yacht race is called

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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A LOOK AT THE WORLD’S 3 BIGGEST YACHT RACES

Ocean thrills – a look at the world’s 3 biggest yacht races.

For some, embarking on a leisurely yacht cruise is the epitome of relaxation. For others, setting out on an ocean voyage is an epic, adrenaline-fuelled adventure, a ferocious match and an ultimate battle of will, endurance – and survival.

Join us as we take a look at the mechanics and history of 3 of the world’s biggest yacht races.

WORLD’S BIGGEST YACHT RACE #1 – VENDÉE GLOBE

24 000 nautical miles of giant waves, extreme temperatures and gale-force winds, uninterrupted and completely alone. The Vendée Globe yacht race concept is easy to understand, but completing this legendary ocean trial is no easy feat.

Also known as “the Everest of the sea”, the Vendée Globe yacht race is the ultimate ocean endurance test. The quest? Circumnavigating the globe by yacht, completely unassisted.

Named for the Département of Vendée in France (where the race begins and ends), the Vendée Globe was founded by Madagascar-born French deep-sea diver and yachtsman Philippe Jeantot in 1989. Since 1992, this world-famous round-the-world yacht race has taken place every four years.

The Vendée Globe is infamous for being an extreme and brutal quest of endurance and the ultimate ocean-racing battle. It takes place from November to February, placing contestants in the Southern Ocean during the austral summer.

Current Vendée Globe title holder : Yannick Bestaven, French skipper of Maître Coq IV won the 9th edition of the Vendée Globe yacht race in 2021.

VENDÉE GLOBE YACHT RACE FUN FACT #1

To date, 167 contenders have braved the Vendée Globe. Of these, only 89 have managed to complete this punishing yacht race.

VENDÉE GLOBE YACHT RACE FUN FACT #2

Only one sailor has completed the Vendée Globe twice: Michel Desjoyeaux, in 2001 and 2009.

VENDÉE GLOBE YACHT RACE FUN FACT #3

In this yacht race, no one apart from the skipper is allowed aboard, the only exception being when a fellow competitor requires rescuing. This has happened twice in the race’s history. In the third Vendée Globe yacht race in 1996/1997, Brit Pete Goss rescued Frenchman Raphael Dinelli in the Southern Ocean. In 2009, Frenchman Vincent Riou saved his fellow countryman Jean le Cam after he capsized near Cape Horn, Chile.

WORLD’S BIGGEST YACHT RACE #2 – THE AMERICA’S CUP

Affectionately known as the Auld Mug, The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest consecutive sport and sailing event. Considered the pinnacle of yacht racing, this world-famous trophy is awarded every four years.

A best-of-13-race series, in America's Cup, the title defender yacht club faces only one challenger. The first yacht-club team to score a certain number of points is crowned the winner to become the prestigious title's newest defender. This sort of match racing requires years of preparation, millions of dollars – and very specific yacht-racing skills. It not only involves aggressive racing tactics; it also requires competitors to use the rules to put their opponents at a disadvantage to be victorious.

First awarded back in 1851 by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a sailing race around the UK’s Isle of Wight (the race was won by a schooner named America), the trophy was first known as the RYS £100 Cup. It was later renamed after the yacht which won the first race and donated to the New York Yacht Club. After that, The America’s Cup was available for perpetual international competition.

This prestigious yacht race attracts not only the world's top sailors and yacht designers but also wealthy sponsors and entrepreneurs. Taking part in The America's Cup is extremely expensive and requires strong fundraising and management skills. These days, taking part in this yacht race can easily cost more than $100 million.

The 2013 winner, Golden Gate Yacht Club from San Francisco, was said to have spent an estimated $300 million on taking part in the yacht race!

Current title holder : The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron won the 36th edition of The America's Cup. The yacht club successfully defended the title in March 2021 in an AC75 foiling monohull called Te Rehutai.

THE AMERICA'S CUP YACHT RACE FUN FACT #1

The America’s Cup yacht race is the oldest trophy in international sport. It predates the modern Olympic Games by 45 years.

THE AMERICA'S CUP YACHT RACE FUN FACT #2

Since the race’s inception in 1851, the United States embarked on what became the longest winning streak in the entire history of sport! The USA defended the trophy 24 times for a 132-year winning stretch from 1870 until 1983, when the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Australia II took the trophy from the Americans.

THE AMERICA'S CUP YACHT RACE FUN FACT #3 

The America’s Cup has fascinated royalty and industry leaders throughout history. From Australian real estate and brewing mogul Alan Bond to Irish-Scottish tea merchant Sir Thomas Lipton, the Aga Khan, US media mogul Ted Turner and tycoon Harold S. Vanderbilt, the yacht race has attracted numerous famous sponsors – and competitors.

WORLD’S BIGGEST YACHT RACE #3 – THE OCEAN RACE

Widely regarded as the toughest test in all of team sports, The Ocean Race is another round-the-world yacht race, held every 3 or 4 years since its 1973 inception. To date, there have been 12 editions of this brutal contest, with a combined 167 boats from 43 countries taking part.

Infamous for being one of sailing’s biggest circumnavigational challenges, The Ocean Race’s route changes with every race, including various ports of call. Competitors usually depart Europe in October to arrive at their final destination about nine months later, having covered around 39 000 nautical miles.

Initially named the Whitbread Round the World Race (after British brewing company Whitbread who sponsored the first race), it was christened The Volvo Ocean Race after the Swedish automobile manufacturer became the race’s sponsor in 2001.

The marathon ocean trial was renamed The Ocean Race in 2019. Recent editions of The Ocean Race had either 9 or 10 legs, with in-port races taking place in several of the stopover cities.

Each Ocean Race entry has a sailing crew racing round the clock – on certain legs, for more than 20 days at a time. Some of the trials these sailing crews face during their voyages include extreme temperatures varying from -5 to 40 °C, as well as treacherous sea conditions and intense fatigue.

Since the 2008-2009 edition of The Ocean Race, each competing yacht also has a dedicated media crew member aboard. This On-board Reporter (OBR) does not assist with sailing efforts, instead sending video and images to The Ocean Race headquarters via satellite – often from the middle of the ocean. Currently, the number of crew per competing yacht ranges between 7 and 10, depending on the gender ratio.

Interestingly, the Netherlands is the only country to have raked in three The Ocean Race victories, back-to-back in 1977-78 and 1981-82, and then again in 2005-6.

Current title holder : The 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race was won by Dongfeng Race Team, a Chinese-sponsored Volvo Ocean 65 yacht. She had a crew of 14 and was skippered by Frenchman Charles Caudrelier.

THE OCEAN RACE FUN FACT #1

In the 2008-2009 instalment of The Ocean Race, the route was changed from previous years to include stops in Asia and India for the first time. This yacht race reached a cumulative television audience of 2 billion people around the globe!

THE OCEAN RACE FUN FACT #2

Harrowing as it may be, winning the Ocean Race will not bag competitors any cash prize. The accomplishment of taking part in – and completing – the race is said to be a sufficient award in itself.

THE OCEAN RACE FUN FACT #3

Crews taking part in this yacht race mostly rely on freeze-dried foods for nourishment, resulting in a lighter – and faster – vessel. For the same reason, crew members will often only take one change of clothes with them on their voyage.

MEET THE KNYSNA 550

Riveting as they may be to witness, taking part in a gruelling, adrenaline-packed yacht race around the globe isn’t everyone’s idea of fun.

As expert boutique yacht builders, at Knysna Yacht Company we pride ourselves on creating one-of-a-kind, luxury semi-custom yachts for our clients.

Learn more about our beautiful multihulled Knysna 550 yacht here . Available as a cruising catamaran with an optional flybridge, this boat is built not only for comfort, but performance as well.

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Most Famous Yacht Races And Luxury Regattas In The World

From the prestigious america’s cup to the rolex sydney hobart yacht race, these are the world's most famous yacht races and luxury regattas..

