Botin Cup 41: Uncompromising IRC weapon specially designed for the Admiral's Cup
Michael Good
· 14.04.2026
The construction is consistently designed for the IRC equalisation system. For the Admiral's Cup 2027, the upper limit for the smaller class is a TCC of 1.282 - which is exactly where the concept of the Botin 41 comes in. The design follows the latest findings in modern yacht design and sees itself as an evolutionary development. The designers at Botin Partners and the manufacturer McConaghy are talking about a platform that should deliver optimum performance both in up-and-down regattas and on medium distances. The hull shape, appendages and sail plan are based on the experience of previous Botin projects.
Consistently brushed for performance
The hull, deck and structure are built at McConaghy Boats in China using extremely complex and high-quality high-tech construction methods. The construction is based on prepreg carbon in sandwich construction with a Nomex honeycomb core. The keel fin is CNC-milled, as is the lead bulb of the T-keel. This emphasises how clearly the Botin Cup 41 is designed as an uncompromising Grand Prix tool.
The rig concept also remains uncompromising. A high-modulus carbon fibre rig with carbon boom, carbon rigging, titanium halyard blocks and a trim concept consistently designed for maximum performance with double backstays (runners) and hydraulic systems is planned. The primary winches and mainsheet winches are driven by a grinder.
Only the bare essentials inside
In keeping with this, the boat is extremely spartan below deck. The specifications show an interior clearly reduced to regatta use with only the most necessary elements for long or medium distance races offshore. McConaghy Boats gives an initial rough price estimate of 1.99 million US dollars for the Botin Cup 41. This corresponds to around 1.7 million euros at the current exchange rate. As usual with high-bred regatta yachts of this calibre, the costs for electronics and sails are not yet included.
Goal: Admiral's Cup 2027
The fact that the Botin Cup 41 is aiming for the Admiral's Cup emphasises the sporting thrust of the project. The traditional team competition, founded in 1957 and revived by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in 2025 after a long break, is once again considered one of the most important goals in international IRC racing. The next event will take place in July 2027 off Cowes in England, with an attractive format of inshore and offshore races and the legendary Rolex Fastnet Race as the highlight.
Technical data Botin Cup 41
- Designer: Botin Partners Naval Architecture
- Hull length: 12.55 m
- Width: 4.20 m
- Draught: 3.00 m
- Weight: approx. 4.0 tonnes
- Motorisation: 30 hp built-in machine
- IRC TCC: < 1,282
Further links on the topic
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
