World Sailing Boat of the Year Finalists

The DNA F1x, Figaro III, L30 and Ran VII – Fast 40 have been shortlisted for the inaugural World Sailing Boat of Year Award.

The World Sailing Boat of the Year Award recognizes outstanding boat design, innovative concepts and ground breaking technological advancements that are changing the face of sailing, pioneering change across the world.

A judging panel consisting of Gary Jobson – World Sailing Vice-President, Matt Sheahan – Head of Performance Sailing at Sunset+Vine, James Boyd – sailing journalist, and Carlos de Beltran – World Sailing Director of Technical and Offshore reviewed the applicants before voting on a shortlist.

The selection committee will vote on who should receive the Boat of the Year Award and the winner will be announced at the 2018 World Sailing Awards, set to be held on October 30 in Sarasota, Florida, USA.

Further information on each boat is below:

DNA F1x
An evolution of the F1 A-Catamara, the DNA F1x is the ultimate single handed boat. Incredibly fast, agile and powerful, the DNA F1x is optimised for aero, has improved ergonomics and is a demanding design with a high level of execution.

Four point foiling was introduced on the DNA F1x with a Z-foil configuration ensuring the total design is fully optimised for stable and fast foiling upwind and downwind. Further improvements have been made on the tapered mast, hulls and beams and more weight has been added to ensure a stronger structure.

Figaro III
The Figaro Bénéteau 3 was designed for and with the top singlehanded sailors in the world.

It is the first production foiling one-design monohull ever to be designed. A distillation of technology and innovation, group Bénéteau’s best experts and the Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost (VPLP) office, the architects of the last two boats to win the Vendée Globe, worked in collaboration to design the boat.

At one of its first outings, the Figaro 3 took line honours in the Pacific Cup between San Francisco and Hawaii. Set for global distribution in 2019, with more than 50-boats on order, the boat will join the mighty Figaro professional racing circuit.

L30
The L30 was designed by Justin Yacht Design and was created to provide greater accessibility and affordability for yacht club members to sail both inshore and offshore.

A fast, modern one-design with racing character, the L30 can easily be transported via a trailer with minimum maintenance costs. A spacious cabin and head make it suitable for racing as well as corporate sailing events and for use within sailing schools.

Furthermore, the boat has the environment in mind with a sail drive electric motor that can operate in the hydro-generator mode.

Ran VII – Fast 40
Designed by Carkeek design partner and launched on 13 April 2018, Ran VII is a pioneering boat that continues the succession of Niklas Zennstrom owned boats named Ran.

With a unique boat shape and electric powered sail drive system, Ran VII has won every race she has entered including the prestigious One Ton Cup where she scored an unprecedented six firsts and two second places.

Ran VII utilises smart geometry to increase performance but the prototype electric sail drive system is a technologically advanced and was developed for environmental purposes that will pave the way for future developments.

About the World Sailing Awards
The World Sailing Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and exceptional contributions to the sport of sailing. The highlight of the annual Awards night is the presentation of the ultimate recognition of excellence – the Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award.

The Awards night is the social highlight of the World Sailing Annual Conference and 2018 is set to be a groundbreaking edition with the introduction of the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award, the Team of the Year and the Boat of the Year.

Alongside Rolex World Sailor of the Year and the new Awards, the Beppe Croce Trophy, President Development Award and eSailing World Championship Trophy will be presented.

Source: World Sailing