racing yacht speed

Sail GP: how do supercharged racing yachts go so fast? An engineer explains

Head of Engineering, Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering, Solent University

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Jonathan Ridley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Sailing used to be considered as a rather sedate pastime. But in the past few years, the world of yacht racing has been revolutionised by the arrival of hydrofoil-supported catamarans, known as “foilers”. These vessels, more akin to high-performance aircraft than yachts, combine the laws of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics to create vessels capable of speeds of up to 50 knots, which is far faster than the wind propelling them.

An F50 catamaran preparing for the Sail GP series recently even broke this barrier, reaching an incredible speed of 50.22 knots (57.8mph) purely powered by the wind. This was achieved in a wind of just 19.3 knots (22.2mph). F50s are 15-metre-long, 8.8-metre-wide hydrofoil catamarans propelled by rigid sails and capable of such astounding speeds that Sail GP has been called the “ Formula One of sailing ”. How are these yachts able to go so fast? The answer lies in some simple fluid dynamics.

As a vessel’s hull moves through the water, there are two primary physical mechanisms that create drag and slow the vessel down. To build a faster boat you have to find ways to overcome the drag force.

The first mechanism is friction. As the water flows past the hull, a microscopic layer of water is effectively attached to the hull and is pulled along with the yacht. A second layer of water then attaches to the first layer, and the sliding or shearing between them creates friction.

On the outside of this is a third layer, which slides over the inner layers creating more friction, and so on. Together, these layers are known as the boundary layer – and it’s the shearing of the boundary layer’s molecules against each other that creates frictional drag.

A yacht also makes waves as it pushes the water around and under the hull from the bow (front) to the stern (back) of the boat. The waves form two distinctive patterns around the yacht (one at each end), known as Kelvin Wave patterns.

These waves, which move at the same speed as the yacht, are very energetic. This creates drag on the boat known as the wave-making drag, which is responsible for around 90% of the total drag. As the yacht accelerates to faster speeds (close to the “hull speed”, explained later), these waves get higher and longer.

These two effects combine to produce a phenomenon known as “ hull speed ”, which is the fastest the boat can travel – and in conventional single-hull yachts it is very slow. A single-hull yacht of the same size as the F50 has a hull speed of around 12 mph.

However, it’s possible to reduce both the frictional and wave-making drag and overcome this hull-speed limit by building a yacht with hydrofoils . Hydrofoils are small, underwater wings. These act in the same way as an aircraft wing, creating a lift force which acts against gravity, lifting our yacht upwards so that the hull is clear of the water.

While an aircraft’s wings are very large, the high density of water compared to air means that we only need very small hydrofoils to produce a lot of the important lift force. A hydrofoil just the size of three A3 sheets of paper, when moving at just 10 mph, can produce enough lift to pick up a large person.

This significantly reduces the surface area and the volume of the boat that is underwater, which cuts the frictional drag and the wave-making drag, respectively. The combined effect is a reduction in the overall drag to a fraction of its original amount, so that the yacht is capable of sailing much faster than it could without hydrofoils.

The other innovation that helps boost the speed of racing yachts is the use of rigid sails . The power available from traditional sails to drive the boat forward is relatively small, limited by the fact that the sail’s forces have to act in equilibrium with a range of other forces, and that fabric sails do not make an ideal shape for creating power. Rigid sails, which are very similar in design to an aircraft wing, form a much more efficient shape than traditional sails, effectively giving the yacht a larger engine and more power.

As the yacht accelerates from the driving force of these sails, it experiences what is known as “ apparent wind ”. Imagine a completely calm day, with no wind. As you walk, you experience a breeze in your face at the same speed that you are walking. If there was a wind blowing too, you would feel a mixture of the real (or “true” wind) and the breeze you have generated.

The two together form the apparent wind, which can be faster than the true wind. If there is enough true wind combined with this apparent wind, then significant force and power can be generated from the sail to propel the yacht, so it can easily sail faster than the wind speed itself.

The combined effect of reducing the drag and increasing the driving power results in a yacht that is far faster than those of even a few years ago. But all of this would not be possible without one further advance: materials. In order to be able to “fly”, the yacht must have a low mass, and the hydrofoil itself must be very strong. To achieve the required mass, strength and rigidity using traditional boat-building materials such as wood or aluminium would be very difficult.

This is where modern advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre come in. Production techniques optimising weight, rigidity and strength allow the production of structures that are strong and light enough to produce incredible yachts like the F50.

The engineers who design these high-performance boats (known as naval architects ) are always looking to use new materials and science to get an optimum design. In theory, the F50 should be able to go even faster.

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The top 10 fastest superyachts in the world

Despite their larger size, superyachts can still reach an impressive speed on the water – as this official list of the world’s fastest superyachts shows. For now, the list is topped by 41.5 metre Foners as the world’s speediest superyacht. Able to reach top speeds of 70 knots – equivalent to 80 miles per hour – the Izar-built yacht has been outpacing her contenders for more than 20 years. But her challengers are not far behind. For adrenaline-seekers with a need for speed, get your pulses racing with our definitive list of the quickest superyachts on the water.

Foners | 70.1 knots

Clocking in at a thrilling 70.10 knots, the 41.5 metre Foners has raced to the top spot as the world’s fastest superyacht. She’s been difficult to catch up with, having maintained her position for over 20 years since her delivery in 2000. 

Her zippy speed is produced by two 1,280hp MAN engines coupled with three Rolls Royce 6,700hp gas turbines that drive three KaMeWa water jets. But she is not just about speed; her interior, designed by Studio Spadolini is quite literally fit for a king. Originally built by Spanish shipyard Izar as the King of Spain’s royal yacht , the DLBA-designed Foners features interiors finished in elegant gloss sycamore wood panelling with stitched tan leather detailing. She can accommodate eight guests and six crew on board, and her superstructure has been lined with Aramid fibre for the express purpose of making it bullet proof. There is a formal dining room indoors, while the deck spaces are vast offering plenty of opportunities for al fresco entertaining. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, she has a range of 1,800 nautical miles.

• Builder: Izar
• Country of build: Spain
• Delivery year: 2000
• Length Overall: 41.5 m
• Beam: 9.2 m
• Gross Tonnage 180 t

More about this yacht

More stories, world is not enough | 67 knots.

World Is Not Enough comes second to Foners by just a fraction, able to reach a respectable top speed of 67 knots. She was delivered in 2004 by Millenium Super Yachts and designed by Dutch naval architect Frank Mulder . She is propelled by two Paxman diesel engines and two Lycoming gas turbines, producing a staggering 20,600hp. She also boasts an impressive cruising range of 3800 nautical miles at a comfortable speed of 10 knots.

World Is Not Enough measures 42.4 metres LOA and can accommodate 10 guests on board in five luxurious cabins, along with seven crew members. When not ploughing through the waves at full throttle, she offers plenty of space for relaxation, with al fresco dining and lounge spaces available on all decks and an additional formal dining space and bar indoors. Her interiors have been designed in a classic style by Evan K Marshall and feature marble finishes, opulent mirrors and glossy wood panelling. She was last refitted in 2011.

• Builder: Neptunus - Millennium
• Country of build: Netherlands
• Delivery year: 2004
• Length Overall: 42.4 m
• Beam: 8.25 m
• Gross Tonnage 291 t

Destriero | 66 knots

In third place is the 68.18 metre Destriero . Launched in 1991, she was built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri to a design by Donald Blount and Pininfarina . Powered by a Codag engine with three GE Aviation LM1600 gas turbines totalling 54,000hp, she is able to reach a top speed a 66 knots. The construction of Destriero was sponsored by Aga Khan IV for the purpose of achieving the Blue Riband, a record awarded to the fastest vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Shortly after her launch, Destriero crossed the Atlantic in 1992 twice without refuelling. Her first westbound voyage took her from Tarifa Point in Spain to Ambrose Light in New York. The return voyage saw her travel from Ambrose Light to Bishop Rock in the Isles of Scilly, a total distance of 3,106 nautical miles which she covered at an average speed of 53.09 knots and completed in a record time of 58 hours, 34 minutes and 5 seconds. Although Destriero was ultimately denied the Blue Riband’s Hales Trophy on the basis that the award can only be given to passenger vessels and not private yachts, she did receive the Virgin Atlantic Challenge Trophy awarded by former record-holder Richard Branson for the fastest crossing by any vessel. She also won the Columbus Atlantic Trophy sponsored by the Costa Smeralda and New York Yacht Clubs for the fastest trans-Atlantic round-trip.

• Builder: Fincantieri
• Country of build: Italy
• Delivery year: 1991
• Length Overall: 68.18 m
• Beam: 12.91 m
• Gross Tonnage 1376 t

Galeocerdo | 65 Knots

The sleek lines and futuristic design of Rodriquez Yachts’ Galeocerdo is the result of exhaustive research and design development programme by Wally founder Luca Bassani. Created with the aim of maintaining high speeds in rough seas, the 36-metre Wally Power 118 superyacht was launched in 2003 following tank testing at the SSPA facility in Goteborg, Sweden, and wind tunnel testing at the Ferrari facility in Maranello, Italy. Lazzarini Pickering Architetti and Intermarine also collobroated on the design of Galeocredo.

Galeocerdo is driven to a top speed of 65 knots by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines, each driving a Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jet. The titanium exhaust system is lightweight while extremely resistant to the high temperatures generated by the gas turbines, and can muster up to 16,800hp. At a cruising speed of 45 knots, she can cover a range of 1,500 nautical miles. Her interiors offer room for six guests and six crew on board.

• Builder: Rodriquez Yachts
• Delivery year: 2003
• Length Overall: 36 m

Gentry Eagle | 63.5 knots

Gentry Eagle was built by Vosper Thornycroft and launched in 1988 for the late Tom Gentry, who set nearly every powerboat speed record in existence during his lifetime. His passion to win powerboating's most coveted honour, the Blue Riband for the fastest passage across the Atlantic, drove him to commission the 34.1 metre Gentry Eagle , capable of 63.5 knots. She was designed by Peter Birkett and Grant Robinson , and her interiors by Robin Rose can host six guests and four members of crew.

In 1989, he finally won the Blue Riband on board Gentry Eagle . His record time of 62 hours and seven minutes beat Richard Branson's previous record by an astonishing 23 per cent. Gentry Eagle was relaunched as a private superyacht in 1992.

• Builder: Vosper Thornycroft
• Country of build: United Kingdom
• Delivery year: 1988
• Length Overall: 35.66 m
• Beam: 7.32 m
• Gross Tonnage 166 t

Kereon | 62.3 Knots

Launched in 2004 by Italian yard AB Yachts, Kereon can blast through waves at a top speed of 62.3 knots. This punchy performance is made possible by a triple 6,300hp CRM diesel engine set-up fitted to a fast planing hull designed by naval architect Angelo Arnaboldi . Inside Kereon can accommodate up to six guests in three cabins, while her 12,000 litre fuel tank means a maximum range of 900 nautical miles is possible at her fast cruising speed of 50 knots. The 35.66 metre superyacht features sharp exterior lines and a distinctive metallic silver superstructure that contribute to her sporty allure.

• Builder: AB Yachts - Next Yacht Group
• Length Overall: 27 m
• Beam: 6.4 m

Jet Ruban Bleu | 60 knots

In 10th place, but still neck-and-neck with Brave Challenger , Azimut Atlantic Challenger and OCI Ciorinie is the 25 metre Jet Ruban Bleu . Delivered in 1990 by Multiplast , and designed by Gilles Ollier together with Coste Design & Partners , she is powered by a single MTU 3,500hp engine and can reach a top speed of 60 knots. At a speed of 50 knots she has a cruising range of 3,000 nautical miles. She features a planing GRP hull and superstructure, with her decks also constructed from GRP.

• Builder: Multiplast
• Country of build: France
• Delivery year: 1990
• Length Overall: 25 m
• Beam: 4.39 m

Azimut Atlantic Challenger | 60 knots

Designed purely for the purposes of collecting the Blue Riband award, the Azimut Atlantic Challenger was launched by Benetti in 1988 with exterior details by Pininfarina . The 26.82 metre aluminium monohull can reach a top speed of 60 knots under the power of four CRM diesel engines offering 7,400hp. At a cruising speed of 40 knots, she has a range of 3,000 nautical miles. Unfortunately, her attempt to procure the Blue Riband shortly after her launch in 1988 but was ultimately fruitless.

• Builder: Benetti
• Length Overall: 26.82 m
• Beam: 7.5 m

Oci Ciornie | 60 Knots

Prolific naval architect Don Shead teamed up with American yard Palmer Johnson and Dutch shipbuilders Vripack in 1998 to create Oci Ciornie . This aluminium-hulled speed machine was fitted with twin 1,800hp MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines, a 4,600hp AVCO Lycoming gas turbine and Arneson surface drives for a staggering top speed of 60 knots.

Her interiors can accommodate up to eight guests in three cabins consisting of a master suite, double cabin and twin room with a pair of pullman berths. The deck saloon and forward outside spaces are all located on one level for a streamlined look, and the interior of the main saloon takes design cues from vintage aircraft design. The 25 metre superyacht can also accommodate two crew on board.

• Builder: Palmer Johnson
• Country of build: United States of America
• Delivery year: 1998
• Beam: 6.22 m

Brave Challenger | 60 Knots

Powered by three Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbines totalling 13,500hp, the 31 metre Brave Challenger has proven top speeds of over 60 knots and can achieve higher speeds using its alternative Vosper-developed high-speed propellers.

Built by Vosper Ltd in Portsmouth in 1961, Brave Challenger is the only surviving example of the Brave Class fast-patrol design that was designed and built for the Royal Navy. Built alongside the Royal Navy’s HMS Brave Borderer and HMS Brave Swordsman , Brave Challenger was completed with a special consent of the Admiralty and Royal Navy to be equipped for private use.

First acquired by owner W.G. Haydon-Baillie in 1979, Brave Challenger was rebuilt to flagship standard at a purpose-built facility as part of the Haydon-Baillie Aircraft and Naval Collection in Southampton over a period of 10 years and 2.2 million man hours from 1979 – 1989. From 2017 – 2021, Brave Challenger has been undergoing a full restoration by the Haydon-Baillie Maritime Heritage Team at the superyacht refit yard Trafalgar Shipyard in Portsmouth. Its dedicated support base now includes 54 spare Rolls-Royce Proteus gas turbine engines, extensive spares, 10 spare V-Drive gearboxes and 12 spare propellers.

"Brave Challenger ’s speed of 60 knots+ was officially recorded under Lloyds Supervision over the Measured Mile off Portsmouth, UK, - and is fully repeatable at all times as part of its design and everyday operating potential," according to owner W.G Haydon-Baillie. "It is often considered that only the fastest yacht speeds that are officially recorded and are not one-off events - and are fully repeatable as part of the yacht's design and everyday operating potential are relevant to include in the top ten fastest claims."

• Builder: Vosper
• Delivery year: 1960
• Length Overall: 31.39 m
• Gross Tonnage 209 t

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Sailing: america’s cup yachts close on speeds of 100 kph.

Peter Burling and Max Sirena will be fierce rivals over the next week or so as they compete for the “Auld Mug” but they are united in their admiration for the AC75 class of boat that will be used for the first time in the 36th America’s Cup.

The state-of-the-art monohulls racing off Auckland this week are as far removed from the schooners which first competed for the silver trophy in the mid-19th century as a modern Formula One car is from a Model T Ford.

The 75 foot (22.86m) keel-less yachts rise out of the water on hydrofoils and glide across the surface to reach speeds in excess of 50 knots (93 kilometres per hour).

Challenger yacht Luna Rossa had maxed out at 53.4 knots (99 kph), skipper Sirena said on Tuesday, and Team New Zealand’s Te Rehutai is rumoured to be even faster.

Despite that raw speed, TNZ helmsman Burling said, the handling was similar to the much lighter 49er two-handed dinghy in which he won Olympic gold for New Zealand with Blair Tuke in 2016.

“They are very dynamic, they’re obviously very fast in straight line but they also give you a good ability to do a lot of maneuvers and to do those manoeuvres at a relatively low cost,” Burling told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s more like a 49er … a small boat. I think the incredible thing about these AC75s is they’re a massive boat but just how dynamic they are to sail. The boat weighs over five tons but it feels really quick with how it moves. “I think it’s pretty incredible to see a boat of that size being thrown around like all the teams are doing now, and doing the speeds they are now.”

Having led Luna Rossa to victory in the challenger series, Sirena has had more experience in race conditions with the AC75 and believes the design has incredible potential.

“We’ve only raced this boat 16 times, which is nothing,” he said.

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“We are still at the beginning of this class and I really hope whoever wins this race is going to continue with this class because I think these are the most exciting boats I have sailed on board in my life.”

Delayed by four days because of a COVID-19 lockdown in Auckland, the best-of-13 race match begins in the Hauraki Gulf on Wednesday.

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6 of the fastest boats you can buy right now

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Serial boat owner and adrenaline junkie Elliott Maurice picks out 6 of the fastest boats available on the market…

A rarefied segment of the boating industry is dedicated to creating some of the fastest boats in the world. They’re the Bugatti Chirons and Koenigseggs of the seas. Builders of these boats work to extreme tolerances, using exotic materials and construction methods usually found in the aviation industry.

Of course, at this level, low volume production and the aforementioned construction methods combine to create an exclusive product with an even more exclusive price tag. These super high-performance boats will be hugely impractical for most purposes, when compared to a typical leisure vessel, and the skipper will need significant ability to get the most out of it.

