness,” said Dee Caffari on the morning of the start.

“The main goal has always been to get to the starting line, and I think today we took a big step forward. It’s an important milestone, and I think it deserves a little celebration.

“It’s been a long road, with ups and downs, but Alexia never lost confidence or faith in herself, and I supported her throughout. So I’m very happy to be here. Today it’s about reminding the girls that we’re just going to sail, which is what they do perfectly, but simply that they won’t be sleeping in a bed for a few days. That’s exactly what we practiced in training, so we’re just going to set off, enjoy ourselves, and do what we know how to do.

“We wanted a perfect start, but perfection doesn’t exist in sailing, because we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. That said, it’s a very good start.”

Skipper Alexia Barrier (FRA) before start of The Famous Project CIC attempt on the Trophée Jules Verne. Photo by Jean-Marie Liot / The Famous Project CIC

Jules Verne weather window

Ashore the team is supported by meteorologist Christian Dumard. The circulation of two high pressure systems over the North Atlantic has created an opportunity for a starting window, though the team will have an immediate race against time as the movement of an anticyclone threatens to close the route off Cape Finisterre.

“The front will pass over the starting area on Saturday morning,” explains Dumard. “The idea is to leave just behind it, in the early afternoon, in a north-westerly wind of less than 30 knots, which will gradually weaken.

“This window is very short and does not necessarily offer an absolute chance of achieving a ‘blistering’ time at the equator. But it does offer favorable wind and sea conditions for downwind sailing and a relatively comfortable start for the crew.”

“We will leave Brest on Saturday before noon and cross the line about two hours later. There will be rough seas, with swells of over 4 meters, which are perfectly manageable aboard Idec Sport,” adds Barrier.

“The danger is that the high-pressure system centered off the coast of Portugal will grow and block us as we pass Cape Finisterre. We would then have to turn back and resume our standby in Brest.”

A big crowd turned out to see the crew of The Famous Project off from Brest. Photo Jean-Marie Liot/The Famous Project CIC

All-female team

The Famous Project was launched in 2022, with the team initially training in a MOD70 before taking delivery of Idec Sport. They have been working with round the world yachtsman Brian Thomspon, with fellow British ocean sailor Jonny Malbon the Team Director.

In a recent blog post, Dee Caffari reported that the team’s final training sessions in late October ahead of the record were both invaluable, and challenging.

“These training sessions are where theory meets reality – intense, demanding, and absolutely invaluable.

“We were fortunate to train with Brian Thompson, whose expertise and calm authority at sea are second to none. Brian’s coaching has helped us fine-tune our performance and strengthen our team dynamics – those crucial marginal gains that will make all the difference when we take on the planet’s toughest challenge.

“This month, Mother Nature decided to push us harder. The conditions were significantly bigger and stronger than what we experienced during the summer -exactly what we needed. It’s one thing to sail fast in perfect conditions; it’s quite another to maintain that performance when the waves are towering and the wind is howling.

“These challenging sessions gave us a much more realistic preview of what life will really be like as we chase the record around the world.”

Skipper Alexia Barrier and his crew training onboard the Maxi-Trimaran The Famous Project CIC, off Groix island. Photo: Jean-Marie LIOT / The Famous Project CIC

Jules Verne attempts

There have been numerous attempts on the Jules Trophy record since Joyon set the current record in 2017. That time of 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes requires an average speed of 22.84 knots.

The foiling Ultim trimarans – capable of maintaining consistent speeds in the high 30s – have set off several times. In 2024 Thomas Coville’s Sodebo and Francois Gabart’s SVR-Lazartigue started within hours of each other, but both had to pause their attempt after damage or gear failure. Sodebo restarted last winter, but later had to retire after losing their central rudder.

In 2020, Charles Caudrelier’s team on Gitana 17 and Sodebo also set off in the same weather window in late November, but both had retired by mid-December after colliding with underwater objects.

Sodebo is among the Ultims that has made numerous attempts at the Jules Verne Trophy. Photo: Pierre Bouras/DPPI

The last all-female attempt on the Jules Verne, Tracy Edwards’ Royal & Sun Alliance in 1998, ended when the 92ft catamaran dismasted in the South Pacific 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile.

Idec Sport, the trimaran the Famous Project CIC crew are sailing, is a non-foiling design that was originally launched in 2006 as Groupama 3, and won the Jules Verne Trophy in 2010, skippered by Franck Cammas. While its peak speed is less than that of an Ultim, it is a robust and well-proven boat which has successfully completed multiple non-stop around the world passages – the first challenge of any Jules Verne attempt.

How to follow The Famous Project Jules Verne bid

You can follow The Famous Project’s attempt at thefamousproject.io

The team also has an app, active social media, and plan to share live daily updates on their YouTube channel.

The post All-female round the world record attempt sets sail in tough conditions appeared first on Yachting World.

‘Oceans must be at the forefront of climate discussions,’ says CEO of COP30 Ana Toni.

With ocean issues at its centre, it’s no wonder this week’s UN Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil included members from across the sailing community. From sportsmen to sailing activists to race officials, here’s who sailed to the UN Climate Conference and why.

Cop30 sailing news at a glance

• Greepeace and the People’s Summit Flotilla in the waters of Belém
• The Ocean Race highlights what climate leadership can learn from the sailing mindset
• Crews from Voices of and Ocean Institute and the Women Wave Project sail into the conference
• COP30’s Ocean-first topics that sailors will want to know about, including the Blue Package and the High Seas Treaty

The People’s Summit Flotilla takes to the waters around COP30

Over 150 boats with members of indigenous communities and social organisations sailed the Guama River as part of a symbolic crossing during the COP30, according to organisers. Photo: Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP.

Ahead of COP30, more than 5,000 people across 200 vessels sailed in the waters of Belém as part of the People’s Summit Flotilla in the hopes of demonstrating that a sustainable future is built not by industry, but by mobilising on a community level.

In attendance was Greenpeace’s iconic fishing trawler-turned sail-power ship, the Rainbow Warrior, the second ship to bear this name after its predecessor’s infamous sinking by French secret service agents.

Executive Director of Greenpeace Brazil Carolina Pasquali commented:

‘The thousands of people in the flotilla today are showing the strength of a unified global movement — communities who have been impacted by extreme weather events and by companies profiting from the destruction of our planet, Indigenous Peoples who have been fighting for generations for their rights, their lands and the forest, and civil society demanding real action from world leaders and negotiators at COP.’

Inside COP30: The Ocean Race tackles ocean advocacy

Photo: Sophie Valerie Hulme / The Ocean Race.

Inside the conference, sailor-driven events highlighted the importance of protecting the oceans to address climate change.

In a panel titled ‘Racing for the Ocean: Faster and Smarter’, the Ocean Race brought Brazilian sailing icon, Olympic champion, and winner of the 2008-2009 Ocean Race Torben Grael together with global experts to explore the findings of the Planetary Health Check 2025.

Talks between Grael, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson, Ocean Impact Director at The Ocean Race Lucy Hunt, and Race Chairman of The Ocean Race Richard Brisius highlighted the urgent need to protect natural carbon sinks, reinforce ocean science, and revitalise humanity’s connection to the ocean.

‘Ocean health is currently, measurably, in decline,’ commented Thomson. ‘But there is hope. Around the world, ocean science is advancing at a pace we have never seen before.’

What can climate leaders can learn from sailing?

Torben Grael after winning the semi finals, race 5, against U.S. BMW Oracle of the Louis Vuitton Cup in 2007. He was Italy’s Luna Rossa Challenge Tactician. Photo: Associated Press / Alamy.

As the ‘Racing for the Oceans’ panel’s sailor-in-residence, Grael identified elements from the sailing mindset that can help climate leaders face uncertainty, solve problems under pressure, and persist as they work to protect the oceans.

‘Sailing is a very difficult sport because it involves water and wind, both unpredictable and sometimes dangerous,’ he explained. ‘We must analyse what went wrong, decide what to correct, and make it better next time,’ Grael says. ‘That is how we win this race for the ocean.’

‘Just as sailors navigate the unknown with courage, determination, and teamwork, the world must chart a new course, one that respects planetary boundaries and safeguards the ocean for future generations,’ adds Brisius. ‘Sailors depend on the ocean: it is our racetrack, our home, our teacher. We have a responsibility to protect it.’

‘Racing for Oceans’ builds on the Ocean Race’s wider efforts to put ocean advocacy at the forefront of racing, which include sailor-led offshore data collection and stopover events dedicated to conservation.

More sailing crews mooring up for COP30

The Greenpeace ‘Rainbow Warrior’ ship docks at the riverbank of the Federal University of Para (Orla da UFPA), Belem, Brazil for COP30 UN Climate Summit. Photo: Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP.

Heloisa Schurmann, co-founder of Brazilian global-impact initiative Voice of the Oceans Institute (VOI), sailed 3,000 miles from St Helena to Brazil to attend COP30 with the sustainable sailboat Kat. 

Kat docked in Belèm from early November, giving visitors a chance to get onboard for a firsthand look at the sustainable onboard technologies developed in collaboration between VOI and global electronics company WEG.

VOI and WEG also teamed up on the Casa Vozes do Oceano, a free exhibition space open to the public, where they are presenting a series of activities to promote ocean protection and recovery through science, education, and innovation.

‘Voice of the Oceans is not just an expedition,’ Schurmann wrote from onboard. ‘It is a call. An invitation for every person, institution, and government to listen to what the sea has to say. We are bringing to Belém—and to COP30—not only data and alarming evidence, but also inspiring stories of those who chose to take action.’

The Women Wave Project

French climate activist Camille Etienne before sailing with other activists to COP30 on L’Esprit d’Equipe. Photo: Damien Meyer / Getty.

The Women Wave Project, supported by Amnesty International Belgium, brought an all-female crew of sailors and activists from Saint-Nazaire, France to Brazil onboard the legendary French racing yacht L’Esprit d’equipe, winner in her class of the 1985-86 Whitbread Round the World Race.

‘Crossing the Atlantic with women only was both intense and deeply symbolic,’ said crew member Maïté Meeûs, Brussels-based feminist and founder of an NGO that support survivors of sexual violence. ‘We wanted to embody the message we’re bringing to the COP: that women are always on the front line of crises, yet rarely at the decision table.’

The Women Wave Project is accredited within the Belgian delegation, and has taken part in both the public “green zone” and the official “blue zone” for state delegations at COP30.

Oceans at the centre of COP30

Attendees line up to get into the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Belem, Brazil. Photo: Fernando Llano / Getty.

These sailors were part of more than 55,000 participants in attendance at COP30, where talks focused on the dual priority of protecting the world’s oceans and its forests.

In the ocean sphere, three primary initiatives were front and centre.

First, explicitly including ocean resources in Brazil’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), or its climate impact plan, in order to foreground the ocean in its measurement of climate progress and to provide a ocean-inclusive impact model for other nations.

Second, coordinating the Blue Package, a roadmap for accelerating ocean climate solutions by 2028.

Finally, talks centred not only the ratification but the implementation of the High Seas Treaty, also known as the global BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) agreement, which will become effective in January 2026 after reaching the 60 ratifications needed to trigger its entrance into force.

The High Seas Treaty establishes Marine Protected Areas in two-thirds of the world’s oceans and creates a legal framework for governing the worlds commons. In the marine sphere, this includes marine life and environments in areas outside of national jurisdiction, such as the high seas and the international seabed, and their possible use in practices such as commercial fishing and deep sea mining.

Its funding and implementation will be discussed at BBNJ COP1 in late 2026.

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If you enjoyed this article about COP30….

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World Sailing has recognised its top achievers, honouring two offshore stars, Charlie Dalin and Justine Mettraux, as the Rolex World Sailors of the Year.

The awards highlight not only exceptional performance but also remarkable personal resilience in the face of immense challenge.

Dalin’s Secret Battle Behind Record Victory

France’s Charlie Dalin was named the Male Rolex World Sailor of the Year, a tribute to his all-conquering victory in the 2024–2025 Vendée Globe.

