RC44: 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 Cameron Appleton nominated the RC44. Here’s the report:

“For sure one of the coolest yachts is none other than the RC44 class created by Russell Coutts,” nominates Cameron Appleton.

A strict one-design, the RC44 was co-designed by five-time America’s Cup winner Coutts with naval architect Andrej Justin and bears more than a passing resemblance to the IACC class of old.

It’s a full carbon build with a square top main and trim tab, producing high performance and demanding a considerable level of skill from its owner-helmsmen. The RC44 fits into a 40-foot container and boats compete on a multi-event tour.

“Seventeen years in with Team Aqua and it still brings such tight racing across the widest of wind ranges,” says Appleton. “The boat tests the teams and challenges them to performance in a class that’s always exciting and keeps you wanting more.

“The boats have that balance of needing each crew member throughout the race to be successful, and they reward you in every condition by getting racing off in conditions most classes just wouldn’t attempt to run races in.”

RC44 stats rating
Top speed: 24 knots
LOA: 13.35m/43ft8in
Launched: 2007
Berths: 0
Price (NEW): €1m
Adrenalin factor: 70%

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