By: Olivia Michel Published: Oct 09, 2023 08:00 AM UTC

Whether you’re a sailor looking for your next yacht racing adventure or a spectator hoping to soak up the exclusive atmosphere of a luxury superyacht regatta, we take a look at the most famous yacht races in the world you should be keeping tabs on.

Watching one of the world’s top yacht races is how many seasoned sailors have first become interested in the sport of sailing. A display of skill, style and perseverance, significant sailing events take place in major yachting hubs around the world every month of the year. And every three to four years, yachting enthusiasts can gear up to watch extreme around-the-world regattas such as the Vendèe Globe or The Ocean Race.

The top sailing race in the world is currently considered the America’s Cup, a prestigious yacht race begun in 1851 and raced on AC75 foiling boats. But there are also plenty of traditional sailing events to capture audiences of all inclinations, such as the Boxing Day Sydney Hobart yacht race, which involves sloops and cutters sailing along the sun-kissed shorelines of Australia, or exclusive regattas raced on luxury mega yachts, such as the St Barth’s Bucket. If you’re serious about sailing, these top sailing yacht racing events are a must-have inclusion in your calendar.

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The most famous yacht races around the world, 1. the barcolana.

The Barcolana, organised by the Società Velicia di Barcola e Grignano, has earned a place in The Guinness Book of World Records for being the most crowded yacht regatta in the world. Its first edition in 1969 saw only 51 sailing boats compete, but now, the annual event has grown to see more than 2,000 sailboats descend on the Gulf of Trieste every October. Boats of varying sizes and classes, from Optimists and maxis to classic yachts, are welcome to participate, with races accompanied by a slew of parties and events on shore.

Next edition: October 8, 2023

2. SailGP series

A recent addition to the yachting calendar, SailGP competitions only began in 2019 but have nonetheless quickly gained popularity, with Olympic and America’s Cup sailors taking part. Created by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and champion yachtsman Russell Coutts, the SailGP regattas are raced on F50 foiling catamarans for a cash prize of USD 1 million. Competitions in the series have taken place in scenic locations all over the world, from Saint Tropez and Sydney to Los Angeles, Auckland, and the UAE. Its most recent edition took place from 23 to 24 September 2023 in Taranto, Italy .

Next edition: October 14-15, 2023 (Cádiz, Spain)

3. Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Hosted annually by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, this race covers a distance of 630 nautical miles (1,166.76 km) between the starting point in Sydney Harbour and the finish line in Tasmanian port Hobart. Since the first edition in 1945, The race has always started on Boxing Day and is sailed through the night. The current time record broken by LDV Comanche stands at one day, 9 hours and 15 minutes. It is considered one of the most testing yacht races in the world.

Next edition: December 26, 2023

4. The IMA Caribbean Maxi Challenge

The IMA Caribbean Maxi Challenge comprises the three most important annual regattas in the Caribbean. The first is the RORC Caribbean 600 , open to vessels nine metres and above. It is held each February in English Harbour and hosted by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Antigua Yacht Club.

This is followed by the Sint Maarten Heineken Regatta a few weeks later, which now pulls in over 200 entrants annually and offers visitors on shore a chance to enjoy the local nightlife with accompanying daily parties and musical performances.

The ultimate winner of the Caribbean Maxi Challenge is then crowned after the event is closed off with Les Voiles de Saint-Barth April Richard Mille in April. This regatta has become one of the most respected yachting events in the Caribbean since it was first founded in 2010, and has been supported by celebrity ambassadors including Pierre Casiraghi and the late Jimmy Buffett.

Next edition: February, March & April 2024

5. St Barths Bucket

(Image: St Barths Bucket/ Michael Kurtz Photography)

Taking place in Saint Barthélemy’s Port Gustavia, the Bucket is open to superyachts measuring over 30.5 metres. Races for yachts in the 90ft, 100ft and the Corinthian Spirit class have also been introduced in recent years. The race’s name comes from its history as a spin-off of the Nantucket Bucket, in which the winner of the first race in 1986 won a bucket as first prize in the absence of a proper trophy. The first St Barth’s Bucket was raced in 1995 with just four yachts. Since then, the race has grown in popularity and is accredited with putting the Caribbean on the map in terms of regatta racing.

Next edition: March 21-24, 2024

6. Antigua Sailing Week

Launched in 1968, Antigua Sailing Week was created by local hoteliers to encourage international tourism to the Caribbean island. It takes place every spring and is attended by around 100 sailboats ranging between seven and 30 metres. Races take place in the waters between English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour, and are accompanied by on-shore festivities including a reggae concert.

Next edition: April 27-May 3, 2024

7. The Giorgio Armani superyacht regatta

The Giorgio Armani superyacht regatta is held every June in the Italian yachting hotspot of Porto Cervo. It has always been hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and prior to the change in sponsorship in 2021 was known as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. Open only to superyachts measuring 27 metres and above, the competitive racing atmosphere on the water is complemented by glamorous parties along the coastline each night.

Next edition: June 2024

8. The Superyacht Cup Palma

Taking place every June in the waters outside the Spanish city of Palma de Mallorca, this invitation-only regatta is for sailing yachts over 24 metres. It was launched in 1996 and has now become the longest-running regatta in Europe specifically for superyachts. Between 20 and 30 superyachts normally participate, accompanied by numerous other spectators that drop anchor nearby to watch the race and enjoy on-shore parties.

Next edition: June 19-20, 2024

9. The Newport Bermuda Race

The Newport Bermuda Race takes place every two years. It started as a challenge in 1906 when Thomas Fleming Day set out to prove sceptics wrong that amateur sailors could indeed race offshore in boats smaller than 80ft. It is now considered one of the classic off-shore regattas, with the racecourse covering a 635 nautical mile (1,176.02 km) stretch between the US yachting mecca of Newport and the British island of Bermuda. The race is considered a friendly and welcoming competition for new sailors, with approximately 25 percent of the racing boats captained by first-time skippers.

Next edition: June 21, 2024

10. Cowes Week

Taking place in the waters of the Solent Strait around and the Isle of Wight, Cowes week has been held every August since 1826. Founded by Britain ’s King George IV, It is one of the longest-running regattas in the world. It is an important date in the “British social season” each summer, with royals and aristocrats still regularly making appearances. The races attract hundreds of boats and thousands of visitors, with the port town becoming a bustle of social activity during the racing.

Every other year, Cowes is preceded by the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race , an important offshore race hosted by the UK’s Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Royal Yacht Squadron. The race is open to sailboats measuring between nine and 21 metres and follows a course that begins in Cowes and rounds Ireland’s Fastnet Rock before finishing in the French town of Cherbourg.

Next edition: August 2024

11. The America’s Cup

The America’s Cup is arguably the most important event in the yachting world – perhaps even more so than the Olympic sailing competitions. First raced around the Isle of Wight in 1851, the competition was named in honour of the first winner, an iconic, US-built yacht christened America. The competition to win the “Auld Mug” trophy now takes place every three to four years in a different location. Though the race was first competed on board wooden schooners, today’s competition has evolved into a race between advanced hydrofoil vessels that can reach speeds of almost 100 kmph.

Next edition: August – October 2024

12. The Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is the most extreme around-the-world race in the sailing calendar. Begun in 1989, it is known as “The Everest of the Seas” and takes place every four years. The racecourse is a global circumnavigation of just under 45,000km, beginning and ending in Vendée, France . It is sailed single-handedly by one solo helmsman on board an 18.28-metre sailboat and can take around 74 days at sea to complete. Sailors can drop anchor but are not allowed to step ashore at any point if they wish to win the trophy.

Next edition: January 2025

13. The Ocean Race

Designed for sailboats measuring no more than 20 metres LOA, The Ocean Race is arguably one of the most well-known around-the-world sailing challenges. Formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race and then the Volvo Ocean Race, It has occurred every three to four years since 1973 and takes more than half a year to complete. It is a true test of perseverance, with some sections involving more than 20 days of nonstop sailing. The third leg of the race is regarded as the most difficult because sailors have to battle the treacherous conditions of the Antarctic Ocean. In 1990, the race was famously won by the all-female crew of Maiden, skippered by Tracy Edwards MBE.

