Maxi 72 Ran II: World’s coolest yachts

Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and Adrian Stead nominated Maxi 72 Ran II. Here’s the report:

The Maxi 72 Ran II was a dominant force both inshore and offshore, sailing an intense program after its launch in 2009, including taking back-to-back wins in the Rolex Fastnet Race under IRC overall in 2009 and 2011.

“The Ran 72, we sailed it so much in so many great places – we won the Maxi Worlds, two Fastnets, RORC Caribbean 600 – loads of stuff! It was a great boat, with a great team, and great competition,” said Stead.

“I think it was owners Niklas and Catherine’s [Zennstrom’s] dream – their vision to go sailing, to sail great races with good friends. Out of all the boats I’ve sailed, that’s definitely the most fun.”

The Maxi 72 Ran II was designed by Judel/Vroljik and built at Green Marine in Lymington with a laser focus on weight reduction, coming in at just 17 tons. However, it was also designed to be robust enough to withstand tough offshore conditions, including a breezy Rolex Sydney Hobart in 2009.

Maxi 72 Ran II stats rating:
Top speed: 25 knots
LOA: 21.94m/72ft 0in
Launched: 2009
Berths: 6-8
Price: Undisclosed
Adrenalin factor: 80%

For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here.