The 2022 RORC Transatlantic Race started on January 8 in glorious conditions outside Marina Lanzarote. After months of preparation and planning, the 3,000nm race to Grenada has begun for 256 sailors from 27 different countries. The record fleet of 30 boats set off at blistering pace downwind leaving Lanzarote behind. The RORC fleet will race through the Canary Islands before sailing into the open waters of the Atlantic. A complex weather system promises a fascinating race to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada.
“15-20 knots of wind with a wave height of nearly one and a half meters made for a spectacular downwind start,” commented Tim Thubron, RORC Deputy Racing Manager. “Both the MOCRA and combined IRC class starts were very competitive; it just shows how spirited this fleet is. The RORC Race team will be monitoring their progress throughout the race 24-7, and as with all of our Club’s events, we wish all our competitors a safe and enjoyable race.”
The race to Grenada has begun for 256 sailors from 27 different countries
MOCRA
At speeds of over 30 knots the powerful multihulls in the MOCRA class were first away. Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo (USA) won the pin end with Giovanni Soldini’s Multi70 Maserati (ITA) first to cross the line to leeward. The Italian team was the first to gybe inshore and to the turning mark at Puerto Calero. However, Peter Cunningham’s MOD70 PowerPlay (CAY) ripped out in front hitting a speed of 33 knots. PowerPlay was first to clear the passage between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Argo and Maserati gybed south of the rhumb line, but PowerPlay continued to head to the north. Less than three hours into the race, the trio had travelled over 70 miles.
Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo (USA)
On January 9 the leading multihulls slowed down to under 20 knots as they entered the transition zone created between the low to the northwest and the trade winds to the northeast. Peter Cunningham’s MOD70 PowerPlay (CAY) has been the dominant force so far and has taken up a westerly position compared to Giovanni Soldini’s Multi70 Maserati (ITA), and Jason Carroll’s MOD70 Argo (USA). Tactically, PowerPlay is positioned between the competition and the finish. The race is on to cross the transition zone and gybe onto the fresh breeze to the northwest.
I Love Poland and Five Oceans
IRC SUPER ZERO
L4 Trifork got the best start of the big boat class, with Joern Larsen at the helm and Bouwe Bekking calling the shots. L4 Trifork started to leeward and got into clean air to hoist their massive spinnaker. L4 Trifork was originally the VO70 Ericsson 4 but now has DSS foils and a longer bowsprit – turbo charged would be an understatement. However, the 100ft canting keel Maxi Comanche, skippered by Mitch Booth also got away well, passing L4 Trifork to windward in a show of power.
L4 Trifork VO70
L4 Trifork gybed on their line and might have even got a tow in their quarter wave. It was an aggressive start by both teams. Three hours into the race Comanche leads by five miles. Behind the leaders on the water HYPR (NED), sailed by Jens Lindner, has taken a northerly position. The Polish National Foundation’s VO70 I Love Poland and The Austrian Ocean Racing’s VO65 Sisi are further to the south.
The 100ft Maxi Comanche (CAY) skippered by Mitch Booth gybed southwest shortly after dawn on day two and stayed on the same gybe all day. On a broad reach, Comanche has been unstoppable, achieving over 20 knots of boat speed hour after hour. If Comanche continues at this pace, the race record will be smashed by over three days. Volvo 70 L4 Trifork (DEN) is the most northerly boat of the RORC fleet and aptly the majority of the crew come from Scandinavia.
IRC ZERO
The super-fight between the offshore fifty-footers got off to a cracking start. Max Klink’s Botin 52 Caro (CH) nailed the pin end of the line like the team were starting an inshore race. David Collins Botin 52 Tala (GBR) was hardly shy of the line either. The Botin 56 Black Pearl (GER), helmed by Stefan Jentsch, was also in the mix. Three hours into the race the trio were screeching along, three-abreast, at close to 20 knots of boat speed.
Max Klink’s Botin 52 Caro (CH) and Tala (GBR) at the start of the RORC Transatlantic Race
Max Klink’s Botin 52 Caro (CH) is still leading the class on January 9, but only just. Botin 56 Black Pearl (GER), helmed by Stefan Jentsch, and David Collins’ Botin 52 Tala (GBR) have all gybed west and are continuing their close battle. In reality, all three boats are vying for the class and overall lead, after IRC time correction.
IRC ONE
Andrew Hall’s Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR) pulled away from the class at the start to lead on the water. Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster (GBR) had a great tactical start, hugging the coast of Lanzarote to record a velocity made good of over 10 knots. Christopher Daniel’s J/122 Juno (GBR) is racing across the Atlantic for the first time.
Leaving Tenerife to port initially worked out well for Richard Palmer’s JPK 1010 Jangada (GBR), Jacques Pelletier’s Milon 41 L'Ange De Milon (FRA) and Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster (GBR). However, Andrew Hall’s Lombard 46 Pata Negra (GBR), which went south of Tenerife, is now through the lee of the island and starting to increase in speed due to the good pressure.