In reality any boat capable of speeds more than 60 knots (69mph) is very fast indeed. Given the hugely changeable nature of water compared to tarmac, this is akin to driving a car at around 120mph.

Most of the fastest boats use race-derived hulls with roots dating back to the 1980s when the ‘Go-Fast boat’ became synonymous with the glamor and excesses of the time. TV shows like Miami Vice , with Don Johnson catching drug dealers in his iconic Wellcraft 39 Scarab , helped make these boats extremely popular.

In reality, high performance offshore boats of this type were extensively used by cartels to run drugs into Miami, with the DEA commissioning a fleet of Blue Thunder powercats to help combat the problem.

Fast forward to today, some of the fastest boats are capable of exceeding 180mph with specialist engines and are in fact faster than the boats in Class 1 Offshore racing, where horsepower is limited to twin 1,100hp.

This list is by no means exhaustive – there are also a number of phenomenal offerings out there from legendary builders like Nortech, Sunsation, Donzi and Fountain.

6 of the fastest boats you can buy

Goldfish 46 Bullet

World’s fastest RIB

Top speed: 85 knots (99 mph) Price: $1.2million

Starting with one of the most revered names in the world of performance RIBs, Norwegian yard Goldfish Boats build exceptionally capable open water powerboats. They are also the fastest Ridged Inflatable Boats on the market today.

The 46 Bullet is the fastest of them all – with triple 500hp V10 Mercury outboards 85 knots is achievable. Around $1.2 million will put you in the driving seat of this exquisitely built boat with a carbon superstructure, state of the art electronics and custom racing seating for six.

Perfectly capable of cruising for hours in excess of 60 knots in challenging conditions, the Goldfish is capable of holding its own in rough water against almost any offshore powerboat challenger.

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Outerlimits SV50

World’s fastest production monohull

Top speed: 156 knots (180 mph) Price: $900,000

At 50ft 1in LOA and only 9ft in the beam, this rocket ship is a pure raceboat in design, with five steps in the hull and staggered engines to keep the driver as close to the centerline as possible.

At the 2023 Lake of the Ozarks shootout an SV50 with enclosed cockpit and twin 2,000hp engines ran 180.47 mph on a 1km run making it the fastest production monohull on the water.

More impressive is that a standard boat with twin Mercury Racing 1,350/1,550hp can easily top 140mph. However, this is a boat requiring an exceptional skill to drive, with handling characteristics as aggressive as its outright speed suggests. Starting at around $900,000 the SV50 is the ultimate in its class.

MTI Pleasure 52

Top speed: 156 knots (180mph) Price: $2 million

Another brand known for its offshore race winning boats, MTI produces nothing but high-performance boats. From its V series center consoles to its outboard -powered cats, this semi-custom builder doesn’t make a boat that does less than 80mph.

The 52 Pleasure is the fastest of the breed, with a full race version available using the same hull. With twin 1,750hp Mercury racing engines, this boat can achieve over 180mph.

With full custom options, MTI have even built a Lamborghini-inspired 48 footer to match the owner’s Lamborghini Aventador. Fitted with Aventador style tail lights and dashboard, the boat even had a matching covered starter button.

Needless to say, all this glamour doesn’t come cheap. You can expect a starting price of around $2 million for this level of exotica.

Cigarette 515

The most legendary go-fast boat

Top speed: 113 knots (130mph) Price: $2.2 million

No go-fast boat comes with as much pedigree as the Cigarette. Founded by the legendary Don Aronow, Cigarette Boats dominated offshore racing worldwide for over a decade, so much so that the brand name has become synonymous with offshore racers.

Still built in Florida, the brand has development ties with Mercedes AMG and Mercury Racing alike. As the largest high-performance boat in the range, the 515 offers peerless attention to detail and quality alike.

It is not the fastest production monohull, with a top speed of just over 130mph achievable with twin staggered 1,350/1,550hp Mercury Racing engines. It is, however, the best riding and one of the most capable offshore powerboats for handling rough water.

Its carbon fiber, vacuum bagged construction helps to justify its $2.2 million starting price and above all, it is the ultimate Cigarette boat.

Photo: Tom Leigh

Mystic C4000

Top speed: 108 knots (125mph) Price: $699,000

Mystics founder John Cosker is responsible for some of the fastest offshore raceboats in the world. Throttling his American Ethanol 50ft Catamaran, he hit 204mph this year setting the record on the Lake of the Ozarks sprint course.

Mystic will custom build a race winning boat for you on request, however Mystic now has a range of three high performance center consoles, with the C4000 outboard cat being the fastest production boat in the range, equipped with twin 500hp Mercury Racing outboards.

The C4000 will top 125mph and cruise in the upper 80s. With a bias on cruising comfort, the C4000 is a tuned down version of the Mystic race boat, with the tunnel compression reduced to hold the boat down rather than create the less controllable lift of the 180mph capable race hull.

The engines are also mounted on hydraulic jack plates to further trim the hull and keep the boat glued down in rough water. At just under 44ft the luxuriously appointed Mystic C4000 can offer performance akin to a light aircraft over distance – think Miami to Bimini in under an hour in the right conditions.

The Mystic is designed to run at speed confidently by most owners without the extreme characteristics of boats at this performance level. Options like a full cockpit sunshade, premium stereo and open transom make the C4000 as comfortable for lounging at a sandbar as it is running at blistering speed in open ocean.

Midnight Express 43 Open

The fastest center console boat

Top speed: 78 knots (90mph) Price: $1million

The center console market has exploded over the past few years, with a ceneter console now available for almost any boating application. The high-performance end of the spectrum has a handful of sublime builders.

However, the fastest arguably goes to Midnight Express 43, when running 5x 500hp V10 outboards. Capable of over 90mph, the 43 can also accommodate up to 20 people in comfort and 9 people at speed in luxurious quilted ultra leather bolster seats.

So good is the hull on the Midnight Express that Miami-Dade County DEA used the 39ft version as its high speed response boats. With its all-carbon superstructure and air-conditioned helm, the 43 is an extremely desirable boat, and over 100 units of this $1 million dollar boat have been sold to date.

Toy of the month: The ‘motorbike for the sea’ inspired by James Bond

Absolute navetta gets a snazzy new makeover, fjord 39 tour: maximised space and amenities, latest videos, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender, axopar 29 sea trial: sun top vs cross cabin – which is best, sunseeker ocean 182 – see how this compact superyacht copes in a wet and windy sea trial.

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Average Speed of a Sailboat (How Fast Can a Sailboat Go?)

Written by Anthony Roberts / Fact checked by Jonathan Larson

You might have seen how sailing yachts seem to outpace motorized boats in a regatta, prompting you to ask about the average speed of a sailboat. Although the record holder (the Vestas Sailrocket 2) can blitz to 65.5 knots, the run-off-the-mill sailing vessel can only reach four to six knots.

Several factors influence sailboat speeds, and we will examine each in this article. Please keep reading, so you will not miss the invaluable information you will get from this post.

Table of Contents

1. Hull shape

2. sailboat length, 1. alternative measurement, 2. converting knots to kph or mph, 1. hull type, tips to improve speed, frequently asked questions, how fast can a sailing vessel go.

Regatta-competing racing sailboats can reach a top speed of about 20 knots, while custom-built high speed racing yachts can log 50 knots. As mentioned, the Vestas Sailrocket 2 blitzes the waters at a dizzying 65.5 knots (75.38 miles per hour or 121.31 kilometers per hour).

On the other hand, the average sailboat in lakes and other bodies of water can only top the speed charts at seven knots (8.06 MPH or 12.97 KPH), averaging about four to six knots (4.6 to 6.9 MPH or 7.4 to 11.1 KPH).

An 1800s or 1970s sailing ship (i.e., galleon or clipper) has about the same speed as the average modern sailboat. However, it is worth noting that the Sovereign of the Seas logged the highest velocity for a sail-powered ship at 22 knots (25.32 MPH or 40.75 KPH) in 1854.

Meanwhile, the fastest sailing dinghy is the International Moth, blasting the waters at 35.9 knots (41.3 MPH or 66.5 KPH).

So, why the variance?

Two intrinsic (within the boat itself) factors impact the speed of sailboat units. These include hull shape and vessel length.

Racing sailboats are faster than cruising yachts because of their unique hull shape differences.

A sailboat built for speed has a super-slim hull and straight buttock lines. The aft section forms a straight line between the slightly wide transom and the hull’s lowest point.

Meanwhile, sluggish sailboats have a “fat tub” hull shape, a narrow stern, and a curvy hull.

There is a scientific explanation about the impact of sailboat size (or length) on its speed. Sailing vessels create a wave pattern as they move along the water, one at the front and another at the back.

A water wave sufficient to help the boat move occurs if the sailboat’s length is similar to the length of the wave. This phenomenon “lifts” the vessel’s bow, increasing its speed while reducing water resistance.

Hence, a longer sailboat will have a greater cruising speed than short vessels because they can create longer waves.

We prepared the following table to illustrate how vessel length impacts sailboat speed. Hence, a 40 ft. sailboat will always be speedier than shorter sailing vessels (<40 feet).

How to Calculate the Speed

You can use an online sailboat speed calculator, input the required variables, and the system will automatically run the equation. Alternatively, you can determine your sailboat’s average speed by following this simple formula.

Average yacht speed knots = (√(LWL))x 1.34

In which “LWL” is your sailboat’s length at the waterline

Suppose you have a 36-foot sailboat that measures 26 feet at the waterline. The square root of 26 is 5.099. Multiplying this number by 1.34 will result in 6.832 or 6.8 knots.

How about a 59-foot sailing vessel with a waterline length of 47 feet? The square root of 47 is 6.86. We will get 9.19 knots after multiplying 6.86 by 1.34.

Please note that this sailboat speed is the average, provided you have clear skies, calm seas, and an ideal sailboat setup.

For example, suppose we achieved 6.8 knots with 15-knot winds and a sail setup of 50- to 120-degree true wind angle. We can expect our sailboat example to be slower if we do not achieve these conditions.

You can also determine your sailboat’s speed by sailing from one point to another. However, you might have to ascertain the distance between these two locations beforehand, and it should be in nautical miles (NM).

Why nautical miles? We are measuring sailboat speeds in knots. One knot is equivalent to one NM per hour. It is worth noting that one NM is 1.15 land-based miles, to put it in perspective.

Take the known distance between the two locations (in nautical miles) and divide the number by the time it took you to complete the journey.

For example, suppose you sailed from Buffalo, New York to Detroit, Michigan, with a distance of 186.99 nautical miles, and it took you 23 hours to complete the journey. In that case, 186.99 divided by 23 hours is 8.13 knots.

You can also take your average sailing distance per day to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your sailboat’s speed. For example, a sailboat with a 6-knot average speed can cover 144 nautical miles in 24 hours (6 x 24 = 144).

Something might be amiss if your boat sailed for 24 hours and covered less than 144 nautical miles. You might have more favorable sailing conditions if you traveled the distance in less than 24 hours.

Sailors use “knots” as the unit of measure for vessel speed. Unfortunately, ordinary mortals are unfamiliar with this metric. They are more in tune with “miles per hour” (MPH) or “kilometers per hour” (km/h or KPH).

We mentioned that a nautical mile is slightly longer than a land-measured mile (1.15 statute miles). We also know that 1 NM per hour is 1 knot. Hence, we can multiply the “knot” value by 1.15 to determine your sailboat’s speed in MPH (miles per hour).

A mile is also longer than a kilometer (1 mile = 1.60934 kilometers). Thus, we can assume our KPH values will be higher than knots and MPH. We can multiply “knots” by 1.852 to get the value in KPH.

For example, a top speed sailboat blitzing at 50 knots has a maximum velocity of 57.5 MPH (50 knots x 1.15) or 92.6 KPH (50 knots x 1.852).

On the other hand, a 6.5-knot sailboat can only muster 7.475 MPH or 12.038 KPH.

Factors Affecting Sailboat Speed

Although we already discussed hull shape and vessel length’s influence on sailboat speed, three other factors can impact watercraft velocity.

Sailboats with at least two hulls (catamarans) are 25 to 30 percent faster than monohulls, given equal lengths.

Hence, if a single-hulled sailboat can go six knots, we can expect a catamaran to have an average speed of 7.5 to 7.8 knots (8.625 to 8.97 MPH or 13.89 to 14.45 KPH). This sailboat hull can match a racing monohull sailboat’s velocity with better comfort.

Add another hull to the catamaran (a trimaran), and you can outpace a racing monohull by doubling its velocity.

Although some sailboats have engines, most rely on wind power for propulsion. Hence, stronger winds can make a sailboat go faster by pushing against the sail. Unfortunately, wind direction can also influence vessel speed. You can go fast if the wind blows in your heading.

You might be inclined to believe that calm waters can make your sailboat go faster. Unfortunately, serene waters often mean gentle winds. And if there is not much wind to push the sail, you cannot expect your vessel to go faster.

Current, wind, and wave or sea condition is the most important factor in determining a safe vessel speed. If the water is rough, it is safer to reduce speed because bad weather can impair visibility and make it challenging to maneuver the vessel.

Here are some tips to improve sailboat speed.

• Ensure the sailboat’s proper operating condition, especially the mast, sail, and extrusions. Check the hull and foils.
• Be mindful of the sailboat’s maximum weight capacity, ensuring you do not exceed the rating. Moreover, the correct weight distribution can help you pilot the sailboat faster.
• You might want to brush up on your sailing competencies, including sail control, steering, sail angling, genoa and jib control, kite curling, efficient pumping, and wind positioning.
• Check your sailboat’s settings, including the shroud tension, mast rake, jib car position, mast step position, keel position, and vang tension.

Sailboat speed vs wind speed: which’s faster?

A vessel sailing faster than the wind is possible with a superiorly designed and streamlined hull and the correct sail angle. Otherwise, the sailboat will only be as fast as the wind speed on the sail.

It is also worth mentioning that sailboats with multiple hulls or a planing hull can be faster than wind speeds.

How fast can a sailboat go under power?

A sailboat under power can move on the water at an average velocity of four to five knots (nautical miles per hour) or 5 MPH (8 KPH). This is not very fast but not slow either.

Are catamarans or monohulls faster?

Multihulls (i.e., catamarans and trimarans) are faster than monohulls, averaging about nine to ten knots (10.35 to 11.5 MPH or 16.69 to 18.52 KPH). On the other hand, monohulls only average six to eight knots (6.9 to 9.2 MPH or 11.11 to 14.82 KPH).

The average speed of a sailboat varies across sailing vessel types, sailboat lengths, hull shapes, and hull types. Wind and waves can also influence sailboat velocity.

Given ideal weather conditions, the average sailing vessel can cruise at four to six knots. Custom-built, high-performance racing yachts can blitz the waters at up to 65 knots. Twin-hulled sailboats are 25 to 30 percent faster than their single-hull counterparts, while triple-hulls are super-quick.

Of course, everything depends on wave and wind conditions.\

Read more : The fastest speed of a boat.

Ten years of enjoying countless trips on boats never made me love them any less! So I am here to put all those experiences into good use for other boaters who want to have a safe and fun trip with their friends and families.

Average Speed of a Sailboat (Plus Top Speed)

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Going fast in a sailboat can be lots of fun. But what is the average of a sailboat? Well, let's find out.

The delight and gratification that comes from speed can be a big plus for adrenaline-seeking sailors. Well, nothing can fire up the adrenaline more than having a speedy boat ride out on the water. This is essentially why having an idea of how fast a sailboat can go is of great importance. When it comes to looking at the speed of a sailboat, it can be crucial to consider the types of activities that you'll be using your sailboat for. In fact, your sailboat should only be considered ideal if it meets the level of expectations required of it in terms of speed and activities on the water. Even with this, the speeds of sailboats can vary based on several factors. But what is the average speed of a sailboat?

The top speed of a sailboat will vary based on its size and purpose. For example, high-end racing sailboats are purposely designed to reach maximum speeds while larger and bulkier sailboats may be slower due to drag and friction. That being said, the average speed of racing sailboats is 15 knots (17 mph). On the other hand, the average speed of cruising sailboats is 4-6 knots (4.5-7 mph) and can attain a top speed of 7 knots (8 mph). In essence, cruise speeds of over 8 knots are quite normal.

Let's get into the details.

Table of contents

Measuring Sailboat Speed

The nautical measurement of speed is the knot. According to the World Sailing Speed Council, one knot is equal to about 1.15 mph. The knot measurement is dependent on the circumference of the Earth. So if your sailboat is cruising at an average speed of 1 nautical mile per hour, it means that it's cruising at a speed of 1 knot.

Modern sailboats have GPS tracking devices that can be used to measure the distance covered, as well as the speed at which the sailboat is sailing.

Factors that Determine the Speed of a Sailboat

Different types of sailboats can attain different speeds. There are several factors that can determine the speed of a sailboat. Let's take a look.

The Length and Size of a Sailboat

While the speed of a sailboat will depend on several factors such as currents, wind conditions, and many other factors as we'll discuss later, the most important thing that can influence the speed of a sailboat is its size and length. You may be asking yourself; what's the connection between the length of a boat and its speed?

Well, the ability of a sailboat to go fast depends on the harmonizing act between its length and the power that drives it. When a sailboat moves through the water, it creates a pattern of waves. These waves include one along the side of the sailboat, which produces a ridge of water at the bow and a trough at the stern.

If the length of the wave is almost equal to the length of the boat, it creates a huge ridge that shoves the sailboat back into its trough, thereby slamming it up against an almost dense wall of water resistance. This then gives the sailboat sufficient speed to lift its bow out of the water and the ability to skim above the bow waves while allowing it to overcome the resistance that the water or the waves create.