Next edition: 2025

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(Hero image credit: Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, Featured image credit: Rolex/ Carlo Borlenghi)

This story first appeared here

Related: The World’s Most Luxurious Yacht Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the most famous yacht race in the world? The America’s Cup is the oldest and most famous yachting race in the world.

– What is the famous round the world yacht race? The Vendèe Globe is the most famous round the world yacht race on account of the extreme requirements for entrants to sail singlehandedly, non-stop around the globe.

– What is the longest yacht participating in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race? The yachts Andoo Comanche, Lawconnect, Wild Thing 100 and SHK Scallywag all measure 30.5 metres LOA, making them the longest yachts participating in the 2023 Sydney to Hobart race.

– What is the famous English yacht race? The biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, which occurs around the time of Cowes Week, is the most famous yacht race taking place in English waters.

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Olivia Michel

Olivia is a freelance journalist from the UK whose work focuses on superyachts, luxury lifestyle and travel. A former senior digital writer at BOAT International media, her writing has also been published in Yacht Style, Yachting World, SUITCASE and Luxuo magazines. Olivia has two degrees in English Literature as well as an incurable book-buying .. Read More addiction.

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10 things to know about the 2022 Golden Globe Race

• Katy Stickland
• August 11, 2022

Follow the build-up to the 2022 Golden Globe Race as the skippers prepare to race solo around the world without the use of modern technology

The 2022 Golden Globe Race started on 4 September 2022. The 2018 race started on 1 July 2018. The change in the start date is to prevent boats entering the Southern Ocean too early. Credit: © Ville des Sables d'Olonne - Christophe Huchet Credit: © Ville des Sables d'Olonne - Christophe Huchet

What is the 2022 Golden Globe Race?

The 2022 Golden Globe Race is a solo, nonstop yacht race around the world with no assistance and without the use of modern technology.

This means the skippers can’t use GPS, chartplotters , electric winches , autopilots , mobile phones, iPads or use synthetic materials like Spectra, Kevlar or Vectron.

Their only means of communication is via registered, licensed maritime-approved HF Single Side Band (SSB) Radio , with discussions generally limited to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) weather. They are allowed to listen to HAM radio, but are not allowed to transmit.

All of the Golden Globe Race skippers must use paper charts and sextants to navigate. Modern technology, like GPS and chartplotters, are banned. Credit: GGR

Each skipper is allowed a weather fax to receive weather charts.

They can only navigate using paper charts and a sextant, which is used to determine the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, such as the sun, moon or a star, to determine the boat’s longitude and latitude. All their calculations and celestial navigation notes need to be kept for inspection after the race. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

When does it start?

The 2022 Golden Globe Race will start on 4 September 2022 from the port of Les Sables d’Olonne on France ‘s Atlantic coast.

How many skippers are taking part?

To enter the 2022 Golden Globe Race, skippers must be over 18 and have at least 8,000 miles ocean sailing experience, another 2,000 miles singlehanded , in any boat, as well as an additional 2,000 miles solo in their Golden Globe Race boat.

There are 16 skippers who are confirmed for the start. Four of them are from the UK including professional skipper Guy Waites , 54, Mini Transat veteran, Simon Curwen , 62, and Clipper Round the World Race sailor, Ian Herbert-Jones , 52.

The UK has by far the most entries in the race. Pat Lawless , 65, is Ireland’s only entrant.

Kirsten Neuschäfer has Southern Ocean experience, having worked for Skip Novak. Credit: Kirsten Neuschäfer

Kirsten Neuschafer , 39, will be representing South Africa, and is the only woman taking part in the race.

Guy DeBoer , 66, from the USA, France’s Damien Guillou , 39, and Austria’s Michael Guggenberger , 44, have previous race experience.

Others like Arnaud Gaist , 50, from France, and Edward Walentynowicz , 68, are long term cruisers.

The youngest skipper is Elliot Smith , 27, (USA) whilst Jeremy Bagshaw , 59, (South Africa) is racing in the race’s smallest yacht, the OE32.

2018 skipper Ertan Beskardes will be on the start line for the 2022 Golden Globe Race. Credit: GGR/Ertan Beskardes

Some of the skippers who took part in the 2018 event are also back to race again – UK skipper Ertan Beskardes , 60, Finnish sailor Tapio Lehtinen , 64, who came fifth in 2018, Australian Mark Sinclair , 63, and Indian sailor Abhilash Tomy , 43, who was left with a broken back after his boat dismasted in the Southern Indian Ocean.

What boats will be raced during the event?

Skippers were allowed to choose from a range of pre-1988 yachts, with hull lengths from 32-36ft and full length keels with rudders attached to the trailing edge.

They include the Westsail 32, Tradewind 35, Saga 34, Saltram Saga 36, Vancouver 32, OE 32, Eric (sister ship to Suhaili), Aries 32, Baba 35, Biscay 36 , Bowman 36 , Cape Dory 36, Nicholson 32 MKX-XI, Rustler 36, Endurance 35 , Gaia 36, Hans Christian 33T, Tashiba 36, Cabo Rico 34, Hinckley Pilot 35, Lello 34 and Gale Force 34.

The Rustler 36, which won the 2018 Golden Globe Race, is the most popular, with four taking part.

Four Rustler 36s will be taking part in the 2022 Golden Globe Race – the most popular boat chosen for the race. Credit: Yann Riou – polaRYSE / PRB

There are also two Biscay 36s and two Tradewind 35s.

Other yachts in the race include the Lello 34, OE32, Gale Force 34, Gaia 36, Cape George Cutter CG36, Tashiba 36, Barbican 33 Mk2 and Saltram Saga 36.

The suitability of the boats to survive the Golden Globe Race lies with the skippers.

All the boats have to undergo refits and survey to make sure they can stand up to the rigours of sailing offshore and ocean passages.

Most of the skippers in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, like Ian Herbert-Jones, have done much of the refit work on their boats themselves. Credit: Ian Herbert-Jones

The refit must stay true to the original design; mast height, boom length, bowsprits and ballast are not allowed to exceed original design specifications.

Owners are allowed to strengthen the vessel and have extra standing rigging .

What is the 2022 Golden Globe Race route?

The Golden Globe Race course for 2022. For this edition there will be four gates. Credit: Ocean Frontiers OGR/ GGR/CG580

The skippers will leave from Les Sables d’Olonne in France and have to sail around the world, returning to the French port.

During their circumnavigation, they will have to sail around four compulsory rounding marks: Lanzarote, Cape Town in South Africa, Hobart in Australia and Punta del Este in Uruguay.

They will also have to keep the island of Trinidade to port as they sail down the South Atlantic.

This follows the Clipper route taken by Bernard Moitessier in the first Golden Globe Race in 1968-69.

Continues below…

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All the skippers will be relying heavily on their windvane steering , which is a non-electric device mounted on the transom which steers the boat.

The vane is directed into the wind, and as the wind hits the vane, it tips, transferring this action through the mechanism below to either a rudder or a servo pendulum which acts on the main rudder, altering the boat’s course.

Although windvane self-steering cannot hold a boat on a compass course, it does mean the skipper isn’t having to helm 24/7, giving them time to eat, sleep, prepare sails, make repairs, write up their log or just relax.

What happens in the case of an emergency?

All the skippers must carry a race pack on board which can be used in case of an emergency.

Inside is a stand-alone satellite tracking system, which the skippers can’t see, for web tracking updates, a two-way satellite short text paging unit which connects only to race headquarters, two handheld satellite phones for up to four short messages per day and a sealed box with two portable GPS chart plotters for emergency use only.

