The days of the Volvo Ocean 65 are numbered. This type of boat will be used for the second time in this year's Volvo Ocean Race, after which it is over. A new boat is to be built and cover more facets than the previous one.
It is designed to be flexible and can be used for both the Volvo Ocean Race and the Vendée Globe single-handed non-stop regatta. This should enable future teams to take part in the two most important ocean races with less effort than before. Due to the Vendée Globe's length limit of 60 feet, it will be a 60-footer, that much is clear.
In a video, the organiser now shows a so-called mock-up, a 1:1 model of the future boat, project name "Super 60", on which a team of boat builders and designers is currently working. Elements of the current Open 60 of the Vendée Globe can be recognised, and the use of so-called deck spreaders, which enable movable shrouds and a mast that can be tilted sideways, is also being discussed.
In view of the effort that has already gone into the new type of boat, the result will be very exciting.
Mock-up construction of the Super 60
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