A sailboat, of course, needs a lot of power to get over the hump in the resistance curve. So a longer boat will have a higher speed than a shorter boat. This is because a longer sailboat will create longer waves across its hull and move faster. On the other hand, short sailboats tend to generate shorter waves, thereby will have reduced speeds. In essence, it's almost impossible for a sailboat to travel faster than the speed of a wave if the wave is longer than the boat.

In most cases, boat designers create extreme lengths to get boats over the mound of the wave resistance. While a lightweight boat can easily achieve this, it can leave you shorthanded in heavy winds as it can be easily pushed by the winds. Again, it may not have the stability needed to carry enough sails to get the appropriate power to sail on the water. So if the boat is light, it should at least have a double hull to at least compensate for its instability.

The Shape of the Hull

This may be hard to believe but some hulls are more efficient than others when it comes to creating the wave resistance that is needed to move the boat. Generally, hulls should be very slim and carefully shaped. Keep in mind that a sailboat that has a hull that's shaped like a fat tub will not be as fast as a sailboat with a very slim hull even if they're of the same length.

A proper indication that the hull has the ability to be faster depends on its aft or buttock lines. If a hull has a straight line from the lowest point of the hull to the transom and the transom is a little bit wide, the boat will not only be stable but will be much faster. On the contrary, a hull that curves a lot but has a narrow stern may not be that fast. In essence, hulls play an integral role in slicing through the water and do not push water aside and down.

Comparing the Speeds of Catamarans and Monohulls

Are catamaran or trimaran hulls more superior to Monohulls in terms of speed? Well, cruising on a sailboat with a cat hull will be much faster than cruising on a sailboat with a monohull by 25%-30% if the two sailboats are of the same length. A catamaran hull will not only achieve speeds of a racing monohull but will be more comfortable to sail on.

A tri-hull is even much better in the sense that they're generally designed towards the performance end of the spectrum. They will, therefore, double the speed of a racing monohull.

The only downside of a cat and trimaran hull is that they're more sensitive to loading and their performances will significantly suffer if they're loaded. On the other hand, a monohull can perfectly handle loading and this is a huge advantage is you're planning to sail with a crew. To this end, you should consider keeping your cat or tri boat as light as possible if you want to maximize speed. We all know that keeping your sailboat light is as difficult as they come but it's of importance if speed is your main goal.

Monohull (6-8 knots)

Most average sailboats are designed with monohulls. They're generally displacement hulls designed to split through the underwater. This not only stabilizes the boat but slices through the water smoothly. If you want to make a monohull sailboat much faster, you can consider raising the entire hull above the water.

Catamarans and Trimarans (9-10 knots)

Unlike monohulls, cats and trimarans are located on top of the water. This means that they'll be displacing less water, thereby making them a lot faster. The only downside is that this design will make the boat less stable, which can be a cause for concern given that safety should always come first while on the water. This is essentially why catamarans and trimarans have two and three hulls respectively. This will, however, make the boat extremely buoyant.

Waves play a critical role not just in the speed of your boat but also in the safety of your boat. We all know that waves are very unpredictable. They can be calm and gentle but can suddenly become wild, confusing, irregular, and angry.

Generally described as freaks or rogues, waves can be very dangerous. They can bully your boat and attempt to roll it over. Waves can also make your boat faster or slower. As such, waves can either positively or negatively affect the speed of your sailboat. Given that calm waves cannot be appropriate in achieving the maximum speed of your boat, the right wave condition that should enable your sailboat to move faster should overlap and interfere in the right way.

The wind is the only thing that propels sailboats. The wind will fill up the sails, which is then used to move the boat. Both true winds and apparent winds can be integral in moving the boat forward. True wind is essentially the type of wind you feel when you stand still and it's what pushes a boat. Needless to say, strong winds may move a sailboat faster than calm winds but this may depend on the wind direction.

How to Improve the Speed of Your Sailboat

Having looked at the average speed of a sailboat, as well as factors that may affect its speed, it's important to highlight how to improve the speed of your sailboat.

It's important to make sure that your sailboat is properly designed to attain maximum speed. The sailboat should also be properly maintained and serviced to work at maximum speed. Make sure that the hull and foils are clean and in perfect shapes. Here's what to do.

• ‍ Make sure that the foils do not have seaweeds or plastic bags
• Ensure that the hull is in tip-top shape and can hold tension
• Make sure that the sails are in the right conditions
• Make sure that the masts have the right stiffness

You may have a lot of difficulties reaching your targeted speed if the weight of the crew exceeds the appropriate capacity of your sailboat. This is because there will be some sort of drag and tension and this may significantly hinder the speed at which the boat travels. In essence, a lighter boat may be a lot faster than a heavier boat. This is what you should do.

• ‍ Make sure that the weight is appropriate
• Ensure that the boats overall weight is moving aft and out appropriately
• Make sure that the maximum weight is not exceeded

The settings of your sailboat can either negatively or positively affect its speed. For instance, you should make sure that the mast rakes, mast step position, shroud tensions. Jib car position, vang tension, and keel position, as well as any other part of the sailboat, are perfectly set to make the boat faster.

You should compare various settings and figure out which type of settings gives you maximum speed. Here are some of the things to do.

• ‍ Ensure that jib cars are in the right position
• Make sure that your mainsails are in the right position
• The vang tension should be efficient

The technique you use on your sailboat can make a difference when it comes to your speed. Techniques such as steering and trimming can be a huge speed factor, particularly when the conditions at sea are difficult. You should also have varying trimming techniques. Here are some important skills.

• ‍ Know how to steer perfectly
• Know how to control primary upwind
• Know the right amount of curl to have in your kite
• Make sure that you're pumping efficiently
• Know how to play the jibs and genoas

These factors can be of great importance in increasing the speed of your sailboat. You can use them efficiently next time you want to be up to speed.

Bottom Line

Sailing speed is, without a doubt, one of the most favorite discussions among sailors. Most sailors often try to figure out how to make their sailboats faster or why a given sailboat is faster than another one. In essence, the average speed of a sailboat ranges between 4 knots to 15 knots but this may depend on the size and type of the sailboat, as well as other factors. This means that the average speed of sailboats is 8 knots but there several factors such as the type of the hull, waves, and wind conditions can affect the speed of your sailboat.

It's, therefore, important to know how these factors may affect your speed and what you need to do about them. For example, your sailboat may not be as fast as you may want if it's not properly prepared or maintained.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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What is Yacht Racing? (Here’s All You Need To Know)

Have you ever watched a yacht race, with its colorful sails gliding across the water in a graceful dance? Have you ever wondered what it takes to participate in yacht racing? This article will take you through all you need to know about yacht racing, from the different types of yachts and races, to sailing clubs and regattas, technical knowledge and skills, safety, and the benefits of yacht racing.

We’ll also explore some of the most popular events and races.

So whether you’re an avid sailor or just curious about this exciting sport, you’ll find all the information you need here.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yacht racing is a competitive sport and recreational activity involving sailing yachts .

It is most popular in areas with strong maritime cultures, such as the UK, US and Australia.

Races typically involve a course that boats must follow, which can vary in length depending on the type of race.

Competitors often use advanced sailboat designs, and use tactics and strategy to try to outmaneuver their opponents in order to be the first to cross the finish line.

Types of Yachts Used in Racing

Yacht racing can be done with a wide variety of boats, from dinghies and keelboats to multihulls and offshore racing boats.

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats with a single sail and are often used in competitive racing.

Keelboats, on the other hand, are larger and heavier boats with a fixed keel and two or more sails.

Multihulls, like the popular catamaran, are boats with two or more hulls and are designed with speed and agility in mind.

Finally, offshore racing boats are designed for long-distance racing and are typically larger and more powerful than other types of yachts.

No matter what type of yacht you choose to race, they will all have common features that make them suitable for racing.

All yachts must have a mast, sails, hull and rigging, and will usually feature a deck, compass, and navigation equipment.

Additionally, racing yachts are often fitted with safety features such as life jackets, flares, and emergency radios.

Each type of yacht has its own unique characteristics, and some are better suited for certain types of racing than others.

For example, dinghies are better suited for short-course racing, while offshore racing boats are better for long-distance racing.

Additionally, keelboats and multihulls are often used for more challenging types of racing, such as distance racing or match racing.

No matter what type of yacht you choose for racing, it is important to remember that safety should always be your first priority.

Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out and make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on board.

Additionally, it is important to get professional instruction or join a sailing club to ensure you have the necessary skills to race safely and enjoyably.

Types of Races

Yacht racing events can take place in a wide variety of forms and formats, from long-distance ocean racing to short-course inshore racing in protected bays and estuaries.

Each type of race requires different skills and equipment, and the type of race you choose to participate in will depend on your sailing experience, budget and the type of boat you have.

Long-distance ocean racing is a popular form of yacht racing, with races often taking place over several days and often involving multiple stages.

These races often have several classes of boat competing, with each boat competing in its own class.

These races may involve sailing around a set course or route, or they may be point-to-point races, where the boats sail from one point to another.

Inshore racing is the most common form of yacht racing, with races typically taking place over a few hours or a single day.

This type of racing is often conducted in protected waters, such as bays and estuaries, and generally involves shorter course lengths than ocean racing.

Inshore races may involve multiple classes of boat, or they may be one-design classes, where all boats are the same model and size.

Multi-hull racing is another popular type of yacht racing and involves boats with two or more hulls.

These boats are generally faster and more agile than monohulls, and races are often held over a short course.

These races can be highly competitive, with teams of experienced sailors vying for position and race victory.

Offshore racing is similar to ocean racing, but often involves much longer distances and more challenging conditions.

Races may take place over several days and multiple stages, and require a high level of experience and skill.

Offshore racing boats are usually specially designed for speed and agility, and may have multiple crew members on board to help manage the boat in challenging conditions.

Sailing Clubs and Regattas

Yacht racing is a popular sport around the world, with sailing clubs and regattas held in many countries.

Sailing clubs are organizations where members can come together to race, learn, and enjoy their shared passion for the sport.

Membership in a sailing club usually includes access to the clubs facilities, equipment, and training classes.

Regattas are large-scale yacht racing events, often hosted by a sailing club.

The regatta can be organized for any type of boat, from dinghys to offshore racing boats, and the races can be held over a series of days.

The goal of the regatta is to crown the winner of the overall race, or the individual class honours.

Sailing clubs and regattas are a great way for sailors of all levels to come together and compete.

They give sailors an opportunity to hone their skills, network, and make friends with other passionate sailors.

Additionally, these events are often open to the public, so they give the general public a chance to see the amazing spectacle of yacht racing up close.

If youre looking for an exciting and fun way to get involved with sailing, look no further than your local sailing club or regatta.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

Yacht racing is a sport that requires a great deal of technical knowledge and skill.

Competitors must be familiar with the physics and dynamics of sailing, including how to read the wind and manipulate their vessel to maximize speed and maneuverability.

They must also be able to understand the principles of navigation, so they can accurately plot a course and adjust it to take advantage of the prevailing wind and current conditions.

Furthermore, competitors must be able to read the weather and use that information to their advantage in the race.

Finally, competitors need to have a good understanding of the rules of the race and how to adhere to them.

Yacht racing is a complex sport with a steep learning curve, and it requires a great deal of experience and practice to master.

Safety is a key element of yacht racing, as it involves operating large vessels in often unpredictable and hazardous conditions.

All racers must be properly equipped with the appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit.

It is also essential that all racers are familiar with the rules of the race, and have a good understanding of the safety protocols that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

All yacht racing events must be properly insured, and there are often medical personnel on standby in case of an emergency.

Before any race, all participants must sign a waiver declaring that they understand the risks involved and accept responsibility for their own safety.

Benefits of Yacht Racing

Yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and take part in a thrilling sport.

It offers numerous benefits to those that participate, from improved physical health and mental well-being to an opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Whether youre a beginner or an experienced sailor, yacht racing provides an exciting and rewarding experience.

One of the main benefits of yacht racing is its impact on physical health.

It requires a great deal of strength and endurance, as the sailors must use their arms and legs to control the boats sails and rudder.

Its also a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health.

Additionally, sailing is a low-impact sport, meaning theres less risk of injury than other more strenuous activities like running or cycling.

Yacht racing also has many mental benefits.

Its a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the ocean, as well as the camaraderie and excitement of competing in a team.

Additionally, it gives sailors the opportunity to put their problem-solving skills to the test, as they must think quickly and strategize in order to succeed.

Yacht racing also requires quick decision-making, which can help to improve mental acuity and develop a more acute awareness of ones surroundings.

Finally, yacht racing is a great way to explore new places and meet new people.

Races often take place in different locations around the world, meaning sailors can get a glimpse into different cultures and explore new destinations.

Additionally, yacht racing provides an opportunity to socialize with other sailors, as well as make connections in the sailing community.

Overall, yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and reap the numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.

With its exciting races and stunning locations, its no wonder that yacht racing has become a popular sport around the world.

Popular Events and Races

Yacht racing is an exciting and popular sport with events and races held all over the world.

From the world-famous Americas Cup to local regattas, there are races and events of all sizes and skill levels.

The Americas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious yacht race in the world, with the first race held in 1851.

Held every 3-4 years in a different location, the Americas Cup pits the worlds best sailors against each other in a battle of boat speed, tactics and teamwork.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is another major race, held annually in Australia.

The race begins in Sydney Harbour and ends in the port of Hobart, Tasmania and is known for its unpredictable and challenging conditions.

The Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as The Volvo Ocean Race) is a grueling nine-month, round-the-world yacht race.

This race is one of the most challenging and dangerous races in the world.

In addition to these larger races, there are many smaller local and national regattas and races that offer an opportunity for sailors of all skill levels to compete.

From small dinghy races to larger keelboat and offshore racing events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in yacht racing.

Yacht racing is a fun, competitive and rewarding sport and with so many events and races available, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Whether you are a competitive sailor or just looking to have some fun on the water, yacht racing is the perfect sport for you.

Final Thoughts

Yacht racing is an exciting and challenging sport that is enjoyed by many around the world.

With a variety of yacht types, races and events to choose from, there is something for everyone.

To get started, it is important to have a good understanding of the technical skills and knowledge needed, as well as the safety protocols associated with the sport.

With the right preparation and dedication, yacht racing can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

If you’re interested in taking up this exciting sport, make sure you check out your local sailing clubs and regattas to find out what’s on offer.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Discover How Fast a Sail Boat Can Really Go – Ultimate Speed Guide

Alex Morgan

Sailing is a thrilling and captivating activity that allows individuals to harness the power of the wind to propel themselves across the water. The speed at which a sailboat can travel depends on various factors, making each sailing experience unique. Understanding these factors and the classes of sailboats can provide insight into just how fast a sailboat can go.

The introduction provides a brief overview of sailboats and highlights the main factors influencing their speed. These factors include wind strength and direction, sail area and design, hull design and weight, as well as water conditions. The interplay of these elements determines the performance and speed capabilities of a sailboat.

One of the critical determinants of a sailboat’s maximum speed is its hull speed, which is determined by the length of the waterline. The sailboat class and design also play a role in determining its speed potential. Different sailboat classes cater to various preferences and conditions, ranging from dinghies and small sailboats to keelboats and cruisers, to performance racing sailboats.

To showcase the pinnacle of sailboat speeds, world records have been set in both monohull and multihull categories. The fastest monohull sailing speed record and the fastest multihull sailing speed record represent astounding achievements in sailboat speed and engineering.

Key takeaway:

• Wind strength and direction, sail area and design, hull design and weight, and water conditions all influence the speed of sail boats.
• Hull speed and sail boat class and design are major factors determining the maximum speed of a sail boat.
• Sail boats can be classified into dinghies and small sail boats, keelboats and cruisers, and performance racing sail boats, with each having different characteristics and speeds.

Factors Influencing the Speed of Sail Boats

When it comes to sailboats, speed is the name of the game. In our exploration of what factors influence their velocity , we’ll dive into wind strength and direction , sail area and design , hull design and weight , and water conditions . Prepare to set sail as we uncover the secrets behind how these elements shape the fastest sailboats on the water.

Wind Strength and Direction

Wind strength and direction are critical factors that have a significant impact on sail boat speed. It is important for sailors to consistently monitor the wind conditions and make necessary adjustments to their sails accordingly. To understand the effects of different wind strengths on sail boat speed, refer to the table below:

In order to maximize performance, understanding wind patterns and their impact on sail boat speed is absolutely crucial. Favorable winds can greatly enhance the speed of a sail boat, while unfavorable wind conditions may require strategic maneuvering. Sailors must possess knowledge and adaptability in order to leverage favorable wind conditions and adjust their strategies when encountering challenging winds.

Sail Area and Design

The sail area and design of a sailboat are significant factors that directly impact its power and speed. The sail area refers to the total surface area of all the sails on the boat, and it determines how much wind the boat can catch. A larger sail area allows the boat to catch more wind, resulting in increased speed. Sail area is typically measured in square feet or square meters .

The design of the sails is crucial in optimizing the performance of a sailboat. Different types of sails, such as mainsails , jibs , genoas , and spinnakers , are each specifically designed for different wind conditions and points of sail. The design takes into account factors such as the shape, size, and material of the sails. Well-designed sails efficiently convert wind energy into forward motion, improving the boat’s speed.

When sailors choose or optimize sails for their sailboats, they must carefully consider the sail area and design. Matching the sail area and design to the boat’s size, weight, and intended use greatly impacts its performance on the water. By maximizing the sail area and employing well-designed sails, sailors can achieve higher speeds and enhance their overall sailing experience.