Andrew Hall’s Lombard 46 Pata Negra with boat captain Chris Jackson (GBR)
Christopher Daniel on his J/121 Juno (GBR) reported in as the team passed south of Tenerife: “Juno had a good first 30 hours, with the North Atlantic giving us a welcome reception to remember. With winds ranging from 30 kts to almost nothing, we’ve already used every sail in the locker! Before the start we made the decision to err towards the rhumb line and have just rolled the dice to sail between Tenerife and La Palma. Not an easy call, and we’ll only ever know whether it was correct when we all re-converge to the west of La Palma’s wind shadow.
Carlo Vroon's Dutch entry, Diana bid farewell to Lanzarote, Canary Islands as they head off after the start
Two of the boats racing in the RORC Transatlantic Race have reported that they are heading for shore. Swan 58 OM II and the classic Faiaoahe. OM II has retired from racing and will sail to Antigua. Faiaoahe have reported that they have temporarily suspended racing but intend to resume racing. All are safe and well aboard both boats.
Credits: RORC Press Office; James Mitchell
Damen Yachting has successfully launched the first Amels 80. The vessel is the latest addition to the Amels Limited Editions range.The 80-meter superyacht boasts a gross tonnage of 2,175 GT and features a hybrid propulsion system for reduced emissions and improved cruising efficiency. The vessel can accommodate 14 guests across 7 luxurious suites, supported by a crew of 21. Notable features include a foredeck helipad, a 200-square-meter Sun Deck, a private Owner’s Deck, a 6.5-meter swimming pool, and a Beach Club with spa facilities.The exterior design is the work of renowned superyacht designer Espen Oino, while the interior was created by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design in their first collaboration with Amels. Paul Costerus, Designer Interior at Sinot, commented: “The Amels 80 marks the first collaboration between Sinot and Amels. A project which provided us with the opportunity to develop something truly unique. You will feel at home from the moment you step on board.”The build of the first Amels 80 was managed by Burgess on behalf of the Owner following the yacht’s sale in 2022. Sean Bianchi, Partner and Head of Burgess Technical Services, stated: “We are delighted to see Amels 80, hull number 01 depart her construction dock and enter the commissioning and sea trials phase. This milestone marks the culmination of close collaboration between Damen Yachting, Sinot, and the Owner’s team in crafting a yacht that is truly one of a kind.”Adriaan Roose, Product Design Manager for the Amels 80 series at Damen Yachting, emphasized the balance between customisation and efficiency: “The Amels 80 offered the client many custom options whilst still benefitting from the shortened delivery time. This yacht is the ultimate balance of individuality and efficiency.”The Amels 80 has the following specifications: length overall is 80.00 meters (261 ft), beam overall is 12.50 meters (41 ft), range is 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots, with delivery scheduled for Summer 2025.Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “With today’s launch of the first Amels 80, we have reached another landmark achievement in the history of Amels. I would like to thank our Client and the team at Burgess for entrusting us with this very special build. We are honoured and excited to see the final phase through to delivery.”Damen Yachting is the yachting division of the Damen Shipyards Group. The shipyard builds and refits Amels superyachts, Xplorer luxury expedition yachts (previously known as SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels. Credits: Damen Yachting
April 30, 2025
Grand Soleil Yachts has introduced its first weekender model, the Grand Soleil Blue, marking a significant departure from its traditional performance and long-cruise yachts. The 32ft 9in (9.99m) vessel is designed for day sailing and weekend getaways, featuring a sustainable build and electric propulsion options.The yacht is the smallest in the Grand Soleil range and sets new standards for recyclability. According to Gigi Servidati, Cantiere del Pardo Chairman, “The GS Blue represents the beginning of a new concept within the Grand Soleil range: a line that is agile, sustainable, fun, highly liveable, and designed for more immediate and flexible use.”The vessel’s design emphasizes performance and comfort, developed by naval architect Matteo Polli and Nauta Design for exterior, interior design, and layout. Polli noted, “The striking hull shape is designed to provide stability when the boat heels, to maximize power upwind. And in light winds, or when running, the narrow waterline beam delivers lower drag and therefore higher speeds.”Sustainability is a core feature of the GS Blue. The yacht utilizes Arkema’s Elium resin in its composite lay-up, allowing for recovery and reuse at the end of its life. The PET core material in the hull’s sandwich construction is derived from post-consumer waste, and the design allows for easy disassembly of components.The yacht offers fully electric propulsion as an option, featuring a 6kW pod drive from ePropulsion powered by a 190Ah lithium battery. This setup provides a range of up to 30 nautical miles at 5 knots, with the option to double that range by adding a second battery pack. The electric system enables silent maneuvering and a top speed of 6.5 knots.Performance-wise, the GS Blue boasts a 2.2m bulb keel (with a 1.8m shallow draft option) and a generous sailplan. It can achieve upwind speeds of 6-8 knots and downwind speeds of 10-12 knots. The design prioritizes easy shorthanded or solo sailing, featuring push-button electric Harken winches.Inside, the yacht offers modern Italian-style amenities including a heads compartment with freshwater shower, an efficient galley with hob, oven, and fridge, and berths for up to four, optimized for two. The interior design focuses on light and space, as highlighted by Massimo Gino, CEO and co-founder of Nauta: “A key element of the interior design is the light scheme, which ensures that even with lower ceiling heights, the yacht feels spacious and welcoming for guests.”The project is co-financed by the Emilia Romagna region as part of the PR-ERDF 2021/2027 program, emphasizing its experimental research and development nature.Cantiere del Pardo was founded in 1973 in Italy. Pardo Yachts, the brand of Cantiere del Pardo dedicated to powerboats, was born in 2016. The first model, the Pardo 43, was launched in 2017. Grand Soleil was founded in 1973 and is famous for its yachts, which ensure performance for regattas, autonomous long-distance navigation, as well as a high level of sustainable consciousness.Credits: Grand Soleil Yachts