All skippers who enter the 2022 Golden Globe Race have to complete an approval survival training course. Credit: Paul Quaglian

All entrants will be tracked 24/7 by satellite, and will be able to use this information in an emergency by breaking open a sealed safety box containing a GPS and satellite phone. By doing this, they will be deemed to have retired from the race.

Prior to the start, all entrants must complete an approved survival course and be deemed medically fit to enter the race.

If a skipper is approaching a dangerous weather situation or drifting ice, then the race HQ will provide all the necessary information so the dangerous areas can be avoided.

How do you follow the 2022 Golden Globe Race?

The 2022 Golden Globe Race can be followed at www.yachtingmonthly.com/goldengloberace

All the boats will be fitted with three YB3 trackers so their positions can be followed.

What is the history of the Golden Globe Race?

Believed to be a ‘voyage for madmen’ when it was first announced, the first edition of the Golden Globe Race was held in 1968-69 and was sponsored by the Sunday Times, Initially, it was thought to be an impossible feat.

Nine set out including then novice sailor Chay Blyth , his former Atlantic rowing partner John Ridgway, British Navy submarine commander Bill King, Royal Navy officer Nigel Tetley, French sailor Bernard Moitessier, who famously kept sailing ‘to save my soul’, eventually sailing one and a half times around the world before stopping in Tahiti, and the ill-fated ‘weekend sailor’ Donald Crowhurst, who gave his life while trying to achieve what no-one had done before.

It was later found out that Donald Crowhurst had not left the Atlantic during the 243 days he was at sea. Credit: Getty

Robin Knox-Johnston was the only skipper to finish, arriving in Falmouth 312 days after leaving the Cornish port aboard his 32ft ketch, Suhaili .

It earned him fame, but the race had its own legacy.

Together with Blondie Hasler’s OSTAR , which started in 1960, yacht racing had captured the public’s imagination, with many going on to achieve their own offshore sailing adventures.

It nurtured the likes of the Whitbread Round the World Race , BOC Challenge and the Vendée Globe .

The 2022 Golden Globe Race will celebrate French sailor Bernard Moitessier, who took part in the 1968-69 Golden Globe Race. Credit: Getty

Two years after the 1968-69 Golden Globe Race, Blyth solo circumnavigated the world nonstop against the prevailing winds and currents, a feat repeated by Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, the winner of the 2018-19 Golden Globe Race, the second edition of this round the world solo yacht race.

Australian sailor Don McIntyre was responsible for founding the 2018 Golden Globe Race, which was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1968-69 race.

The 2022 Golden Globe Race is being held in celebration of Bernard Moitessier.

What happened in the 2018 race?

Only 18 skippers started the 2018 Golden Globe Race on 1 July 2018, with just five finishing.

French sailor, Jean-Luc Van Den Heede aboard his Rustler 36, Matmut was an early leader in the race and was the first entrant to round the Cape of Good Hope off South Africa, 53 days after the start. By this time, six skippers had retired from the race, either due to equipment failure or lack of experience to continue.

As the fleet headed down the Atlantic into the Southern Indian Ocean there were further casualties.

Norwegian sailor Are Wiig was dismasted 400 miles south west of Cape Town, and was forced to sail to port under jury rig.

Four skippers needed rescuing during the 2018 Golden Globe Race, including Abhilash Tomy, who broke his back after his boat dismasted in the Southern Indian Ocean. Credit: Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Irish skipper, Gregor McGuckin and Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy were both caught in the same southern Indian Ocean storm. Both of their boats were dismasted, with Tomy breaking his back in several places. Both were rescued by the French patrol vessel, Osiris .

French sailor Loïc Lepage’s Nicholson 32 Mk X was dismasted 600 miles south-west of Perth, Australia, and was rescued by the crew of the bulk carrier Shiosai after the yacht began sinking.

British sailor Susie Goodall was one of only six 2018 skippers to make it to the Hobart gate in Australia.

Her Rustler 36 was later pitchpoled and dismasted in a Southern Ocean storm, around 2,000 miles west of Cape Horn.

She set up a jury rig, but lost this in heavy weather, and had to be rescued by the crew of the Hong Kong-registered cargo ship, Tian Fu .

A triumphant Jean-Luc Van Dan Heede after coming first in the 2018 Golden Globe Race. Credit: Christophe Favreau/PPL/GGR

The 2018 Golden Globe Race was won Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, who finished after 211 days at sea. At 73, he also claimed the record for being the oldest person to complete a solo round the world yacht race.

Second place went to Dutch skipper Mark Slats , who finished in 216 days in his Rustler 36, and had been Van Den Heede’s greatest rival in the race.

Estonia’s Uku Radmaa crossed the finish line after 254 days at sea, having almost ran out of food during the race which left him 2okg lighter.

Istvan Kopar from the USA finished fourth, in 264 days.

The final skipper to cross the line was Tapio Lehtinen from Finland, who took even longer than Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in the original 1968-69 race.

Barnacle growth on the hull of his Gaia 36 meant he sailed around the world in 322 days; Sir Robin had done it in 313 days.

2018 Race Results

1 Jean- Luc VDH (FRA) Rustler 36 Matmut 2 Mark Slats (NED) Rustler 36 Ohpen Maverick 3 Uku Randmaa (EST) Rustler 36 One and All 4 Istvan Kopar (USA) Tradewind 35 Puffin 5 Tapio Lehtinen (FIN) Gaia 36 Asteria

6 Mark Sinclair (AUS) Lello 34, Coconut (Chichester Class)

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The History of Yacht Racing | Tracing the Evolution of the Sport

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Hey there! Welcome back.

Customer registration, the history of yacht racing.

Introduction

The Beginnings of Yacht Racing

The Evolution of Race Formats

Modern Yacht Racing

The Future of Yacht Racing

The Impact of Yacht Racing on Local Communities

The Impact of Environmental Awareness

Yacht racing is a sport that has been enjoyed by sailors and spectators alike for centuries. From the earliest forms of yacht racing to the modern-day sailing regattas, this thrilling sport has a rich history across the globe. In this article, we'll explore the origins of yacht racing, its evolution through the years, and Several notable events that have shaped the sport's history.

Yacht racing has its roots in the 17th century when the wealthy elite of Europe would race their luxury sailboats for sport. However, the first recorded yacht race occurred in England in 1661, organized by King Charles II. The race, which was held on the River Thames, was a competition between two of the king's yachts: the Catherine and the Mary. Catherine won, and the sport of yacht racing was born.

Yacht racing became popular among the European aristocracy in the following years. In 1720, the first recorded yacht club was founded in Cork, Ireland. The Water Club of the Harbour of Cork held its first regatta that same year, and yacht racing soon spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.

Over the years, yacht racing has seen many changes in the formats of races. In the sport's early days, races were often simple point-to-point events. However, as the sport grew in popularity and technology advanced, new formats were introduced to make races more challenging and exciting.

One of the most significant developments was the introduction of round-the-world races. The first of these was the Whitbread Round the World Race, which was first held in 1973. This grueling event covers over 30,000 nautical miles and takes competitors through some of the world's most challenging and unpredictable waters.

Another popular race format is America's Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy. The America's Cup is a match race between two yachts, and the event has a rich history dating back to 1851.

In the early 20th century, yacht racing began to evolve rapidly. Introducing new materials, such as aluminum and fiberglass, made building faster and more agile sailboats possible. In addition, the sport became more accessible to the general public, with new yacht clubs and sailing schools opening up worldwide.

In the 1960s and 1970s, yacht racing grew in popularity due to several high-profile races. The inaugural Whitbread Round, the World Race, took place in 1973, swiftly establishing itself as one of the sport's most demanding and esteemed competitions. The race, which covered over 27,000 nautical miles, took sailors worldwide and tested their endurance and skill in some of the world's most challenging sailing conditions.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the America's Cup World Series, a series of races leading up to the main America's Cup event. The World Series allowed teams to compete against each other in a variety of different sailing conditions and helped to raise the profile of the sport.