Hull Design and Weight

Hull design and weight play a crucial role in determining the speed of a sailboat. The streamlined shape of the hull reduces drag, enabling more efficient movement through the water. A lighter hull contributes to faster speeds since less energy is required to propel the boat forward.

The hydrodynamics of the hull are influenced by its shape. A narrower displacement hull provides stability but is primarily designed for lower speeds. In contrast, a wider and flatter planing hull lifts the boat out of the water, allowing for faster speeds to be achieved.

Achieving proper weight distribution on the sailboat is vital for maintaining balance, stability, and speed. It is necessary to optimize the placement of heavy components such as the keel or ballast to ensure optimal performance.

The choice of materials for the hull has a direct impact on its weight and consequently its speed. High-performance sailboats often utilize lightweight materials like carbon fiber , which help reduce weight and increase speed.

Fun Fact: The fastest recorded sailboat speed of 68.01 knots (78.36 mph or 126.2 km/h) was achieved by the trimaran “ Vestas Sailrocket 2 ” in November 2012.

Water Conditions

Water conditions significantly impact sail boat speed. The table below highlights the factors related to water conditions and their impact on sail boat performance.

Understanding and adapting to water conditions is essential for sail boat enthusiasts to optimize speed and performance. Monitoring and adjusting sail boat tactics based on prevailing water conditions is key to achieving optimal speed and efficiency.

What Determines the Maximum Speed of a Sail Boat?

Curious about the maximum speed of a sail boat? Let’s dive into what determines this exhilarating feat! In this section, we’ll uncover the factors that influence a sail boat’s top speed. From the impact of hull speed to the significance of sail boat class and design, we’ll unveil the mysteries behind these elements and how they contribute to the ultimate velocity on the water. Get ready to set sail on a fascinating exploration of sail boat speed!

Hull speed is the maximum speed that a sailboat can achieve based on its hull design. It is determined by the waterline length. Hull speed is calculated using a formula: the square root of the waterline length multiplied by a constant factor. For example, a boat with a waterline length of 30 feet would have a hull speed of approximately 7.7 knots .

The hull speed is influenced by the boat’s displacement, which is the weight of the water the boat displaces as it moves. As the boat reaches its hull speed , the bow wave created by the boat’s movement becomes larger, causing increased resistance and limiting further acceleration.

To go faster than the hull speed , sailboats use techniques such as planing or combining sail power and wave surfing . These methods are not applicable to all sailboats and may require specific design features.

Understanding hull speed can help sailors make informed decisions about their boat’s capabilities and optimize their sailing performance. Achieving maximum speed requires favorable wind conditions , proper sail trim, and skilled helmsmanship.

Sail Boat Class and Design

When it comes to sail boat class and design, several factors can influence the performance and speed.

1. Sail shape and size: The design of the sails impacts how efficiently the boat can catch and utilize the wind.

2. Hull design: The design affects the overall speed and stability. Factors such as hull shape, length, and weight distribution significantly impact performance on the water.

3. Rigging: The system of ropes and wires controls the position and shape of the sails. The design and setup influence speed and maneuverability.

4. Weight distribution: The distribution of weight affects balance and stability. Proper weight distribution helps optimize performance and speed.

What are the Different Classes of Sail Boats?

Curious about sail boats? Let’s dive into the thrilling world of different sail boat classes! From dinghies and small sail boats to keelboats and cruisers , each class brings its own unique charm. Get ready to feel the adrenaline rush as we explore the fastest performance racing sail boats, and hold onto your seat as we uncover the world record speeds achieved by these incredible vessels. Prepare to be amazed by the feats of engineering and the sheer power of sail boats in this captivating section!

Dinghies and Small Sail Boats

Dinghies and small sail boats are well-loved for their versatility and maneuverability in the world of sailing and racing. These lightweight sail boats are specifically designed to accommodate one to two people . They are commonly utilized for training purposes or for leisurely sailing in tranquil bodies of water such as lakes or sheltered bays.

One of the key advantages of dinghies and small sail boats is their ease of handling . Their smaller size enables swift and seamless maneuvers , making them suitable for both novice and seasoned sailors. Their compact nature makes them a more cost-effective and convenient option for transportation when compared to larger sail boats.

Dinghies and small sail boats are available in various classes , each characterized by its own distinctive design and performance traits. For example, the Optimist class is highly favored among young sailors due to its stability and simplicity . In contrast, the Laser class is renowned for its agility and speed , making it a beloved choice among competitive sailors.

While dinghies and small sail boats may not reach the same high speeds as larger racing sail boats, their responsiveness and nimbleness contribute to an exhilarating sailing experience for recreational sailors. Whether you prefer a leisurely cruise or wish to participate in a local regatta , these compact sail boats offer an exciting and thrilling adventure suitable for all skill levels.

Keelboats and Cruisers

• Keelboats and cruisers are two popular sailboat classes with unique features and characteristics.
• Keelboats , which are larger sailing vessels, have a fixed keel for added stability.
• Cruisers , on the other hand, are designed specifically for comfortable extended journeys and offer spacious interiors and various amenities.
• Both keelboats and cruisers are commonly used for recreational sailing, coastal cruising, and offshore passages.
• These sailboats are ideal for families or groups who seek both leisurely and adventurous trips.
• One of the notable qualities of keelboats and cruisers is their versatility, allowing them to handle different weather conditions and waters.
• With their smooth and stable sailing performance, they provide an enjoyable experience for sailors.
• Many modern keelboats and cruisers come equipped with advanced navigation and safety equipment, ensuring a safe and pleasurable time on the water.

Performance Racing Sail Boats

To maximize the speed of performance racing sail boats , it is essential to have advanced sail design , lightweight construction , optimized hull and keel design , efficient rigging , and a skilled crew .

These factors work together to achieve the highest possible speeds on the water. Aspiring racers should focus on improving their sailing techniques, understanding racing strategies, and investing in top-quality equipment to compete at the highest level.

Performance racing sail boats are finely tuned machines designed for speed. The combination of sail design , hull construction , keel design , rigging , and crew skills ensures that these boats are capable of reaching impressive speeds on the water.

Whether you’re a professional racer or a sailing enthusiast, experiencing the exhilaration of sailing on a performance racing sail boat is unforgettable.

World Record Speeds for Sail Boats

The table below showcases the impressive achievements of sail boats in terms of world record speeds:

These remarkable sail boats have pushed the boundaries of sailing and set astounding world records. The Vestas Sailrocket 2 , with its incredible speed of 65.45 knots in 2012 , currently holds the world record. The Hydroptère and L’Hydroptère DCNS achieved speeds of 56.3 knots and 51.36 knots, respectively, showcasing the impressive capabilities of these sail boats. Additionally, Paul Larsen’s Sailrocket 2 reached a speed of 59.23 knots, further demonstrating the potential for speed in the world of sailing. The Spindrift 2 also achieved a noteworthy speed of 44.81 knots.

These world record speeds highlight the advancements in sail boat technology and the skill of sailors who constantly push the limits. It is fascinating to witness the evolution of sail boats and their continuous quest for higher performance on the water.

As technology and sailing techniques continue to advance, it will be intriguing to see if these world record speeds can be surpassed. Sail boat enthusiasts can look forward to even more exhilarating achievements as sailors strive for greater speed on the waves.

Closing Thoughts on Sail Boat Speed

Sail boat speed is significantly influenced by wind conditions, boat design, and sail trim. A sail boat that is well-designed has the potential to achieve impressive speeds. The maximum speed that a sail boat can reach depends on its type and size. Racing sail boats that are high-performance are capable of reaching speeds exceeding 30 knots , while smaller cruising sail boats typically sail at speeds ranging from 5 to 10 knots . Factors such as the weight of the boat and the proficiency of the crew can also impact sail boat speed. Lighter boats and skilled sailors have the ability to achieve higher speeds. When sailing, it is crucial to strike a balance between speed, control, and comfort. Safety should always be given the highest priority over speed. Enhancing sail boat speed necessitates consistent practice, experience, and constant adjustment of techniques. Sailors should possess an understanding of and optimize the factors that contribute to a sail boat’s performance. With knowledge, practice, and appropriate conditions, sailors can experience the exhilaration of sailing at optimal speeds .

Some Facts About How Fast Can A Sail Boat Go:

• ✅ Sailboats have an average speed range of 4 to 6 knots and a top speed of 7 knots. (Source: Boating Basics Online)
• ✅ The fastest recorded sailboat speed is 65.45 knots. (Source: Boating Basics Online)
• ✅ Monohull sailboats typically travel between six and eight knots, while catamarans and trimarans can reach speeds of nine to ten knots. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ The length of a sailboat directly affects its speed, with longer vessels being faster. (Source: Boating Basics Online)
• ✅ Sailboats can sail faster than the wind by reducing or eliminating drag between the vessel and the water. (Source: Improvesailing.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how fast can a monohull sailboat go.

A monohull sailboat can typically travel between six and eight knots, while racing yachts can reach speeds up to 15 knots.

2. What is the average speed of a sailing ship?

In the 70s, the average sailing ship speed was around 4 to 6 knots, but modern sailboats can cruise at an average speed of 4-6 knots.

3. Can a sailboat exceed its maximum hull speed?

No, exceeding maximum hull speed is not recommended for displacement hulls. In certain conditions, such as sailing downwind with a favorable current, a sailboat can exceed its hull speed.

4. How can I improve the speed of my sailboat?

To improve sailboat speed, it is important to maintain the hull’s condition and tension, remove seaweed and debris, reduce unnecessary weight, and employ proper sailing techniques.

5. What factors affect the speed of a sailboat?

Factors that affect the speed of a sailboat include hull type, water conditions, wind direction and speed, and the weight and overall condition of the boat.

6. How far can a sailboat travel in a day?

The distance a sailboat can cover in a day depends on its cruising speed. On average, a sailboat can cover around 100-180 nautical miles per day at a speed of 4-6 knots.

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Speed sailing record: A global battle for dominance

• Toby Heppell
• June 16, 2022

The history of the world speed sailing record is one of battles between boats, windsurfers and kitesurfers all vying for the ultimate prize

Speed sailing records are a relatively new concept. Although the motor car is a newer invention than the sailboat (by many thousands of years!) it was not until 1972 that the first official sailing speed record was set, a full 94 years after the first land speed record was set in a motor vehicle.

There are many reasons for this. Partly it is down to the difficulty of accurately recording speed in the water, and partly due to the fact that because sailboats and sailing craft had long been used for transportation, the tradition of record setting by yacht was all about covering significant distances (crossing oceans, or moving cargo over long stretches of water) in a time that was measured in hours and days, if not weeks.

Speed for a sailing boat was traditionally focussed – and largely remains so today – on maintaining high average speeds over long distances, rather than trying to create a sail-powered vessel or sailboat that could attain a single high peak speed.

Referring to the sailing speed record and world’s fastest boat , commonly means referencing the World Sailing Speed Record Council’s (WSSRC) 500m record – often called the ‘outright’ speed record and the first to be ratified by then newly formed WSSRC in 1972. But there are many other sailing speed records now, all ratified by the WSSRC.

Aside from the outright sailing speed record, the one nautical mile record and the 24-hour record are two more highly sought after records. The 1 nautical mile can often be competed in a craft designed for the outright record, whereas the 24 hour record is the preserve of ocean-going yachts and multihulls. The current 24-hour record was set at an average speed of 37.83 knots, covering a distance of 907.9 nautical miles in the 24 hour period.

Speed sailing record venues

Initially speed sailing records were set at events run in conjunction with the WSSRC where any number of vessels designed for outright speed would compete over a predetermined 500m course.

Typically these venues would feature a stretch of water that was flat enough that waves would not be an issue and was also likely to have some decent wind at the time of the event.

Weymouth & Portland, UK was the home of early speed records

In the early days, Portland near Weymouth in the UK (the sailing venue for the 2012 Olympic Games ) was the effective home of speed sailing and saw the first seven records all set there. With its sheltered harbour and regular strong winds – particularly in the autumn – it was a great venue.

However, as windsurfers and other craft that could be sailed in shallower water came to the fore in speed sailing other venues were found, or created, which took the flat water and high wind concept a step further.

One of the most famous speed sailing venues is the Saintes Maries de la Mer Speed Canal, know as either ‘The Canal’ or ‘The French Trench’. This is a man-made shallow canal that was dug in a west-northwest/east-southeast orientation designed to take advantage of the incredibly strong Marin and Mistral winds that blow in that location.

This venue effectively became home to the world speed sailing record throughout the late 1980s until the early 2000s.

Another (semi) man-made venue, which was particularly effective for kitesurfers, took over as the speed sailing venue of choice from the early 2000s onwards, reflecting the move away from windsurfers holding the record to kite surfers vying for the record. Luderitz, Namibia features a 1 km by 7 km lagoon , where between August and March every year there is a consistent, strong wind, blowing from the south at the perfect angle of 140 degrees to the course.

Zara Davis at the Luderitz speed canal/ Photo: Wikimedia / Walnut1340

Initially this course was relatively untouched to set records but man-made elements have since been introduced to reduce chop and perfect the sailing angle, so that now, the venue resembles The Canal in France.

Despite these three venues between them being the locations for the vast majority of speed sailing records being set, others were used as individual challenges went in search of the perfect venue for their craft – or got lucky with the perfect wind and wave state elsewhere. Among the most famous is Walvis Bay, Namibia, home of the current speed sailing record.

Speed sailing record history

As reflected in the changing venues over time, the history of the speed sailing record is one of different types of craft coming to dominate over long periods of time before being overtaken by new developments.

Crossbow II. Photo: Getty Images

Crossbow and Crossbow II

The fist speed sailing record was set by Tim Colman in his Proa, Crossbow . She was 56 feet long and had a 60 foot mast, but the main hull was a mere 22 inches wide.

A Proa features more than one hull but in an asymmetric configuration with the smaller hull essentially providing righting moment to counter the forces of the sails. The smaller, outrigger hull on Crossbow was separated by 30 feet crossbeams from the main hull, and was where the crew sat in order to add their weight to the righting moment of the boat.

In 1972 Crossbow claimed the record for the world’s fastest yacht at 26.3 knots. Coleman would set another two records in the boat in 1973 (29.30 knots) and 1975 (31.10 knots).

Coleman then launched another boat, Crossbow II , designed to bat his previous records.

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Crossbow II had a waterline length of over 60 feet and was unique in many ways. Each hull had its own mast and sail which produced a bi-plane rig.

She was more similar to a catamaran than a proa, but her two hulls were not built square to each other as in the traditional style of catamarans. Instead the two hulls were ‘slewed’, with the leeward one several feet forward of the windward one. This was done to reduce the aerodynamic interference of the two rigs.

She was a resounding success and by 1980 had set four more records over the years, culminating in a final top speed of 36 knots.

The age of the windsurfer

Crossbow II ’s record stood for six years but change was afoot in the speed sailing world as windsurfers where becoming more advanced and closing in on the record. In 1986, ​​Frenchman Pascal Maka set a new record of 38.86 at Sotavento, Fuerteventura.

Maka was ousted from the top spot in 1988, with Briton Eric Neale setting a new record at the Canal in France and becoming the first person to set a speed sailing record over 40 knots.

Maka took the record back in 1990 before Thierry Bielak went on to set three new records at the same location topping out at 45.34 knots.

Yellow Pages in 1993. Photo: Frederick Clement/DPPI Media/Alamy

Yellow pages

Yellow Pages Endeavour was, and remains, one of the most recognisable sailboats for many. She was an impressive bit of kit, designed by Australian Lindsay Cunningham specifically to set a new outright speed sailing record.

In concept she is not dissimilar to a proa though she featured a central skimming hull, and two outriggers, one to windward where the pilot sat and controlled the boat and one to leeward which would counter the force of the sail.

The sail itself was a solid wingsail providing a vast amount of power for its size. The whole thing was something of a technological marvel for its time. However, unlike windsurfers, it could not be sailed in a canal or trench and so the team needed to find a suitably flat coastal area in order to set their record.

In 1993 Yellow Pages Endeavour set a new speed sailing record of 46.52 knots, seemingly putting the record beyond the reach of the windsurfing world.

Cunningham and his team continued to hunt for a new outright record designing a new boat, Macquarie Innovation , which was a development of Yellow Pages with the hopes of putting the record even further out of reach. But they never managed to officially top that first record – the Yellow Pages record eventually stood for 11 years.

Over the course of those 11 years many began to wonder if this record could ever be broken and talk of a theoretical top speed of 50 knots became widespread. But finally in 2004 Finian Maynard on a windsurfer set another new record of 46.82 knots back at the old hunting ground of The Canal in France.

Maynard set another record in 2005, which held for a couple of years before Frenchman, Antoine Albeau stormed to a new record of 49.09 knots in 2008.

All of a sudden 50 knots seemed to be in reach.

Kitesurfing speed records

Just as the windsurfing fraternity had claimed their time at the forefront of speed sailing records, a new upstart sport, kitesurfing began closing in on the windsurfers’ top speeds.

Kitesurfers had been building ever more impressive speeds over the course of the early 2000s, and in the same year Albeau set his record, American Robert Douglas stepped even closer to 50 knots, setting a record of 49.84 knots in Luderitz, Namibia.

It was a particularly good year for records in Luderitz, Namibia as Douglas was immediately ousted by Sebastien Cattelan, the Frenchman becoming the first to top 50 knots setting a new record of 50.26 knots.

But he quickly saw his record fall to fellow countryman Alexandre Caizergues who topped out 2008’s impressive four new records with a 50.57 knot run.