Aboard Macif Santé Prévoyance, Dalin completed the grueling solo, non-stop circumnavigation in 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, and 49 seconds, demolishing the previous course record by nearly 10 days. His win was made all the more heroic by a revelation shared recently: Dalin was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour in 2023.

He competed in the Vendée Globe while undergoing treatment, managing his illness with daily medication.

Mettraux Sets New Female Circumnavigation Record

The Female Rolex World Sailor of the Year title went to Swiss sailor Justine Mettraux, who delivered an historic performance in the Vendée. Finishing eighth overall on Teamwork-Team SNEF, Mettraux was the first woman and first international competitor to cross the finish line.

Mettraux completed the race in 76 days, 1 hour, 36 minutes, and 52 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest single-handed, non-stop, monohull circumnavigation by a woman. Her achievement is the latest in a highly diverse and impressive offshore career that has seen her compete in the Vendée Globe, participate in the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup, and, more recently, take part in The Ocean Race Europe.

Emirates Team New Zealand Named Team of the Year

In the collective categories, Emirates Team New Zealand earned the 2025 World Sailing Team of the Year Award. The honour recognises the team’s continued success and commitment to innovation and community within the sport.

The award follows ETNZ’s historic third consecutive America’s Cup victory in Barcelona in 2024, a feat that solidified their position as one of the most successful teams in America’s Cup history.

Kevin Shoebridge, COO of Emirates Team New Zealand, emphasised the collaborative spirit behind the win. “This recognition is especially meaningful to us because it is not about any one individual. It is about the strength of the team,” Shoebridge said.

“Every single person in our organisation, from the sailors to the designers, the boatbuilders, the shore crew, and the families who support us, plays a crucial role in what we achieve together.”

In accepting the award, the team also paid tribute to inspirational blind sailor Dani A Pich, acknowledging the importance of championing inclusivity and accessibility in sailing.

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11th Hour Racing Impact Award

The commitment to sustainability in the sport was also recognised, with the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award being presented to the LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES Project.

The project, led by the Royal Yachting Association, was honoured for its landmark collaboration uniting conservation bodies and the recreational boating community to restore and protect fragile seagrass meadows and maerl beds across five Special Areas of Conservation in southern England.

Youth Winners Impress

The Kuehne+Nagel Young World Sailor of the Year awards were won by Greece’s Nikolaos Pappas and Marta Cardona of Spain.

Nikolaos Pappas, from the small Greek village of Vonitsa, made history on the global sailing stage. At just 13 years of age and competing at his first international event – the 2025 Optimist World Championship in Portoroz, Slovenia – he beat 213 athletes from all over the world to take the title.

Another debutant, Marta Cardona Alcántara from Spain, showed her potential by winning the 470 Mixed World and European Championships at the first time of sailing in the events. She won the European title after sailing with her partner Jordi Xammar for just 40 days and went on to claim the world title a month later.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

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The Pegasus 50 is one of the standout yachts we have trialled in recent years. It’s a brilliant design for both its performance ability in lighter breezes, and its deck and cockpit layout, which will look after short-handed sailors while sailing serious passages. Having built 18 of these since this Slovenian yard formed in 2019, and after multiple requests for a larger version, Pegasus is now announcing this Pegasus 67. It gave YW the exclusive.

As you can see, the concept is very much in line with the original yacht, so is again aimed at owner-drivers. It’s a platform which offers the performance of a 65ft+ hull with the ease of handling of one 10ft shorter. “We want to build a boat that a couple would not hesitate to take out on a windy day,” designer Marko Pas explains.

Refreshingly, length is not the decisive factor here. Volume and displacement are the controls, built on the desire to keep it to under 25 tonnes loaded – consider that similar length 60-65ft cruising yachts are typically 10-tonnes heavier.

Weight is reduced by minimising hull volume where it’s not needed, and max beam is kept comparatively narrow. This helps Pegasus’s desire to present the P67 as visually small as possible, so as not to put sailors off by its size.

Long, sleek hull of the Pegasus 67 is designed to be easily handled by a sailing couple even in challenging weather.

In terms of internal hull volume, it’s more comparable to a 57-59ft yacht. Indeed, the 67 began at 59ft, but Pegasus chose to extend the hull forward rather than add a bowsprit. The company’s view is that this adds more performance and a softer entrance and gives more sail locker space, while doing the same aft created space for a dinghy garage and gangway.

This struck a chord, as longer hull lengths can really help with passage speeds if you can control weight. On a fast cruising cat, for example, you’d ideally make it as long as you could handle (and afford) but with empty ends.

Today’s 60ft+ monohulls typically have wide aft beams and a tall sailplan to help the weighty volume in light winds, but Pegasus’s ‘less is more’ philosophy sees it using the length for speed not volume. “It’s the total boat displacement that makes the difference, not the length,” argues Pas.

As per the P50, the design is by Pas, also responsible for the Shipman carbon cruising range. Pegasus then went to Juan K, chiefly for his computing power rather than any big name promotional reasons, “to optimise the hull appendages and to make the sailplan as small as possible, and to run the VPPs on these.”

Keeping displacement light and low allows for less mast height and standing rigging, and less sail to manage. The P67 is conceived for light wind sailing and serious passagemaking. So despite bow sections deliberately designed for a soft entry, that means sailing with the tradewinds when possible. Offwind sails will typically be left rigged on furlers, with lines and reef controls led to the cockpit, while the mainsheet is out of harm’s way on the fixed arch.

This leaves the proper all-weather cockpit protected by a composite roof and windshield, both features integrated into the design rather than as a bolt-on extra option. The cockpit, saloon and galley, where most spend the majority of time aboard a yacht, are all sited as centrally as possible, and linked by only two steps.

Almost all equipment required for bluewater sailing is included in the base price

The saloon features a similar gimballing settee seen on the P50 and the engine room is again deliberately placed aft, under the cockpit sole to keep noise and smells from the interior.

In terms of layout, the chief gain of the P67 over its smaller sister is the space to house two aft cabins. This gives the option for three or four cabins with two or three heads. And there can be full separation between guest and owner’s cabins. The latter can be a super-suite that takes the full area forward of the main bulkhead.

Fitout looks really thorough for cruising, including the doubling-up of all major systems for redundancy, such as autopilot, watermaker, pumps, batteries and charging. There are two technical lockers, one for pumps and liquids, one for electrics.

The Pegasus is built using vacuum-infused epoxy or Vinylester, with a hybrid of glass and carbon fibres on a PVC core. The first boat is expected to be ready by early 2027. The standard price comes with a very full spec, which includes a painted hull, Estec decking, carbon mast, sails including Code 0, thrusters and aircon.

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Pegasus 67 Specifications:

LOA: 20.46m 67ft 2in
LWL: 19.50m 64ft 0in
Beam: 5.60m 18ft 6in
Draught: 3.00m 9ft 10in
Displacement (light): 21,000kg
Price: €3.5m ex VAT
Contact details: pegasus-yachts.com

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

The post Pegasus 67 first look: A roomier Pegasus 50 for sailing couples appeared first on Yachting World.

It’s here! Amazon’s big summer sale, Prime Day 2025 (or what we should probably start calling Prime Week 2025, is the event is running over four days this year). Prime Day 2025 has officially kicked off today, Tuesday 8 July 2025 and deals will be running all the way through to Friday 11 July.

Although the sales from Prime Day are not as popular as Black Friday the deals are often just as good – and sometimes better. in 2025, we’ve already seen some impressive deals with great Fish Finder discounts at Bass Pro Shops, loads of bargains at French giant Decathlon, Helly Hansen Prime deals for the outdoor enthusiast + a huge power station discount at Amazon.

You’ll need an Amazon Prime membership to take part in the biggest shopping event of the year (so far), but if you don’t want to subscribe, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Prime instead.

You can cancel at any time within 30 days, so if you subscribe now, you can take advantage of Prime Day 2024 boating deals and you’ll still have plenty of time to cancel without paying the year’s subscription fee.

Although Prime Day is officially an Amazon initiative, the following stores all usually offer good deals over the same period, so we’ve linked to their deals pages below as we expect they will have some decent deals for Prime Day 2025.

• • QUICK LINKS

    • Amazon: Savings on paddle boards, kayaks, marine clothing and much more
    • West Marine: Marine electronics deals
    • Decathlon: Water sports deals from kayaks to diving gear
    • Walmart: Life jackets, paddle boards, tenders and more
    • Gael Force Marine: Top bargains on chandlery for UK boaters
    • Bass Pro Shop: Huge discounts on outdoor kit and electronics

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Best Prime Day Boating Deals USA

Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP GPS G4N Fishfinder/ Chartplotter – was $2,699.99. – Now $1499.98
This is the perfect tool for anglers looking to take their fishing game to the next level. This impressive fishfinder features CHIRP Sonar, MEGA Side Imaging, Mega Down Imaging, and GPS technology to help you locate and identify fish quicker and easier than ever before. And this Black Friday it’s reduced by a massive $1000!

View Deal

Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station – Was $499 – Now $299
518 Wh capacity, 500 W AC output, great for phones, laptops, lights, and fridges
Portable at ~13 lb, easy to move between salon and cockpit
Solar-compatible
A portable mid-capacity unit that balances power and practicality without breaking your budget. Perfect for weekend sails or as a smaller backup to the 1000 V2.

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Spinlock Deckvest 6D – Was $419 Now $379
This lifejacket is Spinlock’s offshore ‘all the bells and whistles’ lifejacket. Of all the brands out there making PFDs Spinlock is one of the very best. This Spinlock Deckvest 6D came out top in our sister magazine’s extensive lifejacket and PFD test.

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Helly Hansen gilet – Was $150.00 Now $105.30
This stylish Helly Hansen gilet is lightweight enough to pack away in a rucksack or wear on a breezy sailing trip. The healthy discount is at a new low for Prime Day as well.

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Raymate Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker – Was $139.99 Now $39.99
This prime day waterproof speaker deal will have you saving money on a music system worthy of taking out on a sailing trip.
Its long battery life will keep the sound going for a long time after you’ve left the marina. And it’s soothingly easy to connect to a phone, tablet, or laptop as well.

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Airhead Big Mable Boat Tube – Was $324.99 – Now $243.74 
The Airhead Big Mable Boat Tube, offer really impressive airtime for a 2-person towable and also features dual towing points for extra security.
Not only that but the size and sofa shape of this tube mean that is can be used as a sunlounger if you’re looking for slightly less adrenaline-fuelled fun!

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Intex K2 Inflatable kayak – Was $139.99 Now £111.99
The Intex Challenger K2 is the company’s mid-range inflatable kayak and the one that our Kayak tester, Drew Maglio has owned and enjoyed for many years. Currently the Kayak is priced at just £82 in the UK Prime Day sales and down to $111.99 in the US Prime Day sales.
Drew says he has kayaked the Challenger K2 with another paddler up to 2.5 miles to two offshore islands in the Florida Keys on one occasion, so it can certainly promise to take you on an adventure should you wish.

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Best Prime Day Boating Deals UK

The Tribord Offshore 900 Jacket – Petrol – Was £259.99, Now £163.99
Our editor Theo recommends this Decathlon jacket as his pick for best affordable sailing jacket. It has 3-layer hydrophobic fabric, plenty of pockets, and excellent performance for the price – even better considering it’s now almost £100 cheaper!

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Helly Spinlock Deckvest Lite – Was £149.95 Now £137.95
The best lifejackets I’ve owned have been Spinlock and their quality of construction is second to none. When our Tech editor, Fox Morgan tried on the Spinlock Deckvest lite, she claimed it was ‘so comfy you can forget you’re wearing it’. It’s not a massive discount – but Spinlock kit rarely is. But if you’re looking for a comfy coastal lifejacket you can’t go wrong with this.

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Crewsaver Crewfit 165N – Was £112 Now £96.95
In our sister magazine’s lifejacket testing I described this jacket as: ‘an excellent lifejacket, leading the way with coastal lifejackets that will take you offshore and into the night with its well positioned strobe light and nicely designed sprayhood.’
I highly recommend Crewsaver lifejackets in general and this one specifically. Given a choice I’d probably go with Spinlock for comfort, but at around £95 in Prime sales, you’ll struggle to find anything better at this price.