Looking ahead, the future of yacht racing looks bright. Yacht racing maintains its allure for fans and competitors worldwide, and ongoing technological innovations create exciting opportunities for faster, more streamlined vessels.

Concurrently, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of making the sport more sustainable and eco-conscious. Consequently, racing teams actively search for novel solutions to minimize their environmental impact and foster sustainable initiatives.

As yacht racing continues to evolve and adapt, it will remain a thrilling and captivating sport that celebrates the beauty and power of the sea. Whether you're a skilled sailor or a spectator watching from the shore, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a yacht race.

Yacht racing can significantly impact the local communities where events are held. Major racing events often attract large crowds of spectators, which can boost the local economy.

For example, the America's Cup has a significant impact on the economy of the host city. The event can generate millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to souvenir shops and tour operators.

However, yacht racing can also hurt the environment and local communities. Using motorized support vessels can cause noise pollution and disturb marine life. The large crowds of spectators can also strain local infrastructure and services.

Racing organizers are increasingly working with local communities to minimize the impact of events. This includes implementing measures to reduce noise pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in local infrastructure.

The environmental impact of yacht racing has become increasingly evident in recent years, prompting a heightened awareness and urgency for sustainable practices within the sport. Burning fossil fuels can result in detrimental effects on both air and water quality, as well as contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases.

Many racing teams are now exploring alternative forms of energy, such as solar and wind power. Some races have also introduced rules to encourage more sustainable practices, such as using biofuels and reducing plastic waste.

Yacht racing is a thrilling and dynamic sport that has evolved over the centuries. From simple point-to-point races to round-the-world events and match races, the sport has seen many changes in format and style. Technological advancements have played an important role in the evolution of yacht racing, from the development of faster and more agile boats to the use of virtual reality and live streaming to bring the excitement of the race to a broader audience.

With the sport's ongoing evolution, there is an increasing recognition of the imperative to enhance its sustainability and ecological consciousness. As a result, racing teams and organizers are exploring new ways to reduce their environmental footprint and promote more sustainable practices. Despite the challenges, yacht racing remains a sport that celebrates the beauty and power of the sea. Whether you're a sailor or a spectator, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a  private yacht in Dubai .

Yacht Races Around the World

Your complete guide to global yacht races.

Yacht races pit sailing yachts against each other or the clock to race through a course marked out by buoys or over long distances from one location to another. 

Many sailing enthusiasts take up racing not only out of a desire to win but because they enjoy the mental and physical challenge of the sport. 

Yacht races take place all over the world, from hyper-local races organized by yachting clubs to global-scale events watched around the world.

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of yachts used in racing, as well as highlight some of the most famous yacht races around the world.

The History of Yacht Racing

The word “yacht” comes from the Norwegian word “Jagt”, which means “a swift, light vessel of war, commerce or pleasure.”

Formalized boat racing began in Norway in the 17 th century, but boats specifically made for racing first emerged in England around 1815, when the Royal Yacht Squadron was established. In 1875, the Yacht Racing Association was formed—this association is credited with writing the standardized yacht racing rules, some of which are still in use today.

These days, World Sailing governs boat racing of all kinds and every four years, they publish a revised edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing .

3 Types of Sailing Yachts

When it comes to yacht racing, there are 3 types of boats that are usually seen: monohulls, catamarans and trimarans.

Monohulls have a traditional hull type – being single-hulled with one or more masts. This type of yacht is stable and able to travel long distances at speed. That said, they can be tricky to handle in tight spaces and may not be able to withstand rough seas as well as other types of yachts.

Catamarans are a newer type of yacht, having first appeared in the late 19 th century. They feature two parallel hulls that are connected by a platform or a frame. Catamarans are wider than single-hulled yachts, so they offer better stability in rough waters and are easier to manoeuvre. They also have great cargo and passenger capacity. The downside of a catamaran is that they are slower and less fuel efficient.

Trimarans are a variation on the catamaran, having three hulls instead of two. The outside hulls are smaller than the main hull in the centre, which offers greater stability than the other two yacht types. They’re known to be the fastest of the three yachts, making them a popular choice for racing. That said, they can be hard to handle without the right crew, and they are not as suited to long-distance travel as the other two types

The Top Global Yacht Races

In yacht racing, there are four different categories of competition: 

• Ocean Racing
• Around the World

Below, you’ll find a quick summary of what these categories mean as well as examples of some of the most popular races in each category.

Inshore Yacht Races

Inshore races are short yacht races that occur on open water that is typically only a few kilometres away from shore. These races can take place on a large lake or the ocean, using buoys or other markers to outline the course.

The 3 most popular inshore races include:

• Cowes Week – featuring 40 daily races with up to 1,000 boats. This race takes place every year in August on the Solent Channel, between the Isle of Wight and mainland England.
• The Americas Cup – known informally as the Auld Mug, it’s arguably the most exclusive yacht racing event in the world. Racing yachts must conform to specific requirements and only two yachts participate, the challenger and the defender. The race is held every three to four years and in a different location each time.
• Les Voiles de Saint Tropez – this competition, located in the south of France, unfolds over a week and features over 300 yachts with over 3,500 crew members taking part.

Offshore Yacht Races

Offshore racing is typically of the point-to-point variety, meaning that the racers start at one location and race to another. 

Three of the most popular offshore races include:

• The Sydney-Hobart Race – is an annual race that runs from Sydney, Australia, to Hobart, Tasmania.
• The Tour de France a la Voile – runs parallel to the cycling competition of the same name, covering 1000 miles of the French coast along the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
• The Fastnet YachtRace – covers 600 miles from the Isle of Wight, rounding the southern tip of Ireland and ending up at Plymouth, England.

Ocean Yacht Racing

Yacht races in this category are also of the point-to-point type, except that they often—though not always—cover longer distances than the offshore type of race.

• The South Atlantic Race hosts over 50 participant yachts and covers over 3600 miles from Ca pe Town, South Africa to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• The Route du Rhum is a primarily single-handed yacht race that happens every 4 years, covering approximately 3700 miles from the northern tip of France to the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe.
• The Ostar was first held in 1960. It runs from Plymouth, England to Newport, Wales, and covers approximately 3000 miles.

Around the World Yacht Races

As the category name implies, Around the World races cover long distances and are usually completed in segments or legs.

• The Ocean Race began in 1973 and is one of the toughest yacht races. It consists of nine legs and covers over 27,930 miles.
• The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race , though no longer running, was still notable. The race was established by the first man to complete a continuous, single-handed circumnavigation: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Participating boats were designed specifically for the race and crewed by a professional skipper and paying novice sailors. 
• The Global Solo Challenge pits participants in a circumnavigation race against the wind and the current. Yachts are specifically designed for the race and are manned by a professional skipper and a crew of novice sailors.

The 4 Main Rules of Yacht Racing

There are many different rules governing the sport of yacht racing, according to The Racing Rules of Sailing, but the four most important are as follows:

• Rule 10: “Boats on a port tack shall keep clear of boats on a starboard tack.”
• Rule 11: “When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the boat to windward shall keep clear of a leeward boat.”
• Rule 12: “When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, the boat that is astern shall keep clear of the boat ahead.”
• Rule 13: “When a boat is tacking, it shall keep clear of boats that are not tacking.”

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The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Racing Rules and Regulations

• by yachtman
• September 6, 2023 August 26, 2023

Yacht racing is an exciting sport! It requires skill, accuracy, and knowledge of rules . These regulations guarantee fair play and safety. To really appreciate the activity, you must understand the regulations.

At first, navigating the rules may seem intimidating. But breaking them down into chunks makes it easier. One important point is the hierarchy between boats. It shows which boat should give way in different situations.

It’s also important to know the race signals. They communicate crucial info, such as race starts and course changes. Participants and spectators need to know these.

Stay updated on any rule changes or amendments issued by World Sailing . They refine existing regulations and add new ones to improve the sport. Knowing the latest rules will give you confidence.