Hydroptere. Photo: Francis DEMANGE / Getty

Unusually in the history of the speed sailing record, it was an ocean crossing boat that would be the next to take the mantle of world’s fastest boat, setting a new record, not in a trench or a canal, or even relatively calm bay, but out to sea.

Hydroptère was the experimental hydrofoiling trimaran that was the brainchild of skipper, helmsman and project founder Alain Thébault, together with design studio VPLP. It was built on principles Thébault proved as early as the 1990s and launched in 2008.

It featured two huge hydrofoils on each outermost hull, which would fully life the boat out of the water.

She would set many distance records in her time, but shortly after she was launched, Hydroptère blasted into the record books, grabbing the 500m record for the D Class (44.8 knots) and the nautical mile record (41.6 knots).

The team’s ultimate goal was the outright sailing speed record, though and in 2009, she pushed this to 52.8 knots, and in the same year set a record of 50.1 knots over a one-mile course.

Although the kitesufers which came before had broken 50 knots, for many Hydroptère’s record was the final nail in the coffin for the theoretical 50 knot limit for a speed sailing vessel.

But the story was not quite over yet for the kitesurfing world, with several new records set in 2010, before the first man to set a speed sailing record on a kiteboard, Robert Douglas, also became the most recent person to do so, hitting 55.65 knots on his kiteboard in Namibia.

Vestas Sailrocket 2 used force alignment to achieve her remarkable speeds. Photo: Vestas Sail Rocket 2

Vestas Sail Rocket 2

Having attempted to set new records in his original SailRocket design, Australian born Paul Larsen launched Vestas Sail Rocket 2 in 2011.

The boat, much like Yellow Pages , was build specifically with record breaking in mind and featured a plethora of technological advances. Special foils were designed and built, a solid wing sail was designed and built and the craft followed an aerodynamic philosophy of balancing forces that had never been seen before.

The Sail Rocket team identified Walvis Bay in Namibia as the best venue for them to set a record and went about their business over the course of the next year.

After years of trial and error from their first boat launch to getting Sail Rocket 2 up to speed, finally in 2012 they got the right conditions and managed a recorded run of 59.23 knots.

But it was not over there, as they quickly upped that 59.37 knots before finally obliterating the record to set a new speed sailing record of 65.45 knots.

This is the record that stands today 10 years on. It’s a significant legacy, and one which has not been close to being beaten for many years.

But technology is always moving forward and the history of the speed sailing record tends to be that of long periods of no activity before a flurry of new records push it ever higher.

There are already teams talking of 80 knots in the future, with two challengers launching boats soon. Watch this space…

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How Fast Is A Yacht? 3 Types Checked (With 9 Examples)

Different types of boats require various speeds for maneuvering in various water types and for doing diverse activities.

Depending on what you want to do with your vessel, you might need it to travel at a certain speed.

How Fast Are Yachts?

Yachts differ in speeds depending on the type of boat, with mega-yachts and ocean sport boats being the fastest (at over 30 MPH), cruisers, and deck boats falling second (at an average speed of 23 MPH), then pontoons, and sailboats averaging 10 MPH.

Here’s everything you should know about how fast yachts can go:

Table of Contents

First, How do we Define a “Yacht”?

First, let’s make sure we are talking about the same thing. After all, different types of boats sail at different speeds.

Yachts are boats (sail or power) used for racing, cruising, or just for pleasure.

It is a general term, which makes the question, “What is the average speed of a yacht?” a complicated one to answer.

Yachts can range in length between mini yachts, measured at 23 feet (seven meters), to superyachts, which are at least 78 feet long.

Before covering how fast each type of yacht can travel, here is a quick and dirty list of yachts that this article will cover:

• Has a single deck above the hull with below-deck living quarters. They are normally sleek and sporty.
• Control station, seating, and lounge space.
• It is a large, recreational, and motor-powered boat with multiple decks and a larger interior main deck than a flybridge.
• A yacht that has an enclosed living space and that is longer than 80 feet.
• A yacht that is built and used for fishing. Normally has a large cockpit to store fishing essentials. It is often faster than regular motor-yachts to get to the fishing grounds and back quickly.
• Pontoon boats lie flat on the water, balancing on two (or three) aluminum tubes, instead of having a V-shaped hull like deck boats. This makes them more stable for entertaining large groups of people.
• Primarily uses sails for propulsion instead of a motor (though most have a motor for back-up or to assist with the sails). Most are used for sport, but there are quite a few leisure sailing boat clubs and organizations these days.

The yachts that fall into categories 1 – 6 are motorized but are all smaller than superyachts.

For the rest of the article, the term “motorized yachts” or “powerboats” will refer to one of these.

How Fast Does my Yacht Need to be?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do with your yacht.

If you’re a fisherman that needs to only troll through calm waters, it might be best if your boat travels with a top speed of around 15 MPH.

But if you’re looking to hit the open waters and speed around with the wind in your hair, you might want something a bit faster than that.

While you’re shopping for boats, and considering the top speeds for each type, ask yourself:

• What activities will you be doing on your boat?
• What sort of waters will I be traveling on?
• What activities will I be doing, which will utilize its top speed?

How Does the Speed of a Boat Affect its Fuel Consumption?

This depends on the type of boat you use. For ease of reference, the Formula 240 Bowrider speedboat (a 24-foot motorboat) is a good example of an average boat.

When cruising at 7 MPH, it consumes approximately three gallons an hour. When you double the speed, it consumes double the fuel (seven gallons an hour at 15 MPH). At 30 MPH, it will use about 11 gallons.

A general rule of thumb is that mid-range speed will offer the best fuel efficiency.

There is no need to merely putter around the water to save money.

How Fast Should I Go on a Yacht?

Unfortunately, there aren’t any speed limit signs out in the open water. Because of that, sailors and boaters have to calculate the speed limit depending on at least three different factors: the time of day, the type of boat, and the type of waterway.

The speed limit for boats is rarely a specific numerical figure. Instead, look for safety concerns, warning signs (like “No Wake Zones”), and rules often posted on the docks.

Watch out for “No Wake Zones,” which can cost a hefty fine if you are caught in violation and can be dangerous to people, animals, and property in the area. Most speedboats and other motorboats can cause a wake in as little as 5 MPH.

If you are close to a river, shore, or populated areas, you have to tread on the side of caution. However, once you are out in open water (like the ocean or a large lake with no one around), you can test out your boat’s top speed.

Make certain that you can:

• See an open pathway of water.
• See no obstacles (people, vehicles, animals, jetsam, or debris)
• Have observed the rules posted at the dock or pier

What are the Top 10 Fastest Yachts on the Market Today?

This list will consist of a variety of motorized yachts, powerboats, and superyachts.

Superyachts are so big; they need a more powerful engine.

For example, the Astro by Baia Yachts uses triple 2,430hp MTU engines and can put out 7 290 hp at its max.

It can go about 57 MPH or 50 knots! And that’s not even fast enough for our top ten list!

10) “The Chato” (built by Baglietto)

The Chato is an 84.61-foot yacht with accommodations for up to six people.

It is an all-aluminum speed demon with two MTU diesel engines, which propel it forward at a whopping 65.59 mph.

9) “Ermis 2 ” (by McMullen & Wing)

The Ermis is a 123.23-foot yacht made of carbon-fiber to make it both light and sleek.

The triple waterjets (MTU 16V 4000 M90 series) push it forward with 11,000 hp, making it fly across the water at a top speed of 63.29 mph.

8) “Black Bullet” (by Otam)

The Black Bullet is an 83.7-foot yacht, is the fastest yacht in the Otam 80 series.

It can accommodate two crew and six guests and moves quickly with four diesel engines.

How quick? 66.7 mph quick.

7) “Oci Ciornie” (by Palmer Johnson)

The Oci Ciornie is an 82-foot yacht that uses a 4,600 horsepower AVCO Lycoming gas turbines, an Arneson surface drives, and twin 1,800 horsepower MTU 16V 2000 M90 engines to propel it forward to 69 mph.

Vroom, vroom.

6) “The Brave Challenger” (by Vosper)

This yacht tops out at 69 mph because of her three gas turbine engines. Together, they generate about 13,620 horsepower. In addition to that, she also has two conventional engines to help her move around the water a little easier when she needs to cruise at a slower speed.

Originally named Mercury, she was built for Stavros Niarchos, a Greek shipping tycoon.

5) “Kereon” (the second boat on our list by AB Yachts)

The Kereon is an 88.6-foot yacht that can top out at 71 mph because of its three diesel engines. She has three 2,250 horsepower CRM diesel engines that were designed by Angelo Arnaboldi, a naval architect.

The Kereon can accommodate six guests in three cabins. She also has a massive fuel tank, which can hold 3170 gallons of fuel. That means she can go approximately 900 nautical miles on one tank of fuel.

4) “Gentry Eagle” (by Vosper Thornycroft)

The Gentry Eagle is a 111.88-foot yacht built for and by Tom Gentry (who worked with Vosper Thornycroft). If his name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because he set almost every powerboat speed record today. He won the Blue Riband (the award for the fastest passage across the Atlantic) with a record time of 62 hours and seven minutes. The Gentry Eagle beat Richard Branson’s record by 23%.

Talk about fast.

It tops out at 73.64 mph.

3) “Galeocerdo” (by Rodriquez)

The Galeocerdo is a 118.1-foot yacht powered by three Vericor TF50 gas turbines (which drive three Rolls-Royce Kamewa water jets).

The Galeocerdo tops out at 74 mph.

2) “The World Is Not Enough” (by Millenium Super Yachts)

This yacht is a 138.45-foot yacht that can accommodate 10 guests and can go 77.1 mph.

It is propelled by two Lycoming gas turbines and two Paxman diesel engines.

1) “Foners” (by Izar)

The Foners is a 136.15-foot yacht made specifically for King Juan Carlos of Spain’s royal yacht. It was also built for speed with two 1,280 horsepower MAN engines.

But that’s not all, and it also has three Rolls Royce 6,700 horsepower gas turbines that drive three Kamewa water jets.

How fast does it go? It tops out at 80.5 mph!

What’s the Fastest Motorized Yacht in the World?

The record for the fastest boat was set at 317.6 MPH .

Ken Warby was using a speedboat (powered by a jet engine instead of a regular boat motor) called the “Spirit of Australia.”

This was not included on the fastest yacht list because of its unique circumstances.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the right yacht for you and your needs is a big decision. Make sure you know what you will do with your boat before you buy a boat strictly built for speed.

The bragging rights in owning a boat that can go 80 mph on the water is great.

But if you are only going to use it for trolling or fishing, it would be a waste on your pocketbook and for the boat.

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What is the Average Speed of a Sailboat?

When I try to figure out the duration of whatever sailing trip I have in the making, I always need to know this one thing first: the average speed of a sailboat - especially with long journeys. If you have the same problem, this article is for you.

So what's the average speed of a sailboat? Most sailboats cruise at a speed of 4-6 knots (4.5-7 mph), with a top speed of 7 knots (8 mph or 13 km/h). Larger racing yachts can easily reach speeds up to 15 knots (17 mph or 28 km/h), with an average cruising speed between 6-8 knots (7-9 mph). Cruising speeds of over 8 knots are uncommon.

Different types of sailboats reach very different speeds. Of course, it all depends on wind conditions, current, and many other factors. Did you know that the speed of a boat is directly related to its length? The larger the boat, the faster it goes. I'll explain it to you later on, but first, more on average speed.

On this page:

Factors that determine speed, converting and calculating sailing speed, calculating the hull speed of your own boat, exceeding hull speed, amount of nautical miles, related questions.

So let's get a little more into detail on sailboat speed. The most important factor in determining the speed is the hull type. I have two rules of thumb for you. The first is: the less of the boat is under water, the faster it goes.

Here are the average cruising speeds for different hull types:

• Monohull - 6-8 knots
• Catamaran and trimarans - 9-10 knots
• Fastest monohull (world record circumnavigation) - 15.43 knots
• Fastest trimaran (world record circumnavigation) - 27 knots

Monohull - Your average sailboat is a monohull. Nearly all monohulls are displacement hulls. A displacement hull is under water, pushing the water away. This allows the boat to cut through the water more smoothly; this stabilizes the boat. If you want to make it go faster, you would have to raise the entire hull above the water. Later on I'll show you how to calculate the maximum hull speed of your boat.

Catamarans and Trimarans - These are planing hulls, meaning they are on top of the water. They displace less water, which is why they are faster. But a planing hull is less stable than a displacement hull. To compensate, catamarans and trimarans have two or three hulls, which makes them extremely buoyant. Since this is not your average sailboat I'll leave them out of this article.

The second factor is the length of the boat. It's the second rule of thumb: the longer the boat, the faster it goes. Each sailboat has a maximum hull speed, which it can't exceed (in theory). The hull speed is determined by the length of the boat.

Here are the maximum hull speeds for different monohull lengths:

Please note: the maximum hull speed isn't the average sailing speed. It's the upper limit (in theory - read on to learn more).

The third and perhaps most obvious factor of course is wind direction and speed. If you plan a large voyage, for example, an ocean passage, make sure to check the dominant wind and direction for your time of year. You want to make sure to have as much downwind as you can get, and a favorable current as well. This is why most sailors choose to go eastward instead of westward when sailing the world.

If you want to know why going eastward is smart, I encourage you to read my previous article on sailing around the world here .

How to calculate necessary sailing speed

So imagine you need to get to dock in time. It's 50 miles away. You need to arrive at 2100 hours. It's currently 1500 hours. Would be handy to know at what speed you need to sail to make it in time.

The formula is simple:

nautical miles / time = average speed necessary

2100 - 1500 = 360 minutes 360 / 60 = 6 hours Your average speed should be: 50 NM / 6 = 8.3 knots

Converting knots to mph and km/h

To convert knots to mph or km/h, simply multiply the knots by the ratio below.

1 knot = 1.151 mph 1 knot = 1.852 km/h

Great, we have a good general idea of what to expect from our trustworthy vessels. If you want to go deeper, you can try to calculate the maximum hull speed of your own boat. Calculating the maximum speed is actually very simple. Now is the time to get out your calculator.

You calculate the maximum hull speed (HS) by taking the length in feet (lwl), get the square root, and multiplying it by 1.34.

HS = √ lwl * 1.34 HS = Hull Speed lwl = length at waterline

So a 80 feet boat has a maximum hull speed of:

√ 80 * 1.34 = 12 knots

A displacement hull has a maximum hull speed. Hull speed is a theoretical speed that tells us what the maximum efficient speed is. Everything above that speed costs a lot more energy. If you power your boat by engine, you can exceed the speed by pushing the hull over your own bow wave (this requires a lot of horsepowers though, and it isn't good for your engine).

If you're sailing instead, you can exceed your hull speed with the help of the weather. Let's call these surfing conditions (sounds good). This might happen to you when you're sailing downwind and the current pushes you forward simultaneously. This helps you to overtake your own bow wave. If this happens, the wavelength gets longer than the hull length: the water can't get out of the way fast enough. As a result, the boat starts to plane, increasing water resistance at the front. Congratulations: you're surfing on your own bow wave.

The increase in speed won't be mind blowing however (about 1 knot). The truth is: a displacement hull is bound to its speed. It just costs to much energy to propel it through the water. It's made to cut, not steamroll the water.

Sailboats don't travel lightning fast, but they do travel 24/7. Because of this, they can cover quite a bit of distance. What distance are we actually able to cover with conservative speeds?

The average sailboat covers a distance of roughly 100 nautical miles (NM) , at a speed of around 4.5 knots. This equals 115 miles or 185 km.

1 NM is 1.852 km or 1.151 mile

You can calculate the distance per day by simply multiplying the speed in knots by 24 hours:

NM = knots * 24

Most sailboats cover anywhere between 100-180 NM per day. This means that a fast sailboat in ideal conditions can cover more than 200 miles. Impressive. However, anything over 180 NM is uncommon. We usually only see cruising speeds that high in races.

Here are the distances per day (NM) for different cruising speeds:

How fast can a sailboat go under power? The average speed of a sailboat under power is 4-5 knots (5 mph or 8 km/h). Most sailors switch to engine at sailing speeds below 6 knots, especially when on passage.

How fast do racing sailboats go? Racing sailboats can reach speeds of 30 - 50 knots (35-58 mph or 55-92 km/h). The record is set at 65.45 knots (75 mph or 121 km/h). They can beat wind speed because they have a planing hull instead of a displacement hull, making them a lot faster than average sailboats

Can a sailboat sail faster than the wind? Sailboats with a planing hull (multihulls) can go faster than wind. Displacement hulls (the average sailboat) can't beat the wind, or just slightly in surfing conditions.

Robert Tangney Kenmare Ireland

Just wondering if you could do a similar article on diesel powered boats.I have a Seaward 23 powered with two 1.6 mermaid engines.I normally do around 7_8 knots and was thinking of replacing them for more speed around 10_12 knots.what engines would I need. According to what I have read already I should be getting 10 knots cruising speed with a top speed of 12 knots.This is not the case and her bottom is very clean.Found your article very interesting.

Shawn Buckles

Hi Robert, thanks for your comment. You have quite a bit of power there, nice.

I wouldn’t know for sure what engine size you should get, this article is specifically about sailboats. Also, this is the maximum hull speed - what you could expect under ideal conditions. And that’s never the case - you have to deal with current, wind, and so on. So I’d say it sounds about right.

If by diesel-powered boats you mean a powerboat, I currently don’t write about powerboats. Maybe I will in the future, but I won’t make any promises for now.