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The Coleman Xtreme Cooler – Was £139.99 Now £102.17
Strong enough to sit on, durable, and easy to wheel, our editors think this cooler box has great value for money. It has a 66L capacity and promises to keep food and drink cool for up to five days.

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Intex K2 Inflatable kayak – Was £102.82 Now £82.25
The Intex Challenger K2 is the company’s mid-range inflatable kayak and the one that our Kayak tester, Drew Maglio has owned and enjoyed for many years. Currently the Kayak is priced at just £82 in the UK Prime Day sales and down to $111.99 in the US Prime Day sales.
Drew says he has kayaked the Challenger K2 with another paddler up to 2.5 miles to two offshore islands in the Florida Keys on one occasion, so it can certainly promise to take you on an adventure should you wish.

View Deal

Cressi Octopus Dry Backpack – Was £53.69 Now £39.49
This dry bag from trusted dive brand Cressi is one of the most stylish waterproof backpack options out there. With a smooth finish, plenty of handy straps, and a truly sleek design, you can get both style and substance at a discount price.

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AMAZON PRIME DAY

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Think of it as another Black Friday. Prime Day used to be a 48-hour flash sale from Amazon, where, for two days only, consumers can grab a whole host of bargains. However, for the first time 2025 will see the sales run over four full days. It’s online only and is held to mark Amazon’s birthday. Prime Day started in 2015 on Amazon’s 20th birthday, with this year being its 29th.

Which brands are taking part in Prime Day 2025?

Lots of big brands are offering deals, such as Philips, Bosch, Miele and Samsung, but we’ve also seen plenty of sailing brands getting involved too, such as Bluefin, Helly Hansen, Sebago, Sperry and Steiner. And not only that, but given the popularity of the summer sales, other companies tend to join in too, so you can expect sales from brands like Walmart, Decathlon, REI, West Marine and more.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The post Best Prime Day 2025 boating deals: How to save big on sailing gear this year appeared first on Yachting World.

On 17 June 2025, World Sailing officially launched the World Sailing Academy, providing online training and educational resources to the global sailing community. The site offers a broad array of training resources for all members of the sailing community – from sailors and coaches to officials and administrators.

Among the core training offerings are free courses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as the fundamentals of race management, safeguarding in sport, and sailing-specific conditioning exercises.

The platform also offers resources and news on specific areas within the sailing world, including those focused on women in the sport, para-inclusive activities, sustainability, coaching, anti-doping, safeguarding, and support for race officials.

For more general or niche topics, there is a hub with links to YouTube webinars hosted by World Sailing on a range of other sailing topics, from the RYA’s children’s sailing and windsurfing programs to conservation within the America’s Cup.

There are various courses on offer. Photo: World Sailing Academy

The sign-up process is relatively straightforward, with World Sailing requesting that you complete this Google form so they can send a login link to your email. Once you set a password, you can access the academy and access courses from your dashboard.

World Sailing’s Head of International Development, Fiona Kidd, said, “The launch of the World Sailing Academy is a pivotal moment for our sport. The platform embodies our commitment to global growth and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their location, can enhance their knowledge, skills, and contribute to the advancement of sailing. The World Sailing Academy delivers flexible and accessible education, allowing users to learn at their own pace, any time, and anywhere.”

For sailors working remotely or relying on Starlink at sea to access the internet, the online platform offers an opportunity to connect with marine news and develop sailing skills.

The Women in Sailing hub on the World Sailing Academy site. Photo: Tim Bishop/PPL

Kidd continued, “It will be particularly vital for athletes and officials from developing sailing nations, offering them unprecedented access to high-quality training courses and resources while empowering our entire community and preparing them for the future of our sport.”

As the courses are free, some financial barriers to participating in the sport are removed. World Sailing believes that this will increase accessibility and create opportunities for individuals from more diverse backgrounds to become involved.

The World Sailing Academy’s four key features

World Sailing outlined that the academy has four main characteristics designed to provide the sailing community with access to relevant education.

These features are:

• Self-paced learning to provide flexibility for diverse time zones and needs
• Certification programs for recognising achievement and supporting career progression
• Mobile-friendly access for convenience
• Thorough resource hubs offering tools for learning

World Sailing provides guidance on which features could benefit different people in the sailing world. For example, they recommend that all those participating in World Sailing events take the Safeguarding in Sport course to ensure the well-being of those involved.

Article continues below…

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More courses in development

According to World Sailing, the academy ‘will evolve over the coming months with new courses and content being added and updated regularly.’ They go on to say that they will add more learning hubs supporting race officials, environmental sustainability, and youth development. As part of World Sailing’s Ready for the Future 2025-2029 strategy, the updates will aim to educate ‘both emerging sailing nations and experienced Member National Authorities’

Additionally, World Sailing states that they are developing other courses in key sporting areas to build confidence and strengthen capabilities. The organisation says these new resources will include detailed modules on Para Classification Fundamentals, Inclusive Coaching, pre-Technical Coaching Course requirements, and Event Accessibility Planning.

World Sailing said they are committed to keeping the academy ‘relevant, responsive, and inclusive’ by working with the community and experts across the sport.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

The post World Sailing launches online learning platform with free courses for sailing community appeared first on Yachting World.

Update 10 June 2025 15:00 BST: Following its interception by Israeli forces on 9 June 2025, the Madleen was docked in the port of Ashdod Monday evening. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) had been out of contact with the twelve members of the crew for 19 hours.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry (IFM) posted two photos of members of the Madleen’s crew, stating on their official X account that “The ‘Selfie Yacht’ docked at Ashdod Port a short while ago”, and that passengers were undergoing medical examinations.

On Tuesday morning 10 June 2025, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg departed a Tel Aviv airport on a flight to Sweden via France.

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, Thunberg accused Israel of “kidnapping us in international waters” in her comments to reporters. She added that her experience of detention and deportation was “nothing compared to what the Palestinians are going through,” but that it represented “yet another intentional violation of rights” by the Israeli state.

Another three members of the Madleen’s crew have since been deported, while the 8 remaining activists from Madleen’s crew have refused deportation. Among them are the Madleen’s Skipper Riva Viard and Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian origin.

“Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority,” the official IFM account wrote on X.

The FFC says that they expect members who do not agree to leave immediately to be moved to the Givon detention facility for ‘illegal residents’ in Ramleh. They will be held for 96 hours, after which they can be deported with or without their consent.

In an update from Freedom Flotilla, Press Officer Hay Sea Wiÿa writes that “Israel is handling the custody of all 12 as though they had entered illegally– even though they were forcibly abducted from international waters and brought into Israel against their will.”

Report from Monday 9 June 2025:

Sailing yacht Madleen was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip when it was intercepted by Israeli forces on 9 June 2025, just after 05:30 local time (03:30 BST).

At the time of its seizure, the vessel was sailing lawfully in international waters 110 nautical miles from Gaza. It was heading towards Palestinian territorial waters under a British flag.

Where is the Madleen?

At present, the Madleen’s exact location and expected docking time are still unknown. No contact has been possible with her crew since their detainment, and updates have ceased on her live tracker.

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said both the Madleen and its crew would be taken to the Israeli port city of Ashdod, around 27km north of the Gaza Strip. Upon their arrival in Ashdod, Katz has instructed that Madleen’s crew be shown footage from the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023. Since then, Israel’s response has been widely denounced as a genocide.

The ship, registered as Barcarole, was renamed Madleen by its crew in honour of Madleen Kulab, Gaza’s first and only known fisherwoman. Photo: Getty

The Madleen’s interception

Israeli military personnel boarded the vessel before it lost signal. Moments before, drones had dropped an unidentified white, paint-like chemical substance on board.

In a video clip from onboard one of the crew comments, “We are using the Palestine flag to protect us,” before telling the camera, “It’s burning my eyes, this thing.”

Further video footage since released by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition shows the crew cooperating with Israeli forces, with no physical confrontation occuring between the two parties.

In the video, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila can be heard saying into a phone, “It’s very important you know, no one is wounded now. No one was wounded when they boarded our boat.”

Still an unnamed woman says, off camera, “If anything happens to us, this is yet another war crime.”

On their official social channels, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has previously stated that, ‘Any attack or interference with the Madleen would constitute a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), an affront to UK sovereignty, and a breach of international humanitarian law.’

Photo: Getty

Greta Thunberg and the Madleen‘s crew

The 12 members of Madleen’s crew are: Skipper Reva Viard, Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan, Yasemin Acar, Thiago Avila, Yanis Mhamdi, Omar Faiad, Sergio Toribio, Baptiste Andre, Suayb Ordu, Mark van Rennes, Pascal Maurieras.

In the hours since the vessel’s seizure, the GFF has released pre-recorded videos of many of these Pro-Palestinian activists urging action in case of their detainment.

In one of these widely circulated clips, Greta Thunberg dons a Keffiyeh (a head dress traditionally worn in the Middle East and a symbol of Palestinian solidarity), stating:

“If you see this video we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli Occupational Forces, or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family, and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”

The video was followed by similar clips of the rest of the crew appealing to citizens of their respective countries of origin, which include Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Turkey.

Photo: Getty

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla

Formed in 2010, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition says it works with ‘civil society partners’, rather than any party, faction or government.

The flotilla was aiming to break an Israeli-imposed sea blockade that has surrounded Gaza since 2007 by sailing through it. The Madleen’s journey was organised and undertaken in full compliance with international, maritime, and humanitarian law.

The Barcarole/Madleen is an 18 metre schooner built by Van Dam Nordia in 1974. It was motoring at the time of its interception.

When it set off from the Italian port of Catania, Sicily, on June 1st, Madleen carried an unarmed crew and a small quantity – which the campaigners defined as a symbolic amount, less than a lorry load – of humanitarian aid, including items such as rice, medical supplies, and baby formula.

Israel denounced the small amount of aid carried onboard. In a press conference today Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said: “On the subject of aid, the yacht had a meagre cargo but of course it will be sent into Gaza.”

He added: “When it comes to this flotilla, it wasn’t a flotilla, it was a selfie yacht. It was Instagram activism.”

Sailing activism

In a previous incident in May 2010, a Turkish-owned aid vessel, the Mavi Marmara was seized by Israeli forces, who killed 10 passengers on board and left another 30 wounded. Mavi Marmara was part of a six-ship aid flotilla also attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza, carrying 10,000 tonnes of goods, including school supplies, building materials and two large electricity generators.

Environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg has previously twice sailed across the Atlantic as part of her activism.

In 2019 she sailed to New York aboard the IMOCA 60 Malizia with Vendée Globe skipper Boris Herrmann in order to attend the UN Climate Action Summit without air travel. She then made the return passage back to Europe aboard the catamaran La Vagabonde with crew including Nikki Henderson (a major Yachting World feature).

Photo: Getty

Global Response to the Madleen‘s interception

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, “This heinous act by the Netanyahu government, which threatens the freedom of navigation and maritime security, once again demonstrates that Israel is acting as a terror state.”

France is already working to ensure the swift return of French citizens that were onboard.

In a recent post on X, Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, urges the UK government to “secure the immediate release of the vessel and its crew.” According to the BBC, Downing Street has stated that it hopes to resolve the question, “safely with restraint, in line with international humanitarian law”.

“Every Mediterranean port,” Albanese writes on X, “should send boats with aid, solidarity, and humanity to Gaza. They shall sail together – united, they will be unstoppable.”

On land, news of the incident has garnered support worldwide, with protests underway to oppose the seizure and detainment of Madleen and her crew and the ongoing occupation of Gaza. To date, at least 54,880 people have been killed by the Israeli forces in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Latest update

According to Israel’s foreign ministry at around 1500 (BST), sailing yacht Madleen is “safely making its way to the shores of Israel”.

A group of pro-Palestinian activists in Ashdod are gathering for a demonstration before her arrival. The yacht’s cargo will be sent to Gaza, while the members of her crew are expected to be deported to their home countries. 