Finally, read case studies of past incidents/disputes during yacht races. This way you can learn from mistakes and be ready for unexpected situations.

Understanding the Basic Rules of Yacht Racing

Understanding the Fundamental Regulations of Yacht Racing

Yacht racing involves a set of basic rules and regulations that govern the competition. These rules are essential for ensuring fair play and safety on the water. To help you understand the fundamental regulations of yacht racing, here is a concise 5-step guide:

• Start Line Procedure: Before the race begins, all yachts must line up at the designated starting line. This line is typically marked by buoys or flags, and competitors must position themselves according to the rules specified by the race committee.
• Right of Way: Yacht racing follows a set of right-of-way rules that determine which yacht has precedence in certain situations. For example, a yacht on a starboard tack (wind coming from the right side) usually has right of way over a yacht on a port tack (wind coming from the left side).
• Mark Roundings: Yacht courses often include marks, such as buoys or flags, that competitors must round during the race. The rules specify how yachts should approach and pass these marks to ensure fair competition and prevent collisions.
• Protests and Penalties: If a competitor believes that another yacht has violated the rules, they can file a protest with the race committee. The committee will then investigate the incident and may impose penalties on the offending yacht if the protest is upheld.
• Finishing Line: The race concludes at the finishing line, which is typically marked by buoys or flags. Yachts must pass this line in the correct direction and often have to radio or signal their finish time to the race committee.

These steps outline the key elements of understanding the fundamental regulations of yacht racing. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure a safe and fair competition.

Pro Tip: Before participating in a yacht race, take the time to thoroughly study and understand the specific rules and regulations for that event. This will help you navigate the race effectively and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Get ready to navigate through a sea of confusing jargon as we dive into the essential terminology of yacht racing – it’s like learning a new language, but with more wind in your sails.

Essential Terminology in Yacht Racing

Yacht racing requires a unique language to be mastered by all sailors. Knowing these terms is essential for successful communication and cooperation during races.

Check out some of the key vocab words used in yacht racing:

Plus, other crucial terms like “luffing” (sail fluttering due to lack of wind), “tiller” (lever for steering boat) and “hull speed” (maximum speed a boat can reach in water).

Pro Tip: Get to know these essential yacht racing terms to up your enjoyment of this exciting sport!

Key Rules and Regulations for Yacht Racing

Yacht Racing: A Comprehensive Guide to Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations governing yacht racing are crucial for ensuring fair and competitive events. Understanding these guidelines is essential for both participants and organizers to guarantee a level playing field and maintain the integrity of the sport. Below, we have compiled a table highlighting key rules and regulations for yacht racing in an easily accessible format.

Key Rules and Regulations for Yacht Racing:

These rules and regulations provide a framework that allows for fair competition and keeps participants safe. However, it is important to note that each race may have additional guidelines specific to the event or location, and participants should familiarize themselves with these unique details.

One such incident in the world of yacht racing involved a team that, due to a technical malfunction, found themselves adrift just moments after the race had begun. With quick thinking and teamwork, they managed to rectify the issue, rejoin the race, and ultimately finished in an impressive third place. This story illustrates the resilience and determination required in yacht racing, where unforeseen challenges can arise at any moment.

Yacht racing rules and regulations are comprehensive and necessary for maintaining fairness and safety. By adhering to these guidelines and being prepared for unexpected circumstances, participants can fully engage in the thrilling and competitive world of yacht racing.

Navigating through the racing course is like playing chess, except the pieces are yachts and the stakes are higher – imagine the drama when someone accidentally knocks over the queen!

Racing Course and Markings

Ahoy, mateys! Hop on board for a wild race on the high seas! It’s time to learn about the racing course : a carefully crafted area for a thrilling competition . Keep your eyes peeled for the start line – it marks the beginning of the race. Then, look out for the turn marks ; these designated points show where sailors must change direction. Finally, the finish line indicates the end of the race.

If ye want to be the best sailor, ye must understand these course and marking details. It’s essential for a successful yacht racing experience, so don’t miss out! Time to set sail and make your mark in the world of yacht racing.

Right of Way and Collision Avoidance

In yacht racing, we must pay close attention to the right of way and collision avoidance. Following specific rules and regulations is key to ensuring a fair race and preventing accidents.

Let’s look at the key rules related to right of way and collision avoidance in yacht racing:

These rules are just the beginning of the comprehensive regulations. Now, let’s look at a unique detail. In some cases, when two yachts on different tacks approach a mark, they may have equal rights. It’s important for skippers to communicate and coordinate to avoid possible collisions.

To show the importance of following these rules, here’s a story. During a competitive race, two yachts were nearing a turning point. The skipper of one boat did not yield the right of way, which violated rule number 10. Both boats were damaged and their chances of winning were ruined. This serves as a reminder that even small errors can have big consequences in yacht racing.

Starting and Finishing Procedures

Before the yacht race, boats must gather in the starting area. Skippers must steer clear of any collisions or rule-breaking.

Next comes the starting sequence – with flags or sound signals showing the time until the race starts. Skippers must pay close attention to them.

Once the final signal is given, the yachts race across the start line. Skippers must judge their entry properly to get an advantage and stay within the racing rules.

At the end of the race, the finish line is reached. Skippers should navigate and strategize here to cross it fast while following regulations.

Each race may have different start and finish procedures. Participants must read instructions from race organizers to stick to all rules.

The America’s Cup is one of the oldest sailing competitions. It began in 1851 around the Isle of Wight. It’s a big international event now, with teams competing every few years for the trophy.

Safety Guidelines for Yacht Racing

Safety Measures for Yacht Racing

Yacht racing events prioritize the safety of participants to prevent accidents and mishaps. Here are essential safety guidelines for yacht racing:

• Adhere to proper safety equipment regulations, including life jackets and distress signaling devices.
• Ensure all crew members are familiar with emergency procedures and know the location of safety equipment on the yacht.
• Maintain clear communication channels, using appropriate radio frequencies or signals during the race.
• Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment on board to ensure it is in proper working condition.
• Monitor weather conditions and take necessary precautions, such as altering course or seeking shelter in case of inclement weather.
• Adhere to collision-avoidance rules, maintaining a safe distance from other yachts and objects in the water.

It is important to stay up to date with the latest safety guidelines and regulations in the yacht racing community to ensure the well-being of all participants.

Yacht Racing Safety History:

Throughout the history of yacht racing, safety measures have evolved to enhance participant protection. Collaborations with maritime organizations and advances in technology have led to the development of comprehensive safety regulations and equipment. The efforts have significantly reduced the number of accidents and increased the safety of yacht racing as a sport.

Yacht racing may be a high-stakes sport, but remember, not everyone can pull off the bold fashion statement that is a life jacket.

Personal Safety Equipment

To ensure success in yacht races, it’s important to prioritize safety! All sailors should wear a well-fitted life jacket at all times to provide buoyancy aid. Personal locator beacons transmit distress signals if someone falls overboard. A harness with a tether will keep sailors attached to the boat. Protective clothing, such as gloves, boots and waterproof gear, guards against hypothermia and injuries. Reliable communication devices are necessary for crew members to stay in touch. Also, inspect all safety equipment regularly.

To further enhance safety, organizers can do regular safety drills. Employing support vessels is key for immediate response. Establishing clear communication protocols allows for effective coordination. By following these suggestions, yacht racers can reduce risks and maximize safety levels. Safety equipment and measures are essential elements for successful yacht races!

Safety Precautions on the Water

Yacht racing can be thrilling – but don’t forget to stay safe! Here are some essential tips:

• Always wear a life jacket : No matter how experienced you are, you can never be too careful.
• Check weather conditions: Sudden storms or high winds can make racing conditions dangerous.
• Create a communication plan: Make sure everyone in your crew is informed of any hazards or changes in course.

Plus, don’t forget to research local rules and regulations. Safety should always come first! So, gear up and get ready for a thrilling experience on the water. Enjoy the fun and camaraderie of yacht racing – just remember to stay safe!