Thanks again and good luck with your upgrade!

I’m not sure if you use a different way of calculating time in nautical terms (Not a sailor myself, just curious about sailboats), but in the ‘How to calculate necessary sailing speed’ my math would say there’s 6 hours = 360 minutes from 1500 hours (3 PM) to 2100 hours (9 PM), not 600 minutes = 10 hours. Am I missing something?

Hi Ben L, That’s exactly right, it was a math error on my part. Thanks for pointing it out, I have updated the article.

Catamarans and trimarans are PLANING boats?! How long have you been sailing? Three days? :-)))

Matas Pacevicius

Just wanted to point out a typo. At hull speed of 5NM you travel 120NM and 138miles (not the 115 written) per 24hrs. Thank you for your articles. I’ve been dreaming of circumnavigation for years and am in the process of designing and building my own sailboat for the feat. I would love to build and sail a sailboat on which I could live almost anywhere in the world. I currently reside on the Gulf coast of Florida and am surrounded by beautiful warm waters that beckon me to explore them. Hopefully in the followings 5 years I will be sailing into the Caribbean in my self-built traveling home in the water. I wish to call the oceans home and soon the entire world. I plan to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean on my first leg around the world. Would you recommend sailing throughout the Mediterranean? Any ideas on how’s to make money along the way?

I’ve worked all my life, struggling. Now 56y.o. staring at becoming a jobless wanderer in the next couple of months, maybe pick up a used boat. I am just really curious how some people have the time and place to design, build, and then sail around. Tell me your secrets…

Benjamin Lindner

Hello Shawn;

You have an error in your table above: 5 Knots = 120 NM BUT DOES NOT EQUAL 115 MILES.

Thank you Ben

Carlos Alberto Molinelli

But WHY is it a maximum speed for displacement boats in quiet waters, responding to this old formula? It is because the speed increases, the water displaced forms waves. At slow speed there are several along the hull. At fast speed there are only two: one at the bow and another an the stern. If the boat tries to go faster, the stern wave would go more farther but the hull would lose sustentation. It better explained with a picture. Look for boats going fast. You will see only two waves.

Robert Flores

Getting close to retirement and want to get a sailboat with some power. Thinking about sailing lakes and coastal. Looking at the macgregor 26M and seaward 26rk. What recommendations do you have ?? Or things to think about. I am one for safety. Best regards Robert

Ronald Ernst van Dijk

Thank you. Very well explained in clear language, including the usual conversions between knots, miles and kilometers. It helps understanding the physics of sailboats and what to expect in terms of speed. I have just completed building an 18 feet wooden gaff rigged yawl (design by François Vivier) for single handed coastal sailing in Malaysia, the country where I live. Your “rule of thumb” about HS = Lwl * 1.34 seems to work well, although I have to further try it out with different wind speeds and sailing on a reach or down wind.

Your website is an ad horror show to the point it is not usable any more. Ads do have their place and purpose, just like food needs salt. But in your case there is more salt then there is food. Moderation is key.

Ara Houston

Hello improvesailing.com owner, You always provide helpful information.

Leave a comment

You may also like, how far can you sail in one day.

The average one-day sailing distance of a boat is important for planning passages. I've done the research and the same numbers kept coming up. Here they are.

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Knoblock And Soper To Debut American Custom Marine Raceboat At The St. Clair River Classic

The owner of American Custom Marine in Kimball, Mich., Michael Knoblock doesn’t simply enjoy speed on the water. Knoblock makes his living selling powerboats, from new Nor-Tech center consoles to pre-owned V-bottoms and catamarans, that deliver it. His most recent personal pleasure-boat, for example, was a well-known Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats 51 GTX called Mamba . Then-powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 1075SCi engines, the Dean Loucks-painted 51-footer topped 120 mph.

Michael Knoblock and Matt Soper will campaign the 40-footer for the first time at the end of the month. Photos by Tyler Blankenship courtesy of American Custom Marine

Now Knoblock has an even faster boat in his stable, a 2011 model-year 40-foot Fountain Powerboats V-bottom powered by twin Mercury Racing 1350 engines. But his latest ride isn’t for pleasure. It’s a canopied raceboat he plans to throttle alongside driver Matt Soper at the Offshore Powerboat Association St. Clair River Classic set for July 25-28 in St. Clair, Mich. Knoblock lives in the area.

Dubbed American Custom Marine , the boat will run in OPA’s Extreme class. Asked why he bought the 40-footer, the rookie racer shrugged and smiled.

American Custom Marine principal Michael Knoblock will kick off his rookie offshore racing season at his hometown event. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix

“I just wanted to get a boat and go racing,” Knoblock said. “I bought a Fountain because I have owned a few and I know Fountain made a good raceboat. I found a nice one in Florida that we completely re-rigged at American Custom Marine.

“I have raced snowmobiles, personal watercraft and motorcycles, but I have never raced boats,” he continued. “Through the boating community in Michigan, I have been friends with Matt Soper for a long time and we decided to go racing together. I’m looking forward to it.”

Soper ran an open-cockpit, 1988 model-year Cigarette 38 Top Gun V-bottom called Old School in the Bracket 400 class for two years. At the 2020 Offshore Powerboat Association World Championships, he brought home the first world title for Cigarette since 2002. He delivered another world title for the Opa-locka, Fla.-based brand in 2021.

The 40-footer’s patriotic graphics reinforce the American Custom Marine brand.

He left the sport shortly before the 2022 season began.

“It’s a huge honor to be asked by Mike to drive for him,” Soper said. “He and his crew at American Custom Marine do everything meticulously and over the top, and they have built one of the most incredible and immaculate raceboats I’ve ever seen. It’s all ‘new-school’ with the latest technology and safety systems.

“I had no intention of returning to racing after claiming back-to-back world titles in Old School , but the opportunity Mike presented was impossible to not be part of it,” he added. “He’s a great friend and one of very few people on the planet that I would trust to run with in such a rocket-ship.”

Pictured here with his uncle, Dan, Matt Soper (right) competed in the Bracket 400 class for two seasons. Photo by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos

Knoblock and Soper also plan to campaign the boat in the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix July 30-August 4 in Michigan City, Ind., and the Midwest Challenge, August 9-11 in Sheboygan, Wis. Beyond that, the cockpit duo has made no concrete competition decisions for the season.

“We like to race in either Sarasota or Clearwater and maybe even Key West, but we don’t know yet,” Knoblock said. “We’ll have to see.”

Viewed from any perspective, the new raceboat is a beauty.

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Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race: Storm snaps masts, tosses sailor into Lake Michigan

A fast-moving summer storm Saturday night on Lake Michigan left carnage in its path after three huge sailboats snapped masts and a fourth boat had to rescue a man after he fell overboard, all in the middle of the night under total darkness during the first day of the Chicago to Mackinac race .

“It was about 11:30 Eastern Time and we outpaced a couple storms. The team was getting ready … when a squall hit us. The wind picked up from about 18 knots to over 30 knots and shifted 80 degrees,” Skip Dieball, 53, of Wilmette, Illinois, a tactician racing on the 52-foot Usual Suspects, said on Sunday. “Sometimes in the daytime, you can see some of the shifts coming, the wind pattern on the water. But it was so dark we couldn’t see anything. We told each other we would prepare early. We were, and it just came really fast.”

Disaster was averted after Madcap, a Santa Cruz 52 owned and skippered by John Hoskins, responded to a man overboard report from Callisto, a J/125 owned and skippered by Jim Murray. Both boats resumed racing the 333-statute-mile (289-nautical-mile) race without injury.

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In addition to Usual Suspects, owned by Eric Wynsma, masts broke on the 65-foot Sagamore owned by Laura and Tone Martin, along with the 45-foot Sapphire, owned by Robert Radway. No injuries were reported, according to Laura Muma, communications director for the Chicago to Mackinac race.

Despite being on high alert to take down sails, the demasting events were intense.

‘Loud as the loudest thunder’

As soon as the mast snapped, Dieball said the crew started doing a head count to be certain all 13 sailors were still onboard. The rig could have come down on the crew if they had been in their normal stations, but they were scattered. While the mast “broke violently,” Dieball said, “it did not come down violently.”

The race boat, with its custom carbon fiber mast, strong and light but brittle, is designed for high-performance racing and often used in America’s Cup races.

When the mast broke, it sounded like a “crack of thunder” immediately overhead, Dieball said. “It’s as loud as the loudest thunder.”

When the mast settled, the crew had to rapidly assess next steps. The biggest fear is that the broken mast will bang against the boat and puncture a hole, Dieball said. A mast on a boat that size can be 60 or 70 feet tall, he said.

“Part of your safety equipment is having cutting devices that get the mast away from the boat. The mast had broken in three different spots and it was time to start cutting things away,” Dieball said. “Carbon fiber, in many ways, is sharper than steel. We had to make sure no one was in a spot where one of the pieces would actually cut them.”

So sailors took out cutting tools and knives they’re required to carry as part of the racing protocol — and sliced away rigging as fast as possible, letting material sink into the water.

‘Survival mode’

Skipper Eric Wynsma, a real estate developer from Grand Rapids, had three of his grown kids racing, too. This was his 25th Chicago to Mackinac race.

“We were just in survival mode,” Dieball said, cutting away for about 30 minutes. “After the (storm) cell went through, the wind died off. So it wasn’t like we were battling elements. We were into the race about nine hours, finishing about a third of the course, and we returned to Muskegon.”

After stabilizing the situation, the Usual Suspects crew contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and reported debris in the water. The race boat didn’t need assistance once the rigging was cut away, Dieball said. They made certain nothing was wrapped around the propeller and Usual Suspects spent the next three hours motoring back, arriving about 5 a.m.

No one was freaking out, Dieball said. “It was all business.”

The costly damage prevents Usual Suspects from racing the Bayview Mackinac race from Port Huron to Mackinac, which starts Saturday.

Fast Tango fights DeTour

Tim Prophit , of St. Clair Shores, owner and skipper of the 40-foot Fast Tango, didn’t get slammed by the storm, but his nine-member crew prepared by making sail changes and reefing the main sail for better control.

“All of a sudden, the waves felt different, a different pattern, a different height. And the temps dropped,” he said Sunday while racing. “We were paying very close attention to the weather.”

Fast Tango won its class and placed second overall in the Chicago to Mackinac race last year, and was the overall winner in the Port Huron to Mackinac race.

This year, Fast Tango is battling the 34-foot DeTour, owned by Chuck Stormes, of Grosse Pointe Farms, no stranger to winning class and overall trophies.

Christy Storms said early Sunday afternoon she couldn’t look at the tracker to see how her husband was doing. It made her crazy. She didn’t know there had been a storm, she said, thank God, or she would have been worried sick.

“This is the first year I’ve been trying to not stalk him,” she said. “It’s tough looking every minute. It just makes me crazy.”

Family members are known to sleep with their phones under their pillows, call and text each other every hour through the night until the race is finished.In years past, Christy Storms said, “it was like crack. It just make me so anxious.”

So, she went online, noticed he was doing great, took a snapshot of the tracker, put her phone down and went to bed with their 11-year-old dog Striker.

Early Monday, Prophit confirmed that Fast Tango won first in class against 11 competitors. They crossed the finish line in 41 hours, 59 minutes, 47 seconds.

Chaos on other boats, too

Following the storm, 15- to 20-knot southerly winds continued to propel the 247-boat fleet north, Muma said in the race update.

While mast loss made headlines with sailing reporters, other boats had serious issues that went unreported. And they kept going, hoping for the best.

Mark DenUyl, of Marysville, Michigan, owner and skipper of the 34.5-foot Good Lookin’, watched his carbon fiber bowsprit snap in half during the high winds right about 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Now it’s held together with electrical tape and sail tape.

Crew member Brennan Churchill, 22, texted his dad at home in Kimball, Michigan, with an update on the damaged equipment used to extend the sail, so it captures more wind.

“He knew better than to tell his mother,” Tracy Heany Churchill said Sunday. “He knows I go into freakout mode.”

Ron Churchill always sails with his son, who won his first Mackinac race at age 15, but Ron couldn’t leave work as a senior operations manager for a natural gas storage facility to do both the Chicago and Port Huron races to Mackinac.

“I feel like I’m lost right now. I just feel like I’m supposed to be there,” Ron Churchill said Sunday.

Brennan Churchill described the boat tipping so far to one side that the crew was in waist-deep water, his father said. “Everybody stayed on the boat. Water was washing over them.”

The sudden gust of wind created such force that it likely flexed and snapped, he said. As a result of the damage, the crew held steady until daylight to try and figure out what to do, Churchill said. “They did a good job with just staying composed and keeping the boat moving well.”

On Monday morning, Good Lookin’ crossed the finish line in third in class against a dozen other J/105 boats despite damage to critical equipment.

Cara DenUyl and her 19-year-old daughter, Riley, woke up at 5:30 a.m. Monday to watch online the Good Lookin’ finish. “It was a nail-biter. It was close between second and third. They were in second place at 2 a.m. Sunday, when that storm hit. Then they fell back all the way to seventh place. At the time, we didn’t know the storm had hit. Somehow they got everything fixed enough to keep going, thankfully. I feel relief that they made the podium.”

‘Breathtaking’ speed

With storms come great wind. Or, in sailor speak, great air.

Winn Soldani, race chair of the Chicago to Mackinac race, said this weekend’s storms brought “epic” conditions that weather models predicted, which is important for safety.

“We’re watching boats going 20 knots, or about 23 mph, and it’s breathtaking,” Soldani told Shifting Gears from the finish line near the Mission Point hotel on Mackinac Island on Sunday.

“When the squalls hit, the wind changed direction very rapidly, from out of the south to out of the west, at 33 to 35 mph,” he said. “Some of these sails are the size of tennis courts. They’re huge. So this changes pressure on the mast.”

That’s what causes masts to snap, Soldani said. Strict safety protocols protect the 2,200 sailors racing this year, and that’s why they’re required to wear special tracking devices on their bodies at all times.

Storm winds create record-setting conditions

As a result of the strong winds, this race broke the speed record.

The 80-foot Maverick finished in 22 hours, 24 minutes, 23 seconds, breaking a record set 22 years ago by 66 minutes, 11 seconds. 

Sanford Burris, of Kirtland, Ohio, sailed with his sons and friends on the carbon fiber Andrews 80 they have spent the past three years upgrading, according to Muma. The 20-person crew included Rodney Keenan, founder of Evolution Sails.

“The team celebrated briefly as the Maverick team crossed the race to Mackinac finish line between Mackinac Island and the Round Island lighthouse … and then kept on sailing,” said the Chicago to Mackinac news release.

Maverick is one of 25 sailboats registered for this year’s “Super Mac” race, a combination of the Chicago Mackinac and the Bayview Mackinac races, which means they will continue into Lake Huron, heading south to Port Huron, for a total of 565 statute miles (495 nautical miles).

More: Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Co. sells to Florida billionaire

Phoebe Wall Howard, a Free Press auto reporter for nearly seven years, now writes a column on car culture, consumer trends and life that will appear periodically on  Freep.com  and in print. Those columns and others will appear on her Substack at  https://phoebewallhoward.substack.com/about  Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Chicago to Mackinac sailboat race: Storm snaps masts, tosses sailor into Lake Michigan

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Republican Party Platforms

2024 republican party platform, 2024 gop platform make america great again, dedication: to the forgotten men and women of america, america first: a return to common sense.

Our Nation's History is filled with the stories of brave men and women who gave everything they had to build America into the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. Generations of American Patriots have summoned the American Spirit of Strength, Determination, and Love of Country to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The American People have proven time and again that we can overcome any obstacle and any force pitted against us.

In the early days of our Republic, the Founding Generation defeated what was then the most powerful Empire the World had ever seen. In the 20th Century, America vanquished Nazism and Fascism, and then triumphed over Soviet Communism after forty-four years of the Cold War.

But now we are a Nation in SERIOUS DECLINE. Our future, our identity, and our very way of life are under threat like never before. Today we must once again call upon the same American Spirit that led us to prevail through every challenge of the past if we are going to lead our Nation to a brighter future.

For decades, our politicians sold our jobs and livelihoods to the highest bidders overseas with unfair Trade Deals and a blind faith in the siren song of globalism. They insulated themselves from criticism and the consequences of their own bad actions, allowing our Borders to be overrun, our cities to be overtaken by crime, our System of Justice to be weaponized, and our young people to develop a sense of hopelessness and despair. They rejected our History and our Values. Quite simply, they did everything in their power to destroy our Country.

In 2016, President Donald J. Trump was elected as an unapologetic Champion of the American People. He reignited the American Spirit and called on us to renew our National Pride. His Policies spurred Historic Economic Growth, Job Creation, and a Resurgence of American Manufacturing. President Trump and the Republican Party led America out of the pessimism induced by decades of failed leadership, showing us that the American People want Greatness for our Country again.

Yet after nearly four years of the Biden administration, America is now rocked by Raging Inflation, Open Borders, Rampant Crime, Attacks on our Children, and Global Conflict, Chaos, and Instability.

Like the Heroes who built and defended this Nation before us, we will never give up. We will restore our Nation of, by, and for the People. We will Make America Great Again.

We will be a Nation based on Truth, Justice, and Common Sense.