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

The post Gaza Freedom Flotilla latest: Greta Thunberg and crew of yacht Madleen detained by Israeli forces appeared first on Yachting World.

With Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds as its new co-owners and Australian underwear brand Bonds as a brand-spanking new sponsor, the Australian SailGP team is set to take centre stage.

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds new co-owners

As co-owners, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds will lead the freshly rebranded Bonds Flying Roos SailGP Team.

The announcement is already making headlines, but these seasoned showmen are no strangers to the limelight.

Or to cheeky marketing campaigns! They’ve collaborated on everything from movie to coffee to gin brands. Now, they’re spending millions to get into the sailing game.

In a joint statement, they’ve said, “We’re incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure. Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia. No comment on whether we’re writing this in our Bonds. No further questions.”

A warm welcome for Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds

The Australian SailGP team, now the ‘Bonds Flying Roos,’ are taking their victories with them into a new chapter.

With celebrity ownership and a fresh rebrand powered by Aussie-made Bonds underwear, the Roos are hoping to capture fan engagement well beyond the docks with the aim of reaching fresh audiences outside the sailing community.

Driver and CEO Tom Slingsby says of the new additions: “[Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds] bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team. With Bonds joining as our Title Partner and the launch of the Bonds Flying Roos, we’re building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.”

Bonds Flying Roos Driver and co-owner Tom Slingsby.

Bonds, a new sponsor #Madefordownunder

Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds aren’t the only cheeky new addition to the Australian SailGP team. A new multi-year partnership with Aussie-made underwear brand Bonds marks the first time the Roos have had a Title Partner.

Previously, Bonds has sponsored another beloved Aussie icon, conservationist, TV presenter, and beloved Aussie icon Robert Irwin. They now bring their signature Aussie spirit to sailing.

Tanya Deans, President of Bonds Australia says, “We’re thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fueled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight. And how do you say no to Hugh Jackman? He’s Australian royalty! As we set sail on this new adventure, the Bonds Flying Roos have one less thing to worry about – we’ve got their backs (and bums) covered.”

But the SailGP team sure won’t be flying by the seat of their (Bonds) underpants. With three championships in four seasons, Australia has been dominating the SailGP scene.

An exciting new era for Australian sailing

Andy Thompson, SailGP Director said, “Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia SailGP Team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally.” This exciting new partnership represents, “an extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous and no doubt plenty of fun along the way too.”

The new Bonds Flying Roos SailGP Team will make their official debut at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix from June 7-8, where they will have the chance to defend their leading position.

With Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in their corner, the Australian SailGP team is sure to capture attention worldwide.

We can’t wait to see what hijinks the Roos and their new celebrity owners get up to!

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

The post Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds new co-owners of Australia’s SailGP team appeared first on Yachting World.

The current holder of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, have named Nathan Outteridge as the skipper of their team and the man who will head up their Defence of the 38th America’s Cup.

The news comes after the team was unable to come to an agreement with 3 time winning skipper, Pete Burling earlier this year. It’s thought that Burling was not able to commit to demands surrounding how much of his time should be focused solely on America’s Cup racing in the build up to the next event.

The announcement was simply presented in social media posts by the team with the same short message on their website which reads:

The America’s Cup always ends on the water, but it always begins with a meeting of minds. This week the Emirates Team New Zealand core sailing team began plotting the strategy to defending the America’s Cup again in 2027.

Meet the core team so far:

Nathan Outteridge (Skipper)
Andy Maloney
Blair Tuke
Sam Meech
Chris Draper
More sailors to be announced in due course…

Emirares Team New Zealand’s Core Team. Photo: Hamish Hooper / Emirates Team New Zealand

Outteirdge was bought into the team ahead of the 2024 America’s Cup, with he and Burling sharing helming duties on the AC75 on the team’s march to victory. So he is far from a surprise selection to step up to the role of skipper.

Indeed consistency appears to be the key in most of the rest of the ‘core team’ announcement with long term and trusted Emirates Team New Zealand sailors, Blair Tuke, Andy Maloney, and Sam Meech all core members of the team for several cycles.

However, the final member of the core team – and a brand new signing for the Kiwis – is British sailor Chris Draper. Draper has a long history at the very top of the sport and in many ways his sailing resume is not dissimilar to that of Outteridge.

Draper was a formidable Olympic 49er sailor picking up a bronze and silver medal. He has plenty of America’s Cup experience too, albeit always with teams who were unlikely to challenge for the trophy itself.

In 2013 he was a key member of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s late challenge and then in 2017 he was the tactiacian onboard the Dean Barker skippered Softbank Team Japan. Since then he has headed up and been a key member of a number of SailGP teams.

The inclusion of a British sailor on the key sailing group could well signal a relaxation of the strict nationality rules of the previous cycle, which are said to disliked by a number of the smaller and newer teams, preventing them buying up talent to accelerate their learnings.

We will not know if that is the case until the 38th America’s Cup protocol is officially released, which is currently under discussion between Cup Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand and challenger of Record, Ben Ainslie’s Athena Racing.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Nathan Outteridge named as New Zealand’s America’s Cup skipper appeared first on Yachting World.

This truly fascinating new project has been in development for several years and is finally due to be unveiled in La Grande Motte this April. The 70ft MODX is designed to be the first yacht capable of self-generating energy, so it can sail the oceans without emitting any CO2.

A zero emissions autonomous yacht requires some assurances in clever tech, performance and efficiency. Confidence in the latter two attributes will come from the fact it is designed by multihull and offshore racing supremos VPLP, and it’s built by a Lorient yard with plenty of experience in offshore racing multihulls (including the MOD70 trimarans).

The 70ft MODX should be able to sail the oceans with zero CO2 emissions

It includes numerous new technologies and innovations, not least the dual inflatable and retractable wingsail rigs. This automated wing system was developed by Lorient-based specialists Aeroforce, who says it offers 35% extra power over conventional sails.

This Starship Enterprise of a catamaran is largely controlled automatically and monitored from an internal bridge. Two adjustable pitch propellers provide over a third of renewable energy, or 3kW at 10 knots boat speed, while the considerable pasture of 70m2 solar panels can harness 12kW for the 230kWh lithium battery bank.

Dual inflatable wingsail rigs are automated and fully retractable

The two 40kW electric motors provide silent propulsion for 100 miles at 5 knots or 40 miles at 8.5 knots. And it can harness and store 800lt of rainwater.

Look at the fine hulls and clever sail plan and you’ll appreciate this is a sailing yacht first and foremost. It’ll need to be comparatively light and slippery to achieve its projected polars of boat speed exceeding 15 and 20 knot true wind speeds. Its 23 tonnes light displacement is respectable for a 70ft cat, and not bad when you consider that it’s constructed from bio-sourced materials, recycled PET foam and bio-resin.

The MODX has a muted interior colour palette

The MODX is available as an owner’s yacht, charter or expedition version, all with crew accommodation and the latter with a ‘scientific area’ too. We’re intrigued and look forward to bringing you more on this yacht and project – let’s hope the technology can be downscaled to a more approachable size.

Article continues below…

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MODX Specifications:

LOA: 21.33m 70ft
Beam: 10.00m 32ft 1in
Draught: 2.00m 6ft 4in
Displacement: 23,000kg 53,706lb
Contact details: modx-catamarans.com

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post MODX first look: Dual inflated wingsails lift the catamaran market to new heights appeared first on Yachting World.

Now this is a multihull to raise a sailor’s adrenaline. With the wish to create something special between its 32ft and 40ft models, Danish trimaran specialists Dragonfly spent two years developing this new Dragonfly 36.

“When you develop something new you want to raise the bar,” designer and CEO Jens Quorning explained to me at its Düsseldorf premiere in January. A key development is that the folding mechanism structure is now made in composite, something Quorning says has been his dream to do for a decade.

Pace and deck space, with easily folding floats

Why haven’t they managed it before? “There’s 20 tonnes of compression on the arms when flying a hull,” Quorning answered, referencing why they preferred to play safe with metal before now. The analysis they have recently done with composites, which included crash tests and pull tests, has given them the confidence to now use it in key structural areas.

Winches are sited by the twin wheels.

The resultant weight savings – this boat weighs under five tonnes – mean more speed. Performance wise, Quorning expects this to be somewhere between the standard and performance version of the 40 (which is quite capable of speeds in the mid 20 knots).

The 36 also has new asymmetric float designs with added volume, which are slightly longer than the main hull for diagonal stability. The bottom line is that it’s an easy yacht to sail, says Quorning, pointing out the ability to carry full sail in up to 20 knots, that it can dry out, and that it only takes 40 seconds to fold the floats.

The long saloon in the central hull.

Dragonfly has taken the best bits of the 40’s cockpit to create a large, comfortable bench space with winches by the dual aft wheels. And the yard obviously knows how long people like to actively spend on the wheel even in Baltic waters, as it included heated helm seat options!

A 30hp Yanmar is located right aft between the wheels, keeping noise and smells away from the interior, while the saildrive is protected from drying out, positioned directly in front of the rudder for manoeuvrability.

The first boat drew a crowd at boot Düsseldorf

Below decks is Dragonfly’s favoured layout with a long, sleepable saloon and proportionately the largest galley it has done. It also has a proper aft double and a forward V-berth.

The 36 is offered as a cruising version with self-tacking jib or a performance version with taller rig. Seventeen had sold off the plans and around 80% of Dragonfly clients take the performance rig. Hull number two is being exhibited at La Grande Motte.

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Close to the Spinlock stand at Boot Düsseldorf earlier this year were three white plastic dogs, canine mannequins sporting three…

Dragonfly 36 Specifications:

LOA: 11.55m 37ft 10in
LWL: 10.99m 36ft 0in
Length folded: 13.43m 44ft 0in
Beam: 3.70m 12ft 1in to 8.12m 26ft 7in
Draught: 0.67m 2ft 2in to 2.00m 6ft 7in
Displacement (light): 4,500kg 9,920lb
Price from: €510,000 ex VAT
Contact details: dragonfly.dk

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The post New Dragonfly 36: Composite folding wings reduces weight for more speed appeared first on Yachting World.

The University of Washington in the USA has put out a plea for any cruisers south-east of Hawaii to help recover their ‘Seaglider’ drone.

The Student Seaglider Center is a student-run lab within the University of Washington School of Oceanography.

Seagliders are autonomous underwater vehicles that collect data on oceanographic conditions including water temperature, salinity, density, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll.

The Seagliders operate without the need for a ‘home’ ship, and can be programmed to repeatedly dive and travel underwater. They can dive up 1000 meters and can stay at sea for months while automatically reporting data back to scientists every time they surface.

However, one has been pulled off course in the Pacific and the University of Washington is seeking assistance from the sailing community to recover it.

The current location of the Seaglider drone – GPS location is accurate to within metres.

2000km south-east of Hawaii

Layla Airola, Chief Business Officer of the Student Seaglider Center, and also Commodore of the Washington Yacht Club, explains:

“In November, we deployed a Seaglider in the equatorial pacific to collect vital oceanographic data like temperature, salinity, oxygen, and chlorophyll.

“We aimed to pilot the Seaglider to the shore [of] Hawai’i, but currents have been stronger than we anticipated and the glider will not be able to make it to Hawai’i before its batteries run out.

“In order to not lose the instrument, we need a boat to pick up the glider in the next two months.”

Recovering a Seaglider drone Photo: University of Washington

The glider is currently 1,975 km southeast of Hawaii and is pinging GPS signals accurate to within meters. Each glider weighs 55kg (120 lbs) and at the surface, the orange antenna will be visible.

The glider will keep sending GPS updates for the next 3 months, and live coordinates will be shared with any vessel able to assist. The map shows its location and projected route.

If anyone is interested in picking up the glider please email lairola@uw.edu

The post Could you help to save ‘Seaglider’ underwater ocean research drone? appeared first on Yachting World.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Britannia will not compete in the next America’s Cup.

The release issued last night stated: “INEOS Britannia announces that it has withdrawn its intention to challenge for the next America’s Cup.

“The decision has been taken after a protracted negotiation with Athena Racing Ltd following the conclusion of 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.”