Common Penalties and Protest Procedures

Yacht racing penalties and protest procedures involve various rules and regulations that must be followed. To ensure fair competition and resolve any disputes, there are consequences for violations. Here is a breakdown of the common penalties and the procedures for lodging a protest:

It’s important to note that each yacht race may have its specific procedures and penalties, so it’s crucial for participants to familiarize themselves with the rules beforehand. This ensures a fair and competitive environment for all racers.

Understanding the common penalties and protest procedures is vital for yacht racers to navigate the intricacies of the sport. By abiding by the rules and properly addressing any issues through the protest process, participants can ensure a level playing field, maintaining the integrity and fairness of yacht racing.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to compete fairly and enjoy the thrilling experience of yacht racing. Familiarize yourself with the penalties and procedures to avoid any confusion or missed chances. Stay informed and make the most of your yacht racing journey.

“Being disqualified in yacht racing is like being told you’ve won the lottery, but then realizing it’s April Fool’s Day.”

Types of Penalties in Yacht Racing

Penalties in yacht racing are necessary to ensure fairness and compliance with the rules. These penalties act as a deterrent against any wrongdoings or rule-breaking, keeping the sport’s integrity intact.

A descriptive table can help us understand the various types of penalties in yacht racing:

These penalties have serious consequences, which act as a warning to sailors not to take any unfair advantages or act dangerously. Knowing these penalties is essential for competing in yacht racing.

Penalties have been part of yacht racing since the beginning. They were put in place to maintain order in races and create a fair playing field. Over time, these penalties have been adapted to fit the changing dynamics of the sport.

A good grasp of the penalties in yacht racing helps competitors perform better on the water. It also promotes sportsmanship and upholds the spirit of fair play in this exciting discipline.

Initiating and Resolving Protests

• Pinpoint the issue .
• Be sure it follows the rules.
• Gather data, facts, and material.
• Create a clear and concise statement.
• Submit the complaint to the right body.
• Talk to the parties.
• Look for a fair outcome through negotiation or mediation.
• Pay attention to deadlines.
• Respect protocols.
• Take charge and protect your rights.
• Act now and make sure your voice is heard!

Strategies and Tactics in Yacht Racing

Strategies and tactics are vital in the world of yacht racing. Understanding the nuances of this sport can make a significant difference in performance. Here, we explore some essential strategies and tactics employed by skilled yacht racers.

In yacht racing, there are unique details to consider, such as utilizing current knowledge to select the best racing route. Additionally, understanding the impact of tidal flows and currents can help racers make more informed decisions during a race.

To become a successful yacht racer, it is crucial to study and practice these strategies and tactics diligently. By mastering these techniques, one can maximize their chances of success and stay ahead of the competition.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to excel in yacht racing. Enhance your skills by incorporating these strategies and tactics into your training regimen. Start implementing them today and take a step closer to becoming a champion on the water.

Positioning and Sail Trim Techniques: Where you’re positioned on the yacht may determine if you’re the first to cross the finish line or the first to take an unexpected dip in the water.

Positioning and Sail Trim Techniques

Table of Positioning & Sail Trim Techniques:

Plus, spinnaker handling has methods like gybing – shifting the spinnaker from one side to the other when sailing downwind. Helm balance is critical to good steering during racing.

Sir Ben Ainslie , a great sailor, said mastering positioning and sail trim techniques is the difference between successful racers and those who have difficulty competing in yacht racing events.

Reading Wind and Weather Conditions

Wind and weather conditions are essential for yacht racing. They let sailors make wise decisions, plan well, and have an edge. Here’s what to know about understanding these conditions:

• Observation – Skilled sailors look closely at wind direction, strength, and patterns. They keep an eye on clouds, waves, and temperature changes. By doing this, they can predict future weather shifts.
• Analyzing – Racers check forecasts, barometric readings, and sea temps. They combine this with their observations to get a clear picture of present and future winds.
• Adaptability – Successful sailors change their strategies with the changing conditions. They often reassess their tactics during the race, to take advantage of good winds or limit bad weather.

Yacht racers also think about local geography, tidal currents, and nearby landforms. This helps them sail complex courses accurately.

Sarah, a seasoned sailor , showed her skill in reading wind and weather conditions. Though she started in a difficult spot due to unfavorable winds, she noticed slight changes in the breeze. She used this knowledge to take risks while maneuvering her boat. Making smart decisions based on changing conditions, Sarah won in speed and tactics.

Reading wind and weather conditions is essential for yacht racers. With keen observation, data analysis, and flexibility, sailors can do well on the water. So, if you’re joining a regatta or a sailing trip, mastering this art is important for success.

Resources and Additional Information

The following section provides additional resources and information related to yacht racing rules and regulations. These resources can be helpful for further understanding and clarifying the various aspects of the sport.

• Visit reputable online platforms such as yacht racing associations, federations, and governing bodies for comprehensive rules and regulations.
• Explore websites that provide educational materials, instructional videos, and interactive tools to enhance your knowledge.
• Delve into specialized publications authored by renowned sailors, coaches, and officials. These books cover a wide range of topics, including racing tactics, strategies, and the intricacies of specific rules.
• Engage with fellow enthusiasts, experienced sailors, and professionals on sailing forums and online communities. These platforms offer valuable insights, practical tips, and discussions on various rules and racing scenarios.

It is essential to stay updated with the latest developments and amendments in the rules to ensure compliance and maintain fair competition. Continuously seek new sources of information to enhance your understanding of yacht racing regulations and improve your performance on the water.

Yacht racing rules and regulations have evolved over time to ensure fairness and safety in the sport. The sport’s history is replete with instances of rule modifications and adaptations to address emerging challenges and technological advancements. A testament to the sailing community’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field and promoting the spirit of competition.

Get ready to navigate through a sea of paperwork and bureaucracy as we dive into the world of associations and governing bodies—where bold sailors become masters of red tape.

Associations and Governing Bodies

Associations and Governing Bodies are vital for managing various industries. We present an overview of some important associations and governing bodies relevant to distinct sectors. To make it easier to understand, let’s list out the information in a table:

This table shows some examples of associations and governing bodies from many areas. Each association has a major role in setting up standards, creating rules, and promoting collaboration within its industry.

It’s worth noting that there are other associations and governing bodies in other places, each doing their part to foster growth and uphold ethical practices. These organizations often provide materials such as industry-particular research, networking chances, and professional growth programs.

Pro Tip: To stay up to date with the most recent developments in your field, participate actively in related associations or governing bodies. This can help you stay ahead and build valuable connections within your sector.

Recommended Reading and Online Sources

Unlock helpful resources to boost your knowledge! Try these ideas:

• Read up on industry news with Harvard Business Review .
• Learn new skills with Coursera or Udemy courses.
• Check out free materials from universities like MIT OpenCourseWare .
• Listen to inspiring TED Talks .
• Get answers in online forums and communities like Stack Overflow .

Go deeper with niche topics. Try IEEE Xplore or JSTOR databases for in-depth research. Master tough concepts with interactive learning platforms like Khan Academy .

Pro Tip: Don’t just consume info, engage with it. Take notes, join discussions, and apply what you learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is yacht racing?

Yacht racing is a competitive sport where sailboats or yachts compete against each other in a designated course to determine the fastest or most skillful boat.

What are the basic rules of yacht racing?

The basic rules of yacht racing include giving way to other boats, avoiding collisions, understanding right of way, and following course boundaries. Each race may also have specific rules and regulations.

How are yacht racing courses determined?

Yacht racing courses are determined by race organizers and can vary depending on the type of race and the location. Courses typically include marks, buoys, or specific geographic points that boats must navigate around.

What is the role of a race committee in yacht racing?

The race committee is responsible for organizing and overseeing yacht races. They set the course, establish starting and finishing lines, enforce rules, and ensure fair competition.