April 30, 2025
Feadship has successfully launched its latest superyacht, Project 827, marking another milestone in the company’s history of luxury yacht construction. The vessel was launched at the Royal Van Lent shipyard in Sneek, the Netherlands.Project 827 is a 75-meter motor yacht designed by the renowned studio Winch Design. The exterior design features clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, while the interior showcases a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and comfort. The yacht boasts a spacious main deck and a large owner’s deck, providing ample living space for its occupants.“Project 827 is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Feadship CEO Henk de Vries. “We have pushed the boundaries of design and engineering to create a yacht that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our discerning clients.”The yacht’s design emphasizes functionality and comfort. It features a unique layout with a large owner’s deck, offering unobstructed panoramic views. The interior design, also by Winch Design, combines modern materials with classic craftsmanship, creating a luxurious yet livable environment.Project 827 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and engineering solutions. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar engines, providing efficient performance and low emissions. The vessel also incorporates advanced systems for noise and vibration control, ensuring a quiet and comfortable onboard experience.“This launch is a significant moment for Feadship,” commented Project Manager Jan van der Meer. “Project 827 represents the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between our teams and the client. We are proud to deliver a yacht that truly embodies the spirit of modern luxury.”The completion of Project 827 further strengthens Feadship’s position as a leading builder of custom superyachts. The company continues to focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design solutions to its clients.Feadship plans to complete the final outfitting and sea trials before delivering the yacht to its owner later this year. The launch of Project 827 demonstrates the shipyard’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the superyacht industry.Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
April 30, 2025
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show will introduce several new features when it returns to Mayflower Park from September 19-28, 2025. Organizers British Marine confirmed a redesigned layout with specialized zones including The Powerhub for powerboats and Angler's Alley for fishing enthusiasts.New additions include: the Boating Academy offering educational sessions, waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders, expanded marina area with grouped vessel displays, on the Water stage featuring high-speed demonstrations. Visitor experiences will include the Try A Boat program with FlexiSail and accessible powerboat rides through Wetwheels. The Shipyard festival area will host live music and family activities, with a headline act to be announced.Ticket prices currently start at £24.99 for adults, with free entry for two children per adult ticket. Marina space remains in high demand among exhibitors, with increased berth capacity for 2025."The 2025 edition represents an exciting transformation," stated British Marine representatives. The event will showcase products ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, though exhibitor lists remain unconfirmed.British Marine, representing over 1,300 UK marine businesses, organizes the annual show which supports an industry employing 38,000 nationwide.Credits: Southampton International Boat Show
April 29, 2025
The General Council of Confindustria Nautica has designated Piero Formenti, owner of Zar Formenti, as President of the Italian Marine Industry Association for the 2025-2029 term. The appointment will be formally ratified at the association's general meeting on May 16 during the SATEC Convention in Rapallo.Formenti becomes the first president representing the small boating sector in the association's history. The selection process saw 79.04% member participation with 94.64% approval votes.Piero FormentiSince founding Zar Formenti in 1979, specializing in inflatable boats, Formenti has served as association director since 2008 and vice president since 2019. He currently holds the position of vice-chair at European Boating Industry (EBI), having previously served two terms as president (2015-2019)."My experience provides a unified vision of the industry," Formenti stated. "Coming from the small boating segment demonstrates our sector's maturity as we address innovation, green economy, domestic market revival, regulatory simplification, and next-generation engagement during challenging economic conditions for small manufacturers."The appointment follows standard association statutes and Confederation of Industry regulations.Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association
April 29, 2025