This follows the dramatic split between team boss and skipper Sir Ben Ainslie, and twice Cup title sponsors INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in January. INEOS Britannia became the first British team to reach a Cup final in 60 years, but lost 7-2 to Emirates Team New Zealand in Barcelona last October.

INEOS Britannia and Emirares Team New Zealand race in the Louis Vuitton Round Robin Series in 2024. Photo: Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup

The release went on to place the blame with Ainslie’s team for the fact that INEOS would not be competing in the 38th America’s Cup:

“The agreement that had been reached with Athena would have allowed both parties to compete in the next Cup, but it depended on a rapid resolution. INEOS Britannia had agreed the substantive terms very quickly, but Athena failed to bring the agreement to a timely conclusion. INEOS Britannia is of the opinion that this six-month delay has undermined its ability to prepare for the next Cup and so has reluctantly withdrawn its challenge.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, commented, “This was a very difficult decision to have taken following our challenge at the last two America’s Cups.

“We were the most successful British challenger in modern times with an exceptionally quick boat and we felt with the very effective input from the Mercedes F1 engineers that we had a real chance to win at the next Cup. Unfortunately, the opportunity has slipped away.”

This is a major reversal since INEOS’s first communication in January, which stated that the team “already have 100 scientists and engineers working on the design of our AC38 yacht” and had appointed Dave Endean as CEO.

As recently as early March, Sir Jim Ratcliffe told the BBC – in a long-form interview that addressed the many tribulations of his sporting investments – that: “We will be at the next America’s Cup and I think we will be there with a very quick boat.”

Grant Dalton congratulates INEOS Britannia backer Sir Jim Ratcliffe on winning the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. Photo: Ian Roman / America’s Cup

Ainslie’s Athena Challenger of Record

Ainslie’s side has remained tight-lipped on the subject, after an initial release stating that they were “astounded” by INEOS’s announcement in January.

The Challenger of Record remains the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, UK. Shortly after the split, Ainslie quietly laid down a line in the sand with the team, now known as Athena Racing, describing itself as ‘the British Challenger for the 38th America’s Cup’ on the Athena team website.

This fact was equally discreetly confirmed by the Royal Yacht Squadron on its own website, with an update in February that: “Athena Racing represents Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, the British entry for the 38th America’s Cup lead [sic] by Sir Ben Ainslie.

It went on to add: “Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd is honoured to be the Challenging Club for the British Challenger of Record Athena Racing for the 38th America’s Cup. We will work alongside The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to deliver the protocol for the oldest trophy in modern sport.”

So far, so British.

Sir Ben Ainslie was skipper and team boss for INEOS Britannia in the 37th America’s Cup but has since split from the title sponsors. Photo: Ian Roman / America’s Cup

Ainslie’s funding challenge

But the big question British supporters have been asking since the very public break up is: can Sir Ben get the funding he needs to build a competitive entry?

There are many with deep loyalties to Ainslie in the sailing world – from his early Olympic successes Ainslie was the figurehead of a wave of British Sailing Team successes that in turn attracted world-class funding and personnel, developing Team GBR into a ‘medal factory’ that was the envy of almost every sailing nation.

His successive Olympic victories, America’s Cup challenges, and most lately SailGP team ownership, have brought yet more sponsorship funding and employment opportunities for those good enough and lucky enough to join his squads. Off the water, many have also worked with him for decades – including his CMO Jo Grindley and others on the commercial side who, of course, got a British America’s Cup team to Bermuda long before the INEOS partnership .

Ainslie is also, as anyone who’s even remotely followed sailing will know, not a man to be underestimated, particularly when backed into a corner.

One good indication of the team feeling came after Ainslie’s Emirates Team Great Britain won the Sydney Sail GP, with plenty of posts on social media from key players praising Ainslie’s leadership.

Ainslie’s Emirates Great Britain team won the Sydney Sail GP event. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP

Of course, loyalty alone won’t pay the very substantial bills for an America’s Cup team, but both new backers and some of the original team founders were being courted in Barcelona.

Interestingly, the British SailGP F50 now carries branding for both JPMorgan and Howdens. JPMorgan has been associated with Ainslie since his Olympic campaigns, while Howdens insurance has now added sailing to a sporting portfolio that includes rugby (British and Irish Lions) and horse racing (Ascot Racecourse and the Bahrain Turf Club, among others).

Where next for America’s Cup?

Another challenge for Ainslie – or any other team looking to secure additional financial backing right now – is the uncertainty about where the next Cup might be.

It won’t be in Auckland, that much we know. It wasn’t an April’s fool, but Emirates Team New Zealand’s announcement – dropping into inboxes in the northern hemisphere just hours before April 1, certainly had plenty of us checking the date.

The statement read: “It would take a combination of private backing, local government as well as central government support to make it happen, but not at the expense of funding other priorities in the tough economic climate.

“In this time, the team have had comfort in the level of private support and have been working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited who have been proactively spearheading the bid. So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and central government have decided not to back the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2027.

“While the significant economic benefits of hosting the America’s Cup and other major events are well proven, such as €1.034b (NZ$1.9b) of economic benefits in Barcelona in 2024, we understand there are other priorities for the New Zealand government right now.”

Auckland hosted a spectacular 36th America’s Cup – despite Covid restrictions – in 2020/21. Photo: ACEA

Other European options?

And so far, when it comes to the 38th America’s Cup venue, that’s all we’ve got.

Interestingly, at a few events recently both former team sailors and sponsors have quietly asked me ‘What do you know?’ And while I’m sure some of that is trying to figure out where any leaks are springing from, there’s also a genuine sense that no real information is forthcoming, so pretty much everything else is speculation.

Last year’s host city of Barcelona is known to not want to re-host. A play from Valencia, hosts of the hugely successful 32nd Cup in Spain in 2007, and the 2010 Deed of Gift Match, went understandably quiet after devastating floods hit the region.

The rumour mill is currently in overdrive suggesting alternative European venues. Naples is reported to be a forerunner, which would reward the longest standing entrants in the modern day Cup, with Italian syndicate Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Although it would be unusual, to say the least, for a defeated Challenger to have the Cup held in their home country despite not having won it – and therefore not be hosting it.

Naples hosted a dramatic America’s Cup World Series event in 2012.

Italy would no doubt appeal to the luxury brands associated with the Cup – Prada from Luna Rossa, event partners Louis Vuitton, 37th Women’s America’s Cup partners Puig. And remaining in a European time zone would presumably help with negotiations when it comes to all-important TV rights. (Though to really build continuity of audience from Barcelona, what the Cup needs is some racing soon, which is looking increasingly unlikely…)

New Zealand news outlet Stuff – who always have their ears to the ground on the Cup, even if it’s hard to know who to listen to – are reporting that Greek shipping tycoon George Prokopiou is behind a bid for the country to host, with Athens a forerunner. It would be a spectacular venue for sure, but Greece has never entered the America’s Cup – it has no fan base nor physical base.

And though there is much less chatter about Jeddah or Abu Dhabi these days, the option of the event going to the Middle East – with all the financial and political ramifications that brings – still looms over the Cup.

Where next for the 38th America’s Cup?

Lost momentum?

For fans, it’s hard not to feel disappointment that the momentum of the 37th America’s Cup has faded – for British fans in particular, it’s a bitter disappointment that the opportunity to build on the best Cup result in 60 years has been lost.

There has long been sufficient depth of talent at the very top end of British sailing to support more than one Cup bid – between Ainslie, Dylan Fletcher, Giles Scott, Paul Goodison, Hannah Mills and others – but funding one viable and competitive team is yet again going to be the biggest challenge.

The post INEOS Britannia pulls out of America’s Cup – but what next for the Cup – and British hopes? appeared first on Yachting World.

The Wauquiez 55 is a serious, long distance cruiser breaks new ground in a number of respects. The exaggerated reverse sheer may be unconventional, but it’s an inherently stiff shape that keeps weight out of the ends of the boat.

It also maximises headroom centrally, allowing for a raised saloon above systems, tankage and batteries, while the hard top that gives excellent shelter over the cockpit can be lower and less visually obtrusive.

Plenty of handholds for security in a seaway

A class-leading full beam owner’s cabin aft has what feels like an exceptional amount of space and natural light, including a view across the aft deck to the water.

This area also has its own aft companionway that helps separate it from the rest of the accommodation, giving an unusual feeling of privacy. It would therefore not be surprising if some buyers choose a Wauquiez 55 for these aspects alone.

Full beam owner’s cabin aft has its own companionway for privacy

The remainder of the interior is spacious, yet planned to be safe even in extreme weather, with plenty of handholds, and there are features that will appeal to those planning long-distance cruising, including twin engines.

Article continues below…

[collections]

Wauquiez 55 Specifications:

Hull length: 16.40m 53ft 8in
Beam: 5.25m 17ft 3in
Draught: 2.40m 7ft 11in
Displacement: 20,000kg 44,100lb
Typical on the water price: €2.0m to €2.6m ex VAT
Contact details: wauquiez.com

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The kite-powered SP80 has achieved a new top speed of 51 knots in Leucate, France, taking them one step closer to their stated aim of beating the world speed record before summer 2025. The current sailing speed record stands at 65.45 knots and was set in 2012 by Paul Larsen aboard Vestas Sailrocket II. 

To achieve the record, the SP80 team is pinning their hopes on the engineering behind the boat. It has a custom-designed foil, which the team says is built to propel it past 150 km/h.

Celebrating aboard SP80. Photo: Guillaume Fischer

‘This run above 50 knots allowed us to finally observe the behaviour of our foil in a speed range that remains largely unexplored in the world of sailing,’ explains Benoît Gaudiot, the kite pilot aboard SP80.

‘We deliberately slowed the boat down just before reaching 52 knots as a precaution, but our analysis of the data indicates that it did not encounter any major barriers. This is extremely promising for the future!’

‘The boat is now close to its full technical potential,’ explained SP80 pilot Mayeul van den Broek. ‘The challenge for Benoît and I now is to sail as much as possible to master the boatʼs behaviour from 0 to over 70 knots. We need to fine-tune our trajectories, improve our synchronisation, and push the machine even further.’

SP80 in 2025. Photo: Guillaume Fischer

The team launched the latest version of the boat in January 2025, and five days later, in February, SP80 set an average speed of 41.35 knot over the record distance of 500 meters.

‘Since the boatʼs relaunch at the start of 2025, the weather has not always been favourable, with winds often too light to accumulate significant sailing hours. But with each outing, we can feel it the logistics are running smoothly, the boat wants to go faster… all we need now is more time on the water to unleash its full potential!’

Article continues below…

Speed sailing record: A global battle for dominance

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Sailrocket obliterates world record….again

Matthew Sheahan talks to Paul Larsen shortly after he exceeds 65 knots, shattering his own world record

The SP80 journey

The team behind SP80 started in 2017 when one of the three founders Benoît Gaudiot, built super-ventilated fins for a kiteboard. As an experienced kiteboard sailor, Gaudiot quickly reached 41 knots. However, he realised then that ‘The body cannot handle the power that is required to reach more than 60 knots.’

Another founder, Xavier Lepercq, built a simulation tool and began developing designs. The creators created a trimaran concept powered by a kite with an aligned force balanced by a water surface-piercing foil.

One of SP80‘s first high-speed runs in 2025. Photo: Guillaume Fischer

In 2020, they tested a prototype on Lake Geneva and, in June 2021, began building the entire boat at Persico Marine.

By 2022, the SP80 team planned to challenge the record in the south of France early in 2023, and Paul Larsen was looking forward to it. At the time, Larsen commented, ‘I think the SP80 is a practical solution… I think SP80 is probably closer to getting results. And I want to see how a kite’s going to go against the [Sailrocket] wing because historically wings are faster.’

Hitting 50 knots is undoubtedly an impressive feat for the SP80 team. Indeed, some considered this an absolute upper limit for wind-powered, waterborne craft at the turn of the century.

SP80 from the beach in the south of France. Photo: Guillaume Fischer

However, there are 25 knots of average speed before bettering Larsen’s record and becoming the world’s fastest boat. Every knot thereafter becomes more challenging to achieve.

The SP80 team hopes their first official record attempts will take place this spring at their base in Leucate, Occitanie. Their latest speeds mean the speed sailing world will be eyeing their progress with renewed interest.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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One of the stand-out new yachts of recent years is the Thomas Tison-designed 48ft Elida, which combines high-tech timber construction with innovative laminates and local carbon reinforcement to create a very fast yet timeless racer/cruiser.

This smaller vessel is designed for Elida’s builder, Jan Brügge Bootsbau on Germany’s Baltic coast, to continue in a similar ethos. It’s an exquisite open daysailer designed by Martin Menzner of Berckemeyer Yacht Design.

Photo: Eva Biederbeck

The result is a radically modern design, including a flat hull with wide, open transom, a negative stem, twin rudders and a lifting keel with a T-bulb. For ease of handling, the carbon rig has swept spreaders but no backstay and a self-tacking jib.

“With the WOY 26, our idea of a modern wooden sailing yacht has come to life,” says the yard’s founder Jan Brügge, with…“sustainable design, modern lines for maximum performance and easy sail handling.”

As with Elida, the idea was that the boat would push technical boundaries, as well as showcasing the abilities of its builders. The precise choice of materials, using quality domestic hardwoods rather than tropical species, plus the vacuum glueing techniques employed, were developed as a research project in collaboration with the University for Sustainable Development. The hope is these will set new standards for the serial production of modern wooden yachts.

Photo: Eva Biederbeck

The first example of the WOY26 was launched in October 2024 and boat number two is already in build. Price is expected to be ‘between a new Dragon and a ClubSwan 28 – or slightly under €200,000.’

Article continues below…

First look: Tison 48 Elida – wooden stunner

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WOY26 Specifications:

LOA: 8.0m 26ft 3in
LWL: 7.13m 23ft 5in
Beam: 2.42m 7ft 11in
Draught: 1.1-1.9m 3ft 7in-6ft 3in
Displacement: 1,112kg 2,450lb
Price: Circa €200,000
Contact details: woy-yachts.com

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post WOY26 first look: Open daysailer with sustainable design appeared first on Yachting World.

Roberto and Luisa Lacorte are passionate sailors with enviable track records of yacht ownership, including Flying Nikka, the Mark Mills-designed Mini Maxi that uses similar foiling technology to the America’s Cup (see video and more on that at yachtingworld.com).

When it came to choosing a yacht to sail as a couple, or with family and friends, they turned to Giovanni Ceccarelli who created the standout Ceccarelli 42 spirit of tradition yacht. Slender hull lines with low freeboard and a beam of only 3.16m (10ft 4in), plus extensive external woodwork echo a style of earlier times, as do the deep bulwarks and long aft deck.

The Ceccarelli 42. Photo: Fabio Taccola

Yet the Ceccarelli 42 is absolutely a contemporary yacht, with a near plumb bow and stern, a powerful square-top mainsail and long bowsprit for reaching sails and asymmetric spinnakers. Below the waterline is a high-aspect deep draught torpedo bulb keel and efficient single rudder, while a displacement of only 6,400kg puts the boat firmly in the high-performance category.

Tiller steering suits a boat of this style perfectly and helps make for easier solo and short-handed manoeuvring. It also maximises cockpit space that can be freed up for après sail socialising. Despite LuluNikka’s sleek lines there’s also welcoming accommodation for weekending in an interior that shows off her construction.

LuluNikka’s spirit of tradition design shows in her pleasing hull lines and an interior that highlights her timber construction at its best. Photo: Fabio Taccola

LuluNikka was built at the Checchi Shipyard in north-western Italy, and is expected to be a regular at regattas and rallies on the Mediterranean classic circuit.

Article continues below…

America’s Cup boats: 8 facts about the AC75 and why they’re unique

The AC75 is the class of boat that takes part in the America’s Cup and are arguably the most radical…

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Ceccarelli 42 Specifications:

LOA: 14.5m 47ft 6in
Hull length: 12.86in 42ft 2in
Beam: 3.16m 10ft 4in
Draught: 2.78m 9ft 2in
Displacement: 6,400kg 14,100lb
Contact details: ceccarelliyachtdesign.com

Photo: Fabio Taccola

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Ceccarelli 42 first look: A contemporary spirit of tradition yacht appeared first on Yachting World.

The Eagle 46’s elegant and timeless lines feature very long overhangs, but there are state-of-the-art appendages under the water and a powerful sloop rig. The deck layout is set up for easy single-handed sailing and there’s a large cockpit for family and friends to enjoy.

EcoDeck, a recyclable and sustainable material crafted from renewable, solvent-free resins, is used for the deck surface while flush hatches enhance the boat’s aesthetic appeal.

Below decks there’s enough accommodation to spend a few days on board, including a double berth in the forecabin, a pair of 2m-long settees in the saloon, well-appointed galley, heads/shower compartment and a large quarter berth.

Production of the Eagle 46 is semi-custom, based on two core versions of the boat. The Carbon Edition has a Corecell carbon hull and deck, plus carbon mast and boom and North 3Di Endurance sails. The Vinylester Edition has a Vinylester vacuum-infused hull, aluminium rig, and North NPC Cross-Cut Nordac sails.

Article continues below…

Sea Eagle II: One of the world’s finest superyachts

It’s very rare to see quite such a large vessel, the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht in this case, truly…

Eagle Class 53: The foiling cruiser inspired by the America’s Cup

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Eagle 46 Specifications

LOA: 14.26m 46ft 9in
LWL: 9.39m 30ft 10in
Beam: 3.03m 9ft 11in
Draught: 2.25m 7ft 5in
Displacement (carbon edition): 7,500kg 16,540lb
Base price: €725,000 ex VAT
Contact details: leonardoyachts.com

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post Eagle 46 First Look: Elegant design with eco-friendly features appeared first on Yachting World.

Stephen Jones and Jonty Sherwill, the two names behind the SJ66 concept, need little introduction and have collaborated on numerous projects across several decades, including the Starlight 35, 38 and 46, SJ320, Rustler 42, and most notably the Prima 38 One Design that won the BMF Yacht of Year in 1998. More recently Jones has combined contemporary yacht design knowledge with traditional shapes in boats such as the Rustler 33 and Mystery 35, as well as his own 46ft spirit of tradition yacht Meteor.

Jones says the design for the SJ66, “…evokes the Metre Boat style with sleek proportions and long overhangs.” He points out that with modern timber/epoxy construction using “the now near-ubiquitous strip cedar plank and diagonal hardwood over laminated frames,” the hull shape offers the advantage of a light displacement-to-length ratio and can be combined with a non-overlapping carbon rig for ease of handling.

Classic lines and modern underwater profile in a package that also offers customisable detail such as a retroussé transom or counter stern

The interior has been refined, proportioned and detailed by Sherwill and offers headroom of 6ft 3in even under the flush foredeck.

Final detail of styling can be determined by owners, with possibilities including a retroussé transom or counter stern. The coachroof is kept to a minimum and unashamedly traditional profile to complement the hull, but the cockpit can have twin or single wheels and features comfortable seating with deep backrests and none of the poor ergonomics of older classic yachts.

Jones says the duo can apply the same concepts, combining fine aesthetics and thoroughbred sailing pleasure to a range of yachts from 45-70ft.

Article continues below…

Linjett 39 review: Contemporary interpretation of a traditional design

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£495,122.00

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SJ66 Specifications:

LOA 20.2m 66ft 2in
Beam 4.24m 13ft 10in
Draught 3.23m 10ft 7in (max for race version)
Displacement: 18,149kg 40,000lb
Price: TBA
Contact details: sherwilldesign.com

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post New SJ66: A classic concept with a contemporary profile appeared first on Yachting World.

With Bali’s step-up in size with the Bali 5.8 comes up a step-up in quality, says Bali. It recognises that its early yachts were more basic, wipe-clean designs for charter, but today, sales are more like a 50:50 mix of charter and private use.

The family-owned brand has recently bought a 20,000m2 yard in Portugal for building powercats, but says it remains focussed on maintaining a high quality for its sail range in Canet en Roussillon.

The Bali 5.8 is available in multiple cabin layouts

The 5.8 is designed to be run by a crew, says sales director Boris Compagnon, who tests each model sailing it with his family and admits this size is too much to manage alone. The 5.4 is the limit for the owner-operator, he thinks.

Article continues below…

Bali Catspace 40: Spacious catamaran promises 20% more room than its rivals

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This is a tall, boxy flybridge model with fixed bimini roof that pushes the boom up very high. It uses Bali’s trademark tilting aft door to enclose saloon, cockpit and galley in one giant area.

Available in multiple cabin layouts from three cabins and three heads to six cabins and six heads, it features an owner’s suite with secondary private access to the swim platform.

Price €1.5m ex VAT.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post Bali 5.8 first look: New open-plan flybridge catamaran appeared first on Yachting World.

Big new cats from the volume production yards seem to on the money market-wise currently. Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and Bali are all launching or have recently launched their largest models to date. This 60ft area seems particularly key… and today’s 60ft flybridge catamaran is quite a thing to behold!

Lagoon’s brief for the Lagoon 60 was to replace the 620, of which 175 launched, with a slightly shorter yet improved design. Nauta Design’s Massimo Gino invited me to sit in the cockpit facing aft, before lowering the folding bulwarks, whereupon the impression of space and extended views is formidable.

The entire bridgedeck on the Lagoon 60 is one space and one level right through the bulkhead door to the forward cockpit. With this door ajar and a huge forward opening window, natural ventilation is also very good.

Living space is huge in the Lagoon 60’s main saloon and also above on the flybridge. Photos: Photos: Julien Gazeau

The flybridge helps create heaps more lounging space, albeit for an extremely high boom. In contrast to the previous generation of Lagoons which had masts positioned aft and larger headsails, VPLP has now moved the mast forward. With the range getting larger and heavier it wanted the mast base on a main bulkhead.

Sail controls are all electric so a single crewmember can reportedly handle the boat. The 60 is piloted from a single central pedestal, while a joystick-style throttle and thruster controls can be used to port for docking.

Article continues below…

Lagoon Eighty2 first look: An 80-footer with space for hosting many guests

The Bordeaux brand strengthens its offering in the lengthy yacht market with the Lagoon Eighty2. It has already built 88…

Lagoon 51 review: surprisingly fun to sail

It’s a light wind early autumn day in the Mediterranean and we’ve been sailing the Lagoon 51 alternately under Code…

£1,359,540.00

The predictably vast owner’s cabin starboard aft includes a 1.8m athwartships berth, and has it’s own private secondary access straight out onto the aft deck and transom steps.

The layout of the show boat is a galley-down version, which is reached via a gullwing door from the cockpit and features a bar and dinette on the main level. The generous galley also features a sizeable mess area that will be welcomed by paid hands.

The layout of the show boat is a galley-down version. Photo: Julien Gazeau

That said, rudimentary crew accommodation is in the forepeaks, where an adjoining cabin to the galley might be more welcomed by those working aboard.

The Lagoon 60 has its own dedicated build shed and production line, capable of producing around 18 yachts a year. Price from €2,140,000 ex VAT.

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Receiving a limited edition Lego set is one of the most surprising (and best) ways I’ve seen to announce a new model (particularly for those with a Lego-obsessed child). Building something brick by brick forces you to appreciate the details, and while doing so I came to realise the Excess 13 43-footer is a highly significant new model for the Groupe Beneteau brand.

Cruising sailors are either drawn to or put off by aft helms. My impression is that monohull sailors used to direct rudder feedback gravitate towards them (while others used to bulkhead or flybridge helms seek that improved visibility). In the current era, Nautitech and Excess have been leading the charge with aft helm cats, so it is particularly pertinent to see Excess now engaging Marc Lombard Yacht Design’s services for its new Excess 13.

The Lombard design studio has had an influence on the new Excess 13

Why? Because Lombard drew the modern range of Nautitechs. Now the La Rochelle firm has been tasked with building on the first generation of VPLP and Patrick Le Quément-designed Excess models by focusing on hull shapes and weight optimisation for the Excess 13, in particular to increase performance and easy enjoyment. You can see a little of Lombard’s trademark reverse sheer.