Do yacht racing rules change for different types of boats?

Yes, yacht racing rules can vary slightly depending on the class or type of boat. Different classes may have specific regulations regarding sail dimensions, equipment, or crew size.

How can I learn more about yacht racing rules and regulations?

To learn more about yacht racing rules and regulations, you can refer to official rulebooks such as the Racing Rules of Sailing published by World Sailing. You can also seek guidance from experienced sailors or enroll in sailing courses.

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How Do Sailing Races Work (Regattas 101)

Sailing races are some of the most unique sporting events on the water. But how do sailing races work, such as a regatta?

After reading, you’ll be able to understand how a regatta race works along with the racing rules. In addition, you’ll see how a sailing smartwatch is necessary to be successful in those races.

Regattas are a long-term race, meaning your team has to compete well consistently each time in order to be successful in match racing, team racing, or even fleet racing.

The cool thing about these races is that you don’t have to win every single one to be the winner of a regatta.

How Do Sailing Races Work: A Quick Introduction

Regattas are a series of races that are compiled into one event, which is sometimes referred to as buoy racing.

Each race has its own basic racing rules and features that set it apart from another race in the series. Depending on the type of races that are being held will determine how long the regatta is going to last.

The key to being successful in regattas is to be as consistent as possible with every race that you or your team participates in, having the best sailing skills, knowing basic rules, or simply having the best windward boat on a windy day.

Having the best leeward boat, or sailing downwind, is critical while finishing the race. Winning obviously goes a long way in that success, but coming in second or third isn’t too bad either, just as long as you’re not the last boat.

Each yacht race or other boats that are used is scored based on the ending result of when you or your team has crossed the finish line. You’ll be awarded a set amount of points based on the ending position and the type of race.

You’ll be provided with sailing instructions before entering a race, typically showing the racing area and giving you an idea of how to sail the first leg.

However, these sailing instructions aren’t going to give you any useful tips to win. Just don’t be the boat that crosses the start line too soon.

How a Sailing Race Starts and the Starting Line

Sailing races have a countdown or starting signal before the race begins to allow racers the opportunity to get their boats in place.

You’ll likely hear a loud horn or alarm that will alert you of the start of the countdown, which is usually 10 or 15 minutes.

This is where a sailing smartwatch is crucial , as you’ll need to precisely cross the starting line at the right time or risk being penalized for going too early.

Going too early means you’ll have to turn around behind all other racers and lose distance, while going too late means you simply missed the opportunity to earn valuable seconds to your time.

The racing courses have imaginary lines or an “invisible” starting line, meaning there is no line at all. The distance between an anchored boat of the race committee officials and a buoy is the starting line.

Racers have to perfectly time their opportunity of when to cross the starting line, which means doing whatever is necessary behind the line to prepare for the race.

Going in circles or being far enough away is necessary to avoid going over the line. Having a sailing watch that’s specifically used for races can make a huge difference.

How Are Sailing Races Scored?

Depending on what race is being held will determine the scoring system. For example, fleet racing has an ending position that will determine the score.

So first place earns one point, while second earns two points and so on. The goal is to earn as few points as possible. Fleet racing might consist of many boats, like 20, so it is important to finish as early as possible to obtain the lowest score.

Team racing is an exhilarating aspect of regatta races that most sailors prefer that is usually broken up into two divisions.

In team racing, the same scoring method applies with your position on how you end the race. However, sailors in your team are responsible for holding their own weight on the score, so other boats are responsible for the score.

If you cross the finish line second, you earn two points. If your teammate crosses the finish line third, they have three points.

Together, your team of sailors so far has a total of five points, but there are usually three boats in a team and not two boats.

Match racing on the other hand is quite different, as it uses a round robin format. In a round robin format, it goes simply by winners and losers of races or whoever the best boat is.

No points are awarded, so the winners will advance while the ones who lost the race will face other racers who lost to determine their finishing place.

How Long Can Sailboat Racing Last?

Each sailboat race can last anywhere between five and 30 minutes depending on a variety of factors.

They usually take longer if there are a ton of boats competing, the conditions are not as favorable with light air, or if any issues happen along the way with one boat or another. Of course, it also depends on the type of sailing race you’re in.

Regattas in general could last several days over the course of a weekend to allow all racers to compete.

Depending on how complex the regatta is, such as three different races being used, will determine how long it needs to be held.

In some situations, regattas can last up to a week. These are typically for races that are ocean crossing events, but racers that are competing know what they are getting into and have the right boat.

Some tips to help make distance racing go faster with your boat for sailors include aiming for the finishing line, sailing hard, watching out for the weather, and proper practice.

All play a vital part in being successful at a regatta and helping the event move a little faster.

• Sailing toward the finish line means you might need to ignore the original rhumb line. You don’t want to overthink any strategy, so just aim the best you can toward the finish line.
• Pushing your boat to its limits is key to winning regattas. Sailing 10 degrees off course will help with sailing distance races.
• The weather is your ticket to a fast race if you can adjust to the conditions with a windward mark. Check multiple sources of weather information and other data before racing so that you can take advantage of the situation with a proper starboard tack or a port tack. A high-quality sailing watch can help provide some of that vital information at a moment’s notice. In some situations, the same tack will be used multiple times on your boat and potentially best used when sailing upwind.
• While you can’t practice while you’re at the race, you’ll need to prepare well in advance if you want to do well and make your boat go full speed. Practice makes perfect, so don’t forget to put in the time to practice wind shifts, running a straight line, and other factors that come into play.

Final Thoughts

Regattas are exciting racing events for those that want to push the limits of their sailboat. Each race can have a different outcome, so you never truly know who is going to win.

You don’t have to be perfect at using a starboard tack boat or a port tack boat to enjoy yacht racing or any regattas.

The starting line can be tricky and will take practice to cross it perfectly at the right time. Just don’t be the one who forgets their sailing smartwatch, or you might be the racer who gets penalized first for crossing that line too early.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Everything you need to know about the 37th America’s Cup

Follow the build-up to the 37th America’s Cup as the teams prepare to fight it out for the oldest sporting trophy in the world.

Which teams are in the 37th America’s Cup?

In 2021 four teams raced in fully foiling AC75 monohulls which were conceived specifically for the event by then Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand and Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.

These same four teams return for the 2024 America’s Cup and will be joined by two additional teams, bringing the total number of entries up to 6.

Emirates Team New Zealand – America’s Cup Defender

As the current holder of the America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand will be racing again in the 37th America’s Cup. As the Defender, the Kiwis will be guaranteed a spot in the America’s Cup regatta itself.

Any other challengers will need to race each other in preliminary regattas for the right to be the single challenger in the America’s Cup regatta itself.

Emirates Team New Zealand represent the Royal Auckland Yacht Club in America’s Cup racing.

INEOS Britannia – America’s Cup Challenger of Record

The Challenger of Record is the name given to the first yacht club to challenge the holder of the America’s Cup once it has been won.

When Emirates Team New Zealand successfully completed their defence of the America’s Cup in 2021, the Royal Yacht Squadron immediately issued a challenge on behalf of Ben Ainslie’s INEOS Team UK (now called INEOS Britannia), so they are Challenger of Record for the 37th America’s Cup .

INEOS Britannia and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team has strengthened an exhausting relationship, with the British challenger standing to benefit from the technical and engineering experience of the multiple World Champion F1 team.

Luna Rossa perform a tight leeward mark rounding

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has a very long America’s Cup history having first competed in 2000 and has taken part in every Cup since (with the exception of the unique 2010 Deed of Gift match).

For the 36th America’s Cup Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli were the challenger of record. They also won the challenger selection series so it was this Italian team who took on Emirates Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup itself.

The team will return for the 37th America’s Cup though this time they are not the official challenger of record.

American Magic

In 2021 the New York Yacht Clubs’ American Magic was also competing, though their event was ultimately ruined by a capsize in the early part of the regatta . They did get the boat rebuilt but