Common Sense tells us clearly, in President Trump's words, that "If we don't have a Border, we don't have a Country." Restoring sensible Border Security and Immigration Policy requires many steps, all of which would have been and indeed were taken for granted by prior Generations as obviously necessary and good. We must secure our Southern Border by completing the Border Wall that President Trump started. Hundreds of miles have already been built and work magnificently. The remaining Wall construction can be completed quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. We must also vigilantly check those who enter our Country by other routes and ensure that no one can enter our Country who does not have the Legal Right to do so, and we must deport the millions of illegal Migrants who Joe Biden has deliberately encouraged to invade our Country. We will start by prioritizing the most dangerous criminals and working with local Police. We must not allow Biden's Migrant Invasion to alter our Country. It must not stand. Under the Trump Administration and a Republican Congress, it will be defeated immediately.

Common Sense tells us clearly that if we don't have Domestic Manufacturing with low Inflation, not only will our Economy—and even our Military Equipment and Supplies—be at the mercy of Foreign Nations, but our Towns, Communities, and People cannot thrive. The Republican Party must return to its roots as the Party of Industry, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Workers. President Trump's economic policy to end Inflation and return Manufacturing Jobs is not only what the American Economy and American Workers need right now, it is also what they want right now.

Common Sense tells us clearly that we must unleash American Energy if we want to destroy Inflation and rapidly bring down prices, build the Greatest Economy in History, revive our Defense Industrial Base, fuel Emerging Industries, and establish the United States as the Manufacturing Superpower of the World. We will DRILL, BABY, DRILL and we will become Energy Independent, and even Dominant again. The United States has more liquid gold under our feet than any other Nation, and it's not even close. The Republican Party will harness that potential to power our future.

Common Sense tells us clearly that if we don't have a Strong Military, we won't be able to defend our interests and we will be at the mercy of Hostile Nations. The Policy of the Republican Party must be to ensure that America's Military is the strongest and best-equipped in the World—and that our Government uses that great strength sparingly, and only in clear instances where our National Interests are threatened.

Common Sense tells us clearly that the Republican Party must stand for Equal Treatment for All. Likewise, the Republican Party must ensure the equal application of law to all regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs. Recent Democrat-led political persecutions threaten to destroy 250 years of American Principle and Practice and must be stopped.

America needs determined Republican Leadership at every level of Government to address the core threats to our very survival: Our disastrously Open Border, our weakened Economy, crippling restrictions on American Energy Production, our depleted Military, attacks on the American System of Justice, and much more.

To make clear our commitment, we offer to the American people the 2024 GOP Platform to Make America Great Again! It is a forward-looking Agenda that begins with the following twenty promises that we will accomplish very quickly when we win the White House and Republican Majorities in the House and Senate.

• SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION
• CARRY OUT THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OPERATION IN AMERICAN HISTORY
• END INFLATION, AND MAKE AMERICA AFFORDABLE AGAIN
• MAKE AMERICA THE DOMINANT ENERGY PRODUCER IN THE WORLD, BY FAR!
• STOP OUTSOURCING, AND TURN THE UNITED STATES INTO A MANUFACTURING SUPERPOWER
• LARGE TAX CUTS FOR WORKERS, AND NO TAX ON TIPS!
• DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION, OUR BILL OF RIGHTS, AND OUR FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, INCLUDING FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF RELIGION, AND THE RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS
• PREVENT WORLD WAR THREE, RESTORE PEACE IN EUROPE AND IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AND BUILD A GREAT IRON DOME MISSILE DEFENSE SHIELD OVER OUR ENTIRE COUNTRY -- ALL MADE IN AMERICA
• END THE WEAPONIZATION OF GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
• STOP THE MIGRANT CRIME EPIDEMIC, DEMOLISH THE FOREIGN DRUG CARTELS, CRUSH GANG VIOLENCE, AND LOCK UP VIOLENT OFFENDERS
• REBUILD OUR CITIES, INCLUDING WASHINGTON DC, MAKING THEM SAFE, CLEAN, AND BEAUTIFUL AGAIN.
• STRENGTHEN AND MODERNIZE OUR MILITARY, MAKING IT, WITHOUT QUESTION, THE STRONGEST AND MOST POWERFUL IN THE WORLD
• KEEP THE U.S. DOLLAR AS THE WORLD'S RESERVE CURRENCY
• FIGHT FOR AND PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE WITH NO CUTS, INCLUDING NO CHANGES TO THE RETIREMENT AGE
• CANCEL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANDATE AND CUT COSTLY AND BURDENSOME REGULATIONS
• CUT FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ANY SCHOOL PUSHING CRITICAL RACE THEORY, RADICAL GENDER IDEOLOGY, AND OTHER INAPPROPRIATE RACIAL, SEXUAL, OR POLITICAL CONTENT ON OUR CHILDREN
• KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN'S SPORTS
• DEPORT PRO-HAMAS RADICALS AND MAKE OUR COLLEGE CAMPUSES SAFE AND PATRIOTIC AGAIN
• SECURE OUR ELECTIONS, INCLUDING SAME DAY VOTING, VOTER IDENTIFICATION, PAPER BALLOTS, AND PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
• UNITE OUR COUNTRY BY BRINGING IT TO NEW AND RECORD LEVELS OF SUCCESS

When America is united, confident, and committed to our principles, it will never fail.

Today and together, with Love for our Country, Faith in our People, and Trust in God's Good Grace, we will Make America Great Again!

Table of Contents

1. DEFEAT INFLATION, AND QUICKLY BRING DOWN ALL PRICES.

2. SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION.

3. BUILD THE GREATEST ECONOMY IN HISTORY.

4. BRING BACK THE AMERICAN DREAM AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE AGAIN FOR FAMILIES, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND EVERYONE.

5. PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS AND FARMERS FROM UNFAIR TRADE.

6. PROTECT SENIORS.

7. CULTIVATE GREAT K-12 SCHOOLS LEADING TO GREAT JOBS AND GREAT LIVES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

8. BRING COMMON SENSE TO OUR GOVERNMENT AND RENEW THE PILLARS OF AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

9. GOVERNMENT OF, BY, AND FOR THE PEOPLE.

10. RETURN TO PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.

CHAPTER ONE : DEFEAT INFLATION AND QUICKLY BRING DOWN ALL PRICES

Our Commitment:

The Republican Party will reverse the worst Inflation crisis in four decades that has crushed the middle class, devastated family budgets, and pushed the dream of homeownership out of reach for millions. We will defeat Inflation, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve fiscal sanity, restore price stability, and quickly bring down prices.

Inflation is a crushing tax on American families. History shows that Inflation will not magically disappear while policies remain the same. We commit to unleashing American Energy, reining in wasteful spending, cutting excessive Regulations, securing our Borders, and restoring Peace through Strength. Together, we will restore Prosperity, ensure Economic Security, and build a brighter future for American Workers and their families. Our dedication to these Policies will make America stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous than ever before.

1. Unleash American Energy

Under President Trump, the U.S. became the Number One Producer of Oil and Natural Gas in the World — and we will soon be again by lifting restrictions on American Energy Production and terminating the Socialist Green New Deal. Republicans will unleash Energy Production from all sources, including nuclear, to immediately slash Inflation and power American homes, cars, and factories with reliable, abundant, and affordable Energy.

2. Rein in Wasteful Federal Spending

Republicans will immediately stabilize the Economy by slashing wasteful Government spending and promoting Economic Growth.

3. Cut Costly and Burdensome Regulations

Republicans will reinstate President Trump's Deregulation Policies, which saved Americans $11,000 per household, and end Democrats' regulatory onslaught that disproportionately harms low- and middle-income households.

4. Stop Illegal Immigration

Republicans will secure the Border, deport Illegal Aliens, and reverse the Democrats' Open Borders Policies that have driven up the cost of Housing, Education, and Healthcare for American families.

5. Restore Peace through Strength

War breeds Inflation while geopolitical stability brings price stability. Republicans will end the global chaos and restore Peace through Strength, reducing geopolitical risks and lowering commodity prices.

CHAPTER TWO : SEAL THE BORDER, AND STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION

Republicans offer an aggressive plan to stop the open-border policies that have opened the floodgates to a tidal wave of illegal Aliens, deadly drugs, and Migrant Crime. We will end the Invasion at the Southern Border, restore Law and Order, protect American Sovereignty, and deliver a Safe and Prosperous Future for all Americans.

1. Secure the Border

Republicans will restore every Border Policy of the Trump administration and halt all releases of Illegal Aliens into the interior. We will complete the Border Wall, shift massive portions of Federal Law Enforcement to Immigration Enforcement, and use advanced technology to monitor and secure the Border. We will use all resources needed to stop the Invasion—including moving thousands of Troops currently stationed overseas to our own Southern Border. We will deploy the U.S. Navy to impose a full Fentanyl Blockade on the waters of our Region—boarding and inspecting ships to look for fentanyl and fentanyl precursors. Before we defend the Borders of Foreign Countries, we must first secure the Border of our Country.

2. Enforce Immigration Laws

Republicans will strengthen ICE, increase penalties for illegal entry and overstaying Visas, and reinstate "Remain in Mexico" and other Policies that helped reduce Illegal Immigration by historic lows in President Trump's first term. We will also invoke the Alien Enemies Act to remove all known or suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members from the United States, ending the scourge of Illegal Alien gang violence once and for all. We will bring back the Travel Ban, and use Title 42 to end the child trafficking crisis by returning all trafficked children to their families in their Home Countries immediately.

3. Begin Largest Deportation Program in American History

President Trump and Republicans will reverse the Democrats' destructive Open Borders Policies that have allowed criminal gangs and Illegal Aliens from around the World to roam the United States without consequences. The Republican Party is committed to sending Illegal Aliens back home and removing those who have violated our Laws.

4. Strict Vetting

Republicans will use existing Federal Law to keep foreign Christian-hating Communists, Marxists, and Socialists out of America. Those who join our Country must love our Country. We will use extreme vetting to ensure that jihadists and jihadist sympathizers are not admitted.

5. Stop Sanctuary Cities

Republicans will cut federal Funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that release dangerous Illegal Alien criminals onto our streets, rather than handing them over to ICE. We will require local cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement.

6. Ensure Our Legal Immigration System Puts American Workers First

Republicans will prioritize Merit-based immigration, ensuring those admitted to our Country contribute positively to our Society and Economy, and never become a drain on Public Resources. We will end Chain Migration, and put American Workers first!

CHAPTER THREE : BUILD THE GREATEST ECONOMY IN HISTORY

American Workers are the most productive, talented, and innovative on Earth. The only thing holding them back is the suffocating policies of the Democrat Party. Our America First Economic Agenda rests on five pillars: Slashing Regulations, cutting Taxes, securing Fair Trade Deals, ensuring Reliable and Abundant Low Cost Energy, and championing Innovation. Together, we will restore Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for all Americans.

1. Cut Regulations

Republicans will slash Regulations that stifle Jobs, Freedom, Innovation and make everything more expensive. We will implement Transparency and Common Sense in rulemaking.

2. Make Trump Tax Cuts Permanent and No Tax on Tips

Republicans will make permanent the provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that doubled the standard deduction, expanded the Child Tax Credit, and spurred Economic Growth for all Americans. We will eliminate Taxes on Tips for millions of Restaurant and Hospitality Workers, and pursue additional Tax Cuts.

3. Fair and Reciprocal Trade Deals

Republicans will continue forging an America First Trade Policy as set forth in Chapter 5, standing up to Countries that cheat and prioritizing American Producers over Foreign Outsourcers. We will bring our critical Supply Chains back home. President Trump turned American Trade Policy around, protecting U.S. Producers, and renegotiating failed agreements.

4. Reliable and Abundant Low Cost Energy

Republicans will increase Energy Production across the board, streamline permitting, and end market-distorting restrictions on Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal. The Republican Party will once again make America Energy Independent, and then Energy Dominant, lowering Energy prices even below the record lows achieved during President Trump's first term.

5. Champion Innovation

Republicans will pave the way for future Economic Greatness by leading the World in Emerging Industries.

Republicans will end Democrats' unlawful and unAmerican Crypto crackdown and oppose the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency. We will defend the right to mine Bitcoin, and ensure every American has the right to self-custody of their Digital Assets, and transact free from Government Surveillance and Control.

Artificial Inte lligence (AI)

We will repeal Joe Biden's dangerous Executive Order that hinders AI Innovation, and imposes Radical Leftwing ideas on the development of this technology. In its place, Republicans support AI Development rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.

Expanding Freedom, Prosperity and Safety in Space

Under Republican Leadership, the United States will create a robust Manufacturing Industry in Near Earth Orbit, send American Astronauts back to the Moon, and onward to Mars, and enhance partnerships with the rapidly expanding Commercial Space sector to revolutionize our ability to access, live in, and develop assets in Space.

CHAPTER FOUR : BRING BACK THE AMERICAN DREAM AND MAKE IT AFFORDABLE AGAIN FOR FAMILIES, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND EVERYONE

Republicans offer a plan to make the American Dream affordable again. We commit to reducing Housing, Education, and Healthcare costs, while lowering everyday expenses, and increasing opportunities.

1. Housing Affordability

To help new home buyers, Republicans will reduce mortgage rates by slashing Inflation, open limited portions of Federal Lands to allow for new home construction, promote homeownership through Tax Incentives and support for first-time buyers, and cut unnecessary Regulations that raise housing costs.

2. Accessible Higher Education

To reduce the cost of Higher Education, Republicans will support the creation of additional, drastically more affordable alternatives to a traditional four-year College degree.

3. Affordable Healthcare

Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options. We will protect Medicare, and ensure Seniors receive the care they need without being burdened by excessive costs.

4. Lower Everyday Costs

Republicans will reduce the Regulatory burden, lower Energy costs, and promote Economic Policies that drive down the cost of living and prices for everyday goods and services.

CHAPTER FIVE : PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS AND FARMERS FROM UNFAIR TRADE

The Republican Party stands for a patriotic "America First" Economic Policy. Republicans offer a robust plan to protect American Workers, Farmers, and Industries from unfair Foreign Competition. We commit to rebalancing Trade, securing Strategic Independence, and revitalizing Manufacturing. We will prioritize Domestic Production, and ensure National Independence in essential goods and services. Together, we will build a Strong, Self-reliant, and Prosperous America.

1. Rebalance Trade

Our Trade deficit in goods has grown to over $1 Trillion Dollars a year. Republicans will support baseline Tariffs on Foreign-made goods, pass the Trump Reciprocal Trade Act, and respond to unfair Trading practices. As Tariffs on Foreign Producers go up, Taxes on American Workers, Families, and Businesses can come down.

2. Secure Strategic Independence from China

Republicans will revoke China's Most Favored Nation status, phase out imports of essential goods, and stop China from buying American Real Estate and Industries.

3. Save the American Auto Industry

Republicans will revive the U.S. Auto Industry by reversing harmful Regulations, canceling Biden's Electric Vehicle and other Mandates, and preventing the importation of Chinese vehicles.

4. Bring Home Critical Supply Chains

Republicans will bring critical Supply Chains back to the U.S., ensuring National Security and Economic Stability, while also creating Jobs and raising Wages for American Workers.

5. Buy American and Hire American

Republicans will strengthen Buy American and Hire American Policies, banning companies that outsource jobs from doing business with the Federal Government.

6. Become the Manufacturing Superpower

By protecting American Workers from unfair Foreign Competition and unleashing American Energy, Republicans will restore American Manufacturing, creating Jobs, Wealth, and Investment.

CHAPTER SIX : PROTECT SENIORS

President Trump has made absolutely clear that he will not cut one penny from Medicare or Social Security. American Citizens work hard their whole lives, contributing to Social Security and Medicare. These programs are promises to our Seniors, ensuring they can live their golden years with dignity. Republicans will protect these vital programs and ensure Economic Stability. We will work with our Great Seniors, in order to allow them to be active and healthy. We commit to safeguarding the future for our Seniors and all American families.

1. Protect Social Security

Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Retirees, yet corrupt politicians have robbed Social Security to fund their pet projects. Republicans will restore Economic Stability to ensure the long-term sustainability of Social Security.

2. Strengthen Medicare

Republicans will protect Medicare's finances from being financially crushed by the Democrat plan to add tens of millions of new illegal immigrants to the rolls of Medicare. We vow to strengthen Medicare for future generations.

3. Support Active and Healthy Living

Republicans will support increased focus on Chronic Disease prevention and management, Long-Term Care, and Benefit flexibility. We will expand access to Primary Care and support Policies that help Seniors remain in their homes and maintain Financial Security.

4. Protect Care at Home for the Elderly

Republicans will shift resources back to at-home Senior Care, overturn disincentives that lead to Care Worker shortages, and support unpaid Family Caregivers through Tax Credits and reduced red tape.

5. Protect Economic Foundations for Supporting Seniors

Republicans will tackle Inflation, unleash American Energy, restore Economic Growth, and secure our Borders to preserve Social Security and Medicare funding for the next Generation and beyond. We will ensure these programs remain solvent long into the future by reversing harmful Democrat policies and unleashing a new Economic Boom.

CHAPTER SEVEN : CULTIVATE GREAT K-12 SCHOOLS LEADING TO GREAT JOBS AND GREAT LIVES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Republicans offer a plan to cultivate great K-12 schools, ensure safe learning environments free from political meddling, and restore Parental Rights. We commit to an Education System that empowers students, supports families, and promotes American Values. Our Education System must prepare students for successful lives and well-paying jobs.

1. Great Principals and Great Teachers

Republicans will support schools that focus on Excellence and Parental Rights. We will support ending Teacher Tenure, adopting Merit pay, and allowing various publicly supported Educational models.

2. Universal School Choice

Republicans believe families should be empowered to choose the best Education for their children. We support Universal School Choice in every State in America. We will expand 529 Education Savings Accounts and support Homeschooling Families equally.