Meanwhile this theme of lightness, both real and perceived, became the focus for Jean-Marc Piaton (interior designer of the modern CNB range). So you can appreciate two new respected design firms should help bring a fresh new Excess. The Excess 13 is available with four cabins with mirrored layouts in each hull or a three-cabin version with owner’s hull. The latter has a built-in desk with a sea view that looks ideal for a home office.

The Excess 13 follows the theme of lightness

And yes we were successful in building our first fine-looking (mini) catamaran, which provides a little more tangible inspiration than a craft from Star Wars.

Article continues below…

Excess 14 review: competitively priced performance catamaran

We’re sailing the Excess 14 upwind in 12-14 knots of true wind, with boat speed hovering between 7.4 and 8.0…

£436,153.00

Best catamaran and multihull: The very best yachts on two and three hulls

There are many categories in the European Yacht of the Year awards, from the best luxury yachts and performance yachts to the best yachts for families and evet…

Excess 13 Specifications:

Hull length: 12.99m 42ft 7in
LOA: 15.30m 50ft 2in
Beam: 7.25m 23ft 9in
Draught: 1.48m 4ft 10in
Displacement: (light) 10,600kg 23,369lb
Upwind sail area: 115m2 1,237ft2
Contact details: excess-catamarans.com

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The Bordeaux brand strengthens its offering in the lengthy yacht market with the Lagoon Eighty2. It has already built 88 catamarans over 75ft, including 52 of its Seventy7.

Designed by Lagoon’s stronghold team of VPLP, Nauta and Patrick Le Quément, this Lagoon Eighty2 retains the prize feature of the Seventy7 – a hull door which opens out of the topsides to create a private terrace for the master cabin. Stepping out from the king-sized berth and diving straight into the sea must be a heightened level of luxury.

Lagoon Eighty2 features a huge saloon, flybridge and hull door terrace from the master cabin

The layout of the first model sees three other guest cabins and a lower galley connecting to crew quarters. This is a yacht for many guests, friends and family to enjoy – you just need to choose from where best to do so. The beam-wide saloon looks formidable, and links through to a forward cockpit for up to eight.

Article continues below…

Lagoon 51 review: surprisingly fun to sail

It’s a light wind early autumn day in the Mediterranean and we’ve been sailing the Lagoon 51 alternately under Code…

£1,359,540.00

Lagoon 55 review: new iteration remains quintessential cat

The number 55 holds a special place in the history of Lagoon – it was its inaugural model, launched back…

Right aft you’ll find a hydraulically lifting dinghy and bathing platform, which can seamlessly extend the already generous cockpit space. Or take the gently sloping stairs up to the freestanding furniture adorning the 50m2 of flybridge space. Decisions, decisions…

Hulls are constructed in bio-sourced and recycled resin, which reduces CO2 emissions by 10 tonnes per boat. The world premiere is expected to be at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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Personal Locator Beacon registration in the UK could become mandatory, under new proposals by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Known as PLBs, the devices are designed to send an SOS signal, along with your location, to the rescue authorities when manually activated by the user.

The MCA wants to bring PLBs under the same mandatory registration requirements as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).

It would apply to all PLBs used at sea, along the coast, and on inland rivers, lakes and canals.

Registration information would include: the vessel name, radio call sign, PLB manufacturer’s serial number and any locating frequencies and identifiers; a brief description of the vessel (if applicable), including its type, gross tonnage, superstructure, deck colours and identifying marks; the HEX ID ( hexadecimal identity which are 15 characters for first-generation beacons and 23 characters for second-generation beacons) which provides a unique code transmitted by 406 MHz beacons; the PLB owner’s name, address, telephone number and email; up to three alternative 24-hour emergency contacts including name and telephone number (alternative contact ashore); the passenger and crew capacity of the vessel.

HM Coastguard said the introduction of mandatory Personal Locator Beacon registration reflected the changes in technology and would extend registration obligations to hovercraft and other types of watercraft covered by the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023.

This includes any personal watercraft which is capable of moving under power and can carry one or more people such as power boats, RIBS, tenders, sailing dinghies, keel boats, motor or sailing yachts, jet skis, Fliteboards and E-foils.

Article continues below…

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Pip Hare’s choice of EPIRBs, PLBs and other man overboard aids that could just save your life

EPIRBs When activated, an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmits its details on 406MHZ and, if GPS-enabled, the vessel’s…

The MCA is currently consulting on the changes, and the public has until 30 January 2025 to comment.

Details of the consultation can be found at www.gov.uk.

Depending on the outcome of the consultation, mandatory Personal Locator Beacon registration could come into effect by summer 2025.

The UK Distress and Security Beacon Registry Manager, Linda Goulding, said: “Spending just 15 minutes registering a PLB online could make all the difference to being found and recovered safely from a life-threatening situation.

“Simply register any existing 406MHz PLBs, and any new ones you buy in future, on our customer self-serve webpage, as people currently do with their EPIRBs.

“Make sure you keep your registration up to date to ensure search and rescue teams can find you in an emergency,” she added.

To register a PLB or EPIRB free of charge, visit: www.gov.uk/register-406-beacons.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The two Ultim foiling trimarans which had set off on a Jules Verne Trophy around the world non-stop record attempt have both aborted their current circumnavigation.

Francois Gabart‘s SVR-Lazartigue was first to end its record bid. At 0110 (UTC) this morning, Tuesday, December 3 the crew reported that they felt an impact while sailing in 25-30 knots of wind, around 500 miles from the Azores. The impact was described as a shock from an ‘OANI’, or an unidentified animal or object – the marine equivalent of a UFO.

The crew discovered that the trimaran’s starboard foil was damaged and made the decision to turn around, heading back to the team’s home port of Concarneau, Brittany, as soon as possible. The Ultim is expected to reach port between Friday 8 and Sunday 8 December.

After three days of racing, the SVR-Lazartigue crew were at best 145 minutes behind Francis Joyon on IDEC Sport‘s record time from 2017. On day three the crew also hit a sustained speed of 49.9 knots.

SVR-Lazartigue was one of two foiling Ultims bidding for a Jules Verne Trophy record in 2024.

Sodebo abandons Jules Verne attempt

Second to abandon their attempt was Thomas Coville’s Sodebo Ultim 3 The team reported that this afternoon, while making progress in the trade winds towards the Equator, the Sodebo Ultim 3 sustained damage to the central rudder.

The team statement explained: “Following an initial inspection, the crew noted the total loss of the central rudder flush with the bottom of the hull. Investigations are underway to determine whether the breakage of the central rudder stock was due to a mechanical problem or an impact.”

Hanging on for the ride: the crew of Sodebo during the Trophee Jules Verne attempt. Photo:
Vincent Curutchet/Team Sodebo

The crew has also turned back to its team base in Lorient to make repairs. The Sodebo team confirmed that the boat has no water ingress or collateral damage and the sailors can return by their own means.

While both Ultims had initially set off within 12 hours of each other in what initially looked set to be a compelling head-to-head battle around the world, the notoriously vulnerable trimarans also both succumbed to foil damage within the same day.

The question for both teams will be whether they can return to port, then get the complex trimarans back up to optimum record-breaking condition, in time to take advantage of any future weather scenarios that could offer a fast Atlantic southbound passage.

Tom Laperche steering, jet fighter-style, on SVR-Lazartigue. Photo: Guillaume Gatefait

SVR-Lazartigue reported that: ‘The team was hard at work exploring the different options including using their spare foil to go back to the Jules Verne Trophy as soon as a favorable weather window presents itself.

Heading for home

The Sodebo tracker dashboard includes a fascinating live chat function showing communication between the race crew, and the technical and routing teams ashore.

At 1513 today the boat reported: ‘Problem with the CC rudder.’

The technical crew can remotely monitor onboard telemetry, load cells etc, and observed that the boat had ‘probably lost all the saffron (foil)’.

Half an hour later, the routing cell posted: ‘Ok guys, we’re coming back home, damn it. Phil, can you work on a safe route home? Thanks, sorry.’

The router added: ‘It’s hard for everyone, it [the challenge] was good.’

Sodebo skipper Thomas Coville. Photo: Vincent Curutchet/Team Sodebo

The technical team then added some advice to the team: ‘You can open the whale hatch, check that there is no water first before a wave rises on the deck. Depending on what we see, we will probably have to open the inspection hatch to visually inspect the rest of the stock to be sure that it has not come loose from the lower bearing (risk of reaching the aft bulkhead).

“Carefully inspect the torque tube and the entire chain connecting the rudders and the steering system.

“We can see on the telemetry that the clutch release worked [the Ultims have various ‘shock-absorber’ systems built in to protect the boat in the event of an impact] but a good check of the entire system is necessary.”

The post Foil damage halts Jules Verne record attempts: both Gabart and Coville’s crews turn for home appeared first on Yachting World.

A crew member taking part in this year’s ARC rally has been lost overboard.

Yesterday, Monday 2 December, the Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze reported that a crew member had gone overboard mid-Atlantic at approximately 0230am.

The yacht’s position was approximately 1,300 nautical miles south-east of Bermuda, sailing in WNW winds of 20-25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots.

A search was initiated, coordinated by MRCC Norfolk USA and involved Ocean Breeze, another ARC entrant, the Vismara 62 Leaps & Bounds 2, and motor yacht, Project X, an 88m superyacht. Air cover was not possible due to the distance of the incident from land.

ARC man overboard search halted

Rally organisers World Cruising Club (WCC) confirmed this morning that, with loss of daylight and in worsening seas, MRCC Norfolk had ended the active search at 20:45 UTC on Monday 2 December. After around 19 hours of searching, Ocean Breeze also resumed its passage westwards.

A crew member from the Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze was lost overboard during the 2024 ARC. Tracker shows Ocean Breeze (blue) and nearby yacht Leaps & Bounds 2 (red), which assisted in the search.

A statement by the WCC added: “[The] MRCC has requested that all vessels able, should amend course to pass through the search area of 2024.838N 043o11.623W and to keep a sharp lookout for any signs of a person in the water.

“All ARC yachts have been asked to assist with MRCC’s request.

“This area will be amended over time to take account of drift rates and weather conditions. MRCC Norfolk will continue to provide updated coordinates.”

The statement also confirmed that he family had given permission for the casualty to be named.

“It is with great sadness that World Cruising Club confirms that 33-year-old Swedish sailor Dag Eresund was lost overboard from yacht Ocean Breeze on Monday 2 December at 02:27 UTC.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dag Eresund’s family and friends and with all the crew members on Ocean Breeze at this unbelievably difficult time.

“We thank the skippers and crew of Leaps & Bounds 2 and Project X for diverting to assist in the search.”

It is understood that the casualty was wearing an automatically inflatable lifejacket with a personal AIS beacon attached, but no further information about the circumstances of the incident are yet known.

Ocean Breeze Volvo 70

The Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze formerly raced as Telefonica Blue and Team Sanya in the Volvo Ocean Race. Photo: Team Sanya/Volvo Ocean Race

Ocean Breeze is an Austrian-flagged Volvo 70 and one of 11 yachts sailing in the IRC racing division of the rally. Yachts in this division must comply with the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations for Category 1 and the World Cruising Club safety equipment requirements.

It is a 2008 Farr designed ocean race boat, formerly called Telefonica Blue, which competed in the 2008 Volvo Ocean Race with Dutch Skipper Bouwe Bekking, finishing 3rd. It was then refitted and raced as Sanya in a Chinese/Irish entry in the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race with skipper Mike Sanderson, finishing 6th.

Like many of the former Volvo 70s, it has most recently been used to take charter clients offshore racing, on corporate sailing trips and similar.

ARC catamaran abandoned

In what has been an exceptionally challenging 24 hours for the ARC fleet, in a separate incident the crew of a Leopard 45 has abandoned ship. All crew were safely rescued.

At 0300 (UTC) on Monday 2 December, the Swedish-flagged Leopard 45 catamaran Karolina Viking issued a ‘Mayday’, reporting a leak in the starboard engine compartment.

In coordination with MRCC Cape Verde, the skipper decided to head to the Cape Verde islands under the port motor, approx 300NM upwind.

At around 1200hrs, another ARC yacht, Cinderella di Ranremo, rendezvous’d with Karolina Viking to offer support. Meanwhile the catamaran Akula, also taking part in the ARC, diverted their course towards the rendezvous area as well.

Karolina Viking reported that the leak was originating from around the rudder stock base in the starboard engine compartment. There was some water ingress into other areas of the starboard hull and the boat’s electrical system began to be affected by the flooding.

The 1985 Jongert 20DS Cinderella di Sanremo GBR successfully rescued all five crew from the Leopard 45 Karolina Viking after they suffered water ingress and abandoned ship during the 2024 ARC transatlantic.

Yesterday afternoon the skipper and crew decided to abandon ship. All five crew safely transferred from Karolina Viking to join the five crew of the 22.5m Jongert Cinderella di Sanremo.

In a third separate incident, another vessel, Team JolieF, also put into Cape Verde as a crew member required non-emergency medical assistance.

In total, 820 people onboard 140 yachts are sailing in ARC 2024. The event departed from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Sunday 24 November, sailing 2,700 miles across the Atlantic to Saint Lucia.

The post Man overboard in ARC: US MRCC calls off active search. Another yacht abandoned in second incident. appeared first on Yachting World.

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who has rounded Cape Horn more than any other sailor, has received the inaugural Pindar Cape Horners Lifetime Achievement Award.

The French offshore skipper has sailed past the Southern Ocean landmark 12 times during his decades-long sailing career – six times solo eastabout, four times solo westabout, once as part of a two-man delivery crew and once while cruising in 2014.

The former Maths teacher still holds the world record for the fastest solo westabout circumnavigation of the world, which he completed in 122 days, 14 hours, 3 minutes and 49 seconds.

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, a veteran of 12 Cape Horn roundings, is presented with the IACH Lifetime Achievement award by Andrew Pindar OBE. Credit: Barry Pickthall/PPL

On receiving the award from businessman and long-time yacht racing sponsor Andrew Pindar at the annual International Association of Cape Horners’ lunch, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede said: “I am quite surprised and very honoured.

“In France, some people think that I am not normal, but I can tell you I am completely normal. I am a normal guy, an ex-teacher of mathematics and I run my life and I am very happy with my life and I would never exchange my life for another one,” he said.

Having grown up on a diet of the works of Joshua Slocum, Vito Dumas and Alain Gerbault, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede began sailing as a 17-year-old initially on introductory dinghies like the Simoun, Vaurien and Flibustier.

He trained as a Maths teacher and bought his first boat – a Corsaire – before upgrading to a Cape Horn when his daughter was born.

Like many who now follow a pathway to the Vendée Globe, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede raced in the Mini Transat, coming second in 1977 and 1979.

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede entertains fellow Cape Horners with tales of his many roundings. Credit: IACH

He also built his own boat – a 12m steel ketch – near his home in Lorient, which he lived onboard with his wife and two children while he continued to teach Maths.

In 1987, he came second in Class Two (40-50ft boats) of the 1986-1987 BOC Challenge aboard Let’s Go – his first solo circumnavigation. This was the second edition of the solo round-the-world yacht race, with skippers racing over four legs – Newport to Cape Town, Cape Town to Sydney, Sydney to Rio de Janeiro and Rio de Janeiro to Newport.

Class One (50-60ft boats) was won by Philippe Jeantot, who went on to found the Vendée Globe, which started in 1989.

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede was among the 13 skippers racing in the inaugural non-stop round-the-world yacht race, aboard his Philippe Harlé and Alain Mortain-designed 60ft yacht, 36.15 MET.

The start of the 1989 Vendée Globe, with Philippe Poupon, skipper of Fleury Michon (right), and Jean-Luc Van Den Heede aboard 36.15 MET (left) fighting to cross the line first. Credit: Getty

The cigar shape of the aluminium boat was considered radical at the time, but proved its worth when Jean-Luc Van Den Heede crossed the line in third place after 112 days, 1 hour and 14 minutes at sea – he was three days behind the winner Titouan Lamazou.

Following the first Vendée Globe, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede left teaching and became a full-time sailor.

He raced in the second Vendée Globe in 1992 aboard the Open 60 yawl, Sofap-Helvim – the yacht was nicknamed ‘le Cigare Rouge’ – the red cigar – as it was so narrow, particularly at the stern. He came second, behind fellow Frenchman, Alain Gautier.

He came fourth in the 1993 Transat Jacques Vabre and third in Class One of the 1995 BOC Challenge on Vendée Enterprises, before beginning his attempt to hold the record for the fastest east-to-west circumnavigation – against the prevailing winds and currents.

Article continues below…

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede wins Golden Globe Race after 211 days at sea

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede today won the Golden Globe Race after an astonishing 211 days and 23 hours at sea, in an…

Sailing around Cape Horn on the world’s largest ketch Aquijo

When asked to help guide the 86m/282ft ketch Aquijo for a cruise in Tierra del Fuego and a Cape Horn…

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede made his first attempt in his Open 60 yawl but after 48 days at sea, he hit a submerged object between Cape Horn and New Zealand and had to stop in Chile.

He commissioned a new boat – the 85-ft aluminium Adrien and in 2001, made a second attempt. After rounding Cape Horn, the boat’s keel became loose and he had to retire.

Undeterred, he made a third attempt in 2002 but was dismasted south of Australia.

His fourth attempt was successful, and on 9 March 2004, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede crossed the finish line off the Créac’h lighthouse, Ushant after 122 days 14 hours, 3 minutes and 49 seconds at sea.

He broke the record held by Philippe Monnet by 29 days, 5 hours, 50 minutes and 47 seconds; and his record still stands today.

Jean-Luc Van Den Heede at sea – he won the Golden Globe Race after 212 days at sea. Credit: Jean-Luc Van Den Heede/GGR/PPL

At 73, he won the 2018-19 Golden Globe Race, aboard the Rustler 36, Matmut, despite pitchpoling in the Southern Ocean in 11 metres seas and 65 knots of wind; this damaged the connecting bolt attachment to the mast which holds all four lower shrouds.

Initially, he planned to head to Chile to make repairs, a move that could have seen him relegated to the Chichester Class for entrants who make one stop, but instead decided to make the necessary repairs at sea and continue in the race, rounding Cape Horn – his 12th time around the landmark – on 23 November 2018.

Membership to the International Association of Cape Horners is open to anyone who has rounded Cape Horn under sail as part of a non-stop passage of at least 3,000 nautical miles which passes above the latitude of 52° south in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans without the use of engines for propulsion.

The association also runs the Cape Horn Hall of Fame.

Inductees are announced annually during a special ceremony at the association’s yacht club in Les Sables d’Olonne and include cruising and racing sailors such as Jeanne Socrates, Sir Chay Blyth, Stan Honey, Sir Alec Rose, Mike Golding, Francis Joyon and Dee Caffari.

The association keeps a record of all solo non-stop, solo with stops and multi-crewed circumnavigations of the world, which also includes cruisers such as Australians Michael and Rosemary Lewis, who sailed around the world via the three major capes of Horn, Hope and Leuwin on their 36ft boat, Expeditus, as well as finishers of every round the world yacht race since the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race.

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Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post Jean-Luc Van Den Heede: first recipient of the Cape Horners’ Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on Yachting World.

Designed by multihull supremos Morelli & Melvin, the Rapido 53XS is a turbo tri with proper living spaces and three double cabins for comfortable long periods or passages aboard. Indeed this first example was commissioned by an ex-Neel 47 owner who wanted better performance.

This is a turbo tri with proper living spaces. Photo: Robin Christol

Following the Rapido 53XS launch from the Triac Composites yard in Vietnam earlier this year, delivery skipper Diego Moreno had just sailed it to the show via the Suez Canal (quite the shakedown voyage), so could vouch for its performance. Speeds in the mid 20-knots are achievable, which is a wee bit faster than you would want or need to go on any cruising yacht! Such blistering pace is achieved through a full carbon build, deep carbon C-foil daggerboards and, on this first example Picomole, a rotating carbon mast. Strict and central weight management, which includes the engine located right by the mast base, all plays its part.

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The owner wanted reefing lines led back to the cockpit and an UpSideUp anti-capsize system, which makes for a busy keyboard of running rigging and clutches around the pedestal. It also has a full race sails package.

Racing plans for this first 53XS include the Middle Sea Race and Aegean 600, where it’ll surely have the best combination of speed and comfort in the fleet. Photo: Robin Christol

Having a double berth on the main deck opposite the saloon on the Rapido 53XS, not unlike a Neel, is a gamechanger, as is the large forward facing navstation. Moreno said his choice spot was the pilot berth above the saloon sofa, doubtless a more restful position on passage than the doubles fore or aft.

Racing plans for this first Rapido 53XS include the Middle Sea Race and Aegean 600, where it’ll surely have the best combination of speed and comfort in the fleet. All that carbon comes at a price though – $1.75m ex VAT. rapidotrimarans.com

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

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The post Rapido 53XS First Look: A trimaran with proper living spaces for comfortable sailing appeared first on Yachting World.

The CNB 62 is the outcome of a brief to create a yacht that blends important elements of two previous popular CNB models – the ease of use of the CNB Bordeaux 60, of which 46 boats were built, and the space and comfort of the larger CNB 66.

Despite the transfer of production from Bordeaux to the Solaris facility near Monfalcone, at the very top of the Adriatic Sea, all three new models retain the original DNA of CNB as performance-oriented large bluewater cruising yachts. The yard has also retained renowned naval architect Philippe Briand and interior designer Jean-Marc Piaton, indicating a desire to build on an existing strong reputation.

New CNB 62 is a natural successor to the renowned CNB Bordeaux 60

“The CNB 62 is the worthy heir to the CNB Bordeaux 60,” according to Briand. “Her seaworthy qualities will be further enhanced by a balanced, powerful hull combined with a substantial sail plan that’s well suited to ocean-going programmes.” The mainsheet is taken to a carbon arch above the cockpit, which both frees up cockpit space and, more importantly, ensures the sheet can pass safely clear of both crew and guests.

“It took a lot of effort and skill from Briand to get the arch and cockpit to work aesthetically – we all had some concerns – but I think the result is stunning,” says Stephen Abery, of Abery Yachts, who is working with CNB on the development and marketing of this model. The helm stations are further forward than those of most yachts of a similar size and therefore close to the outdoor relaxation and living areas.

Saloon, galley and cabin accommodation will be flooded with natural light

Sail controls are brought back to winches aft of the wheels, rather than the more common location just ahead of the helm stations. This has potential to make sail handling easy when on watch short-handed as there’s no need to step around the wheel. It also allows for plenty of room in the working areas when sailing with a larger complement of crew.

Moving the wheels forward also gives space for a flat sunbathing area aft, above a large longitudinal dinghy garage that has space for a 2.85m jet tender. The almost full-width door to this garage folds down to create a large bathing platform area. The interior is arranged in an owner-forward layout, with two large aft guest cabins accessed via a corridor that helps to improve privacy. Abery also says the light-flooded saloon and galley, owner’s suite and guest suites are really spacious, describing them as “a transformation and class leading.”

Distinctive new designs offer plenty of natural lighting

The first boat is currently in build and is scheduled to be unveiled at the Düsseldorf boat show in January 2025.

Article continues below…

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Bordeaux 60 rendezvous

The Second CNB Bordeaux 60 rendezvous took place in Mallorca last weekend for some social one-design racing

CNB 62 Specifications:

LOA: 18.47m 60ft 6in
Beam: 5.30m 17ft 5in
Draught (std keel): 2.9m 9ft 6in
Base price: €1,540,000 ex VAT
Contact details: cnbyachts.com

The CNB 62 is scheduled to be unveiled at the Düsseldorf boat show in January 2025.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.

Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The post CNB 62 first look: Standout natural lighting for a family cruiser appeared first on Yachting World.