3. Prepare Students for Jobs and Careers

Republicans will emphasize Education to prepare students for great jobs and careers, supporting project-based learning and schools that offer meaningful work experience. We will expose politicized education models and fund proven career training programs.

4. Safe, Secure, and Drug-Free Schools

Republicans will support overhauling standards on school discipline, advocate for immediate suspension of violent students, and support hardening schools to help keep violence away from our places of learning.

5. Restore Parental Rights

Republicans will restore Parental Rights in Education, and enforce our Civil Rights Laws to stop schools from discriminating on the basis of Race. We trust Parents!

6. Knowledge and Skills, Not CRT and Gender Indoctrination

Republicans will ensure children are taught fundamentals like Reading, History, Science, and Math, not Leftwing propaganda. We will defund schools that engage in inappropriate political indoctrination of our children using Federal Taxpayer Dollars.

7. Promote Love of Country with Authentic Civics Education

Republicans will reinstate the 1776 Commission, promote Fair and Patriotic Civics Education, and veto efforts to nationalize Civics Education. We will support schools that teach America's Founding Principles and Western Civilization.

8. Freedom to Pray

Republicans will champion the First Amendment Right to Pray and Read the Bible in school, and stand up to those who violate the Religious Freedoms of American students.

9. Return Education to the States

The United States spends more money per pupil on Education than any other Country in the World, and yet we are at the bottom of every educational list in terms of results. We are going to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and send it back to the States, where it belongs, and let the States run our educational system as it should be run. Our Great Teachers, who are so important to the future wellbeing of our Country, will be cherished and protected by the Republican Party so that they can do the job of educating our students that they so dearly want to do. It is our goal to bring Education in the United States to the highest level, one that it has never attained before!

CHAPTER EIGHT: BRING COMMON SENSE TO GOVERNMENT AND RENEW THE PILLARS OF AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

Republicans offer a plan to renew American Civilization with Common Sense Policies that supports families, restores Law and Order, cares for Veterans, promotes beauty, and honors American History. We commit to strengthening the Foundations of our Society for a brighter future.

1. Empower American Families

Republicans will promote a Culture that values the Sanctity of Marriage, the blessings of childhood, the foundational role of families, and supports working parents. We will end policies that punish families.

2. Rebuild Our Cities and Restore Law and Order

Republicans will restore safety in our neighborhoods by replenishing Police Departments, restoring Common Sense Policing, and protecting Officers from frivolous lawsuits. We will stand up to Marxist Prosecutors, vigorously defend the Right of every American to live in peace, and we will compassionately address homelessness to restore order to our streets.

3. Make Washington D.C. the Safest and Most Beautiful Capital City

Republicans will reassert greater Federal Control over Washington, DC to restore Law and Order in our Capital City, and ensure Federal Buildings and Monuments are well-maintained.

4. Take Care of Our Veterans

Republicans will end luxury housing and Taxpayer benefits for Illegal Immigrants and use those savings to shelter and treat homeless Veterans. We will restore Trump Administration reforms to expand Veterans' Healthcare Choices, protect Whistleblowers, and hold accountable poorly performing employees not giving our Veterans the care they deserve.

5. Make Colleges and Universities Sane and Affordable

Republicans will fire Radical Left accreditors, drive down Tuition costs, restore Due Process protections, and pursue Civil Rights cases against Schools that discriminate.

6. Combat Antisemitism

Republicans condemn antisemitism, and support revoking Visas of Foreign Nationals who support terrorism and jihadism. We will hold accountable those who perpetrate violence against Jewish people.

7. Overcome the Crisis in Liberal Arts Education

Republicans support the restoration of Classic Liberal Arts Education.

8. Restore American Beauty

Republicans will promote beauty in Public Architecture and preserve our Natural Treasures. We will build cherished symbols of our Nation, and restore genuine Conservation efforts.

9. Honor American History

Republicans celebrate our Great American Heroes and are proud that the Story of America makes everyone free. We will organize a National Celebration to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States of America.

CHAPTER NINE: GOVERNMENT OF, BY, AND FOR THE PEOPLE

Republicans will offer a clear, precise, and USA oriented plan to stop the Radical Left Democrats' Weaponization of Government and its Assault on American Liberty. We will restore Government of, by, and for the People, ensuring Accountability, protecting Individual Liberties, and fixing our once very corrupt Elections. We commit to upholding the Constitution of the United States, appointing judges who respect the rule of law, and defending the Rights of all Americans to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. We will maintain the Supreme Court as it was always meant to be, at 9 Justices. We will not allow the Democrat Party to increase this number, as they would like to do, by 4, 6, 8, 10, and even 12 Justices. We will block them at every turn.

1. Republicans Will Stop Woke and Weaponized Government

We will hold accountable those who have misused the power of Government to unjustly prosecute their Political Opponents. We will declassify Government records, root out wrongdoers, and fire corrupt employees.

2. Republicans Will Dismantle Censorship & Protect Free Speech

We will ban the Federal Government from colluding with anyone to censor Lawful Speech, defund institutions engaged in censorship, and hold accountable all bureaucrats involved with illegal censoring. We will protect Free Speech online.

3. Republicans Will Defend Religious Liberty

We are the defenders of the First Amendment Right to Religious Liberty. It protects the Right not only to Worship according to the dictates of Conscience, but also to act in accordance with those Beliefs, not just in places of Worship, but in everyday life. Our ranks include men and women from every Faith and Tradition, and we respect the Right of every American to follow his or her deeply held Beliefs. To protect Religious Liberty, Republicans support a new Federal Task Force on Fighting Anti-Christian Bias that will investigate all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, and persecution against Christians in America.

4. Republicans Will Protect and Defend a Vote of the People, from within the States, on the Issue of Life

We proudly stand for families and Life. We believe that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees that no person can be denied Life or Liberty without Due Process, and that the States are, therefore, free to pass Laws protecting those Rights. After 51 years, because of us, that power has been given to the States and to a vote of the People. We will oppose Late Term Abortion, while supporting mothers and policies that advance Prenatal Care, access to Birth Control, and IVF (fertility treatments).

5. Republicans Will End Left-wing Gender Insanity

We will keep men out of women's sports, ban Taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries, and stop Taxpayer-funded Schools from promoting gender transition, reverse Biden's radical rewrite of Title IX Education Regulations, and restore protections for women and girls.

6. Republicans Will Ensure Election Integrity

We will implement measures to secure our Elections, including Voter ID, highly sophisticated paper ballots, proof of Citizenship, and same day Voting. We will not allow the Democrats to give Voting Rights to illegal Aliens.

7. Republicans Will Protect Americans in the Territories.

The territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico are of vital importance to our National Security, and we welcome their greater participation in all aspects of the political process.

CHAPTER TEN: RETURN TO PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH

Keeping the American People safe requires a strong America. The Biden administration's weak Foreign Policy has made us less safe and a laughingstock all over the World. The Republican Plan is to return Peace through Strength, rebuilding our Military and Alliances, countering China, defeating terrorism, building an Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield, promoting American Values, securing our Homeland and Borders, and reviving our Defense Industrial Base. We will build a Military bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Our full commitment is to protecting America and ensuring a safe and prosperous future for all.

1. The National Interest

Republicans will promote a Foreign Policy centered on the most essential American Interests, starting with protecting the American Homeland, our People, our Borders, our Great American Flag, and our Rights under God.

2. Modernize the Military

Republicans will ensure our Military is the most modern, lethal and powerful Force in the World. We will invest in cutting-edge research and advanced technologies, including an Iron Dome Missile Defense Shield, support our Troops with higher pay, and get woke Leftwing Democrats fired as soon as possible.

3. Strengthen Alliances

Republicans will strengthen Alliances by ensuring that our Allies must meet their obligations to invest in our Common Defense and by restoring Peace to Europe. We will stand with Israel, and seek peace in the Middle East. We will rebuild our Alliance Network in the Region to ensure a future of Peace, Stability, and Prosperity. Likewise, we will champion Strong, Sovereign, and Independent Nations in the Indo-Pacific, thriving in Peace and Commerce with others.

4. Strengthen Economic, Military, and Diplomatic Capabilities

Republicans will strengthen Economic, Military, and Diplomatic capabilities to protect the American way of life from the malign influences of Countries that stand against us around the World.

5. Defend America's Borders

Against all odds, President Trump has completed Hundreds of Miles of Wall, and he will quickly finish the job. Republicans will mobilize Military personnel and assets as necessary to crack down hard on the cartels that traffic drugs and people into our Country.

6. Revive our Industrial Base

Our Industrial Base is critical to ensuring good jobs for our people but also the reliable production of vital Defense platforms and supplies. Our Policy must be to revive our Industrial Base, with priority on Defense-critical industries. Equipment and parts critical to American Security must be MADE IN THE USA.

7. Protect Critical Infrastructure

Republicans will use all tools of National Power to protect our Nation's Critical Infrastructure and Industrial Base from malicious cyber actors. This will be a National Priority, and we will both raise the Security Standards for our Critical Systems and Networks and defend them against bad actors.

APP Note: This platform was approved and made public by the platform committee on July 8, 2024 and formally adopted at the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024.

Republican Party Platforms, 2024 Republican Party Platform Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/373351

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Fast conditions forecast as 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac gets underway

• Updated: Jul. 13, 2024, 12:49 p.m.
• | Published: Jul. 13, 2024, 12:37 p.m.

The 115th Chicago Yacht Club to Mackinac Race is this weekend. The Cruising Division got underway on Friday. Photo provided by Barry Butler, CYC Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust Barry Butler, CYC Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust

• Tanda Gmiter | [email protected]

CHICAGO - If weather forecasts hold up, this could be a record-breaking year of fast finishes for boat crews competing in this weekend’s 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac.

About 250 boats are participating in this classic Lake Michigan race this year. It stretches 333 miles from Chicago to Mackinac Island. This year, 2,200 sailors are on board - and about 20% are first-timers to the race known as America’s Offshore Challenge.

The festivities kicked off Friday in Chicago, with the Cruising Division boats getting their start. Today, the Racing Division boats kick off their part of the contest. The Chicago-to-Mackinac race is heralded as the longest freshwater sailing race in the world.

You can check the progress as the competition tracks up the spine of Lake Michigan. Each entry is equipped with a satellite tracker that sends information on speed, location and direction every 15 minutes. This race tracker gives you a color-coded map .

Michigan’s Best Tip: If the winds have the competing sailboats hugging the Michigan side of the Lake Michigan coastline during the race, beachgoers in West Michigan and Northern Michigan can get an eyeful of these beautiful boats as they pass. If you’re headed to the beach, bring a pair of binoculars.

“We’re expecting a very fast race this year with possible records being broken,” race staff said on social media today. “There’s a forecast for perfect downwind conditions that accelerate the further up the lake you look.”

The race starts near Chicago’s Navy Pier, heads up Lake Michigan, rounds the top of The Mitten and sails under the Mackinac Bridge before approaching the finish line near the Round Island Lighthouse alongside Mackinac Island. The fastest boats could reach the island later Sunday.

And once the boat crews step onto Mackinac Island, it’s party time.

Many of the boats will post individual updates, photos and videos during the race. You can follow the race on social media: #CYCRTM

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The 7 Best RC Boats for Racing Around Lakes, Riding Upstream, and Ripping Through Waves

Like sailing or speedboating, but tiny.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

RC boats come in lots of shapes, sizes, and styles, but the best models can shred water from afar without becoming sinking ships. We’ve rounded up the best remote-control boats for beach visits, lakefront races, poolside entertainment, and some advice on picking the best RC boat for you.

Stay in play and check out our picks for the best magnetic toys , remote-control trucks , and remote-control planes .

The Best RC Boats

• Best Overall: ALPHAREV RC Boat with Case R308
• Best for Beginners: DEERC RC Boat with LED Light
• Most Well-Rounded: Altair Aerial AA102 RC Boat
• Best Value: Force1 Velocity H102
• Best Sailboat: PLAYSTEAM Voyager 400 RC Sailboat

What to Consider

While you can likely get away with using a larger RC boat on a pond or lake, you may want to stick to a smaller model if you’ll be floating yours in a backyard swimming pool or need to pack something tiny. RC boats can be up to two feet long, so make sure to consider the journey to the water, too, especially if the boat you’re eyeing doesn’t come with a carrying case.

Weight and Speed

The RC boat’s weight helps determine how fast it can move. Heavier boats are better equipped to move at high speeds without capsizing, whereas lighter boats can be speedy using less power, a.k.a., slower acceleration. Think of it like torque on a car (or a full-sized boat, for that matter)—the more power the boat gets from the battery, electric, or gas motor, the faster it can accelerate.

Speed is also dependent on the type of hull—some boats are shaped for optimal turning and curves, while others are built for picking up speed while driving in a straight line.

The priciest models can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. We mostly recommend recreational, battery-powered RC boats that reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour, since the more powerful, expensive models are meant for hardcore hobbyists and professional racers.

Capsize Recovery

Many RC boats have anti-capsize, or capsize recovery, functionality to prevent them from flipping over (and staying overturned). Flipping an RC boat is extremely easy, especially if you lack experience, and can lead to a sinking ship. If you’re new to RC boating, consider grabbing one with capsize recovery, making your boat rebalance and flip back over if it tips.

How We Selected

We researched each model’s speed, customer rating, durability, and unique features. We also consulted buying guides from several top hobbyist publications. We’ve picked options for every type of RC boat customer, whether you’re a casual hobbyist, buying a first boat for your kids, or you’re a dedicated RC enthusiast.

ALPHAREV RC Boat with Case R308

This boat features capsize recovery, so if it tips over or gets hit by a wave, it’ll flip back over to recover. It also has LED lights installed to make it easy to see when it’s dark. Thanks to the autopilot mode that loops the boat into a figure-eight shape, children can easily use it, too.

The R308 comes with two batteries and a charger, with users reporting approximately 20 minutes of power (counting both batteries) when operating the boat at full speed. It has a 400-foot signal range for distance driving and tops at 20 miles per hour. With its carry case, the R308 is a solid RC boat for most users.

DEERC RC Boat with LED Light

This is an excellent option for anyone eager to get into RC boating but unsure of their prowess on the water. It features two autopilot modes, so there’s plenty of opportunity to learn how to use it. It also has an extended playtime of 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to practice.

With features like capsize recovery, double hatch design, and low-battery and signal alarms, this boat is pretty much goof proof, making it the perfect boat for beginners on their way to becoming enthusiasts.

Altair Aerial AA102 RC Boat

If you need a well-rounded RC boat, this one has ample protection, zippy speeds, and excellent customer service, all in one attractive package. Its anti-capsize feature prevents it from tipping over, while several users say its nose bumper saved their boats from getting totaled through crashing.

It has an extra battery for more playtime, and several users say it provides up to 20 minutes of action after swapping it. Users who experienced issues with their boats were able to find replacement parts and products thanks to the company’s customer service help. Others say that it’s a terrific value, though the lack of a carry case is disappointing.

Force1 Velocity H102

This boat reaches speeds of 20-plus miles per hour, making it great for anyone who wants their toy to fly on the water. This boat features a capsize recovery mode, a water-cooled engine, and a double-hatched body, making it easier to control on waves. The charge time is a little long, three to four hours, but it can ride for up to 15 minutes at full power.

Customers say this boat reaches top speed fairly quickly, though some report that the controller is difficult to use and not very responsive. Still, it handles well on the water and is a super speedy boat.

PLAYSTEAM Voyager 400 RC Sailboat

If sailing is your preference, the Voyager 400 is the way to go. Rather than rely on an electric motor to push it forward, the Voyager 400 can sail in any body of water via wind power. Its remote controls the rudder and the propulsion, and just in case wind isn’t in the forecast, it comes with a detachable motor to help propel it.

Customers say it’s easy to use, and everything is sealed to keep interior components dry when it tips over. Its rechargeable remote battery can work for up to one hour, which puts most RC speedboats to shame. A drawback, however, is that if it gets stuck at sea without the motor attached, you’ll have to wait for it to wash ashore.

Cheerwing RC Racing Boat

Cheerwing RC boats are fantastic if you’re looking for an affordable toy to race with your friends. This boat can hit up to 15 miles per hour and has some great features, including capsize recovery and automatic yaw correction, which rebalances your boat. It also signals when the battery is low or starts to lose signal, giving you peace of mind.

If you want to try RC boating without spending much, this is a solid buy. Its biggest downside is in its battery life—just six to eight minutes per charge—and it doesn’t come with the option to buy a second battery, so it requires frequent recharging.

VOLANTEXRC Brushless RC Boat

If you need speed and don’t mind investing more money into your hobby, this boat is fantastic. The fastest model on this list, this boat has a top speed of 40 miles per hour, a range of up to 656 feet, and a water-cooled system that prevents the motor from overheating.

It also has safety features to prevent damage from the high speeds, like waterproofing and a one-piece hull to prevent cracks.

The biggest flaw is its lack of capsize recovery, and several users say their boats flipped in action, causing them to swim out to retrieve their toys. It also only comes with one battery.

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

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Police find body of missing man after boat capsizes on Somerset Dam

The body of a 45-year-old Clagiraba man has been found by police after a boating incident on Somerset Dam, north-west of Brisbane, on Sunday morning.

Authorities were called around 9am after reports a boat had capsized.

A search-and-rescue operation was launched, with support provided by the Queensland Fire Department, water police, the Rescue500 helicopter and police divers.

The boat and the man’s body were located in the water by police divers just before 4pm.

Police are investigating the cause of the incident and are appealing to anyone with vision or information to contact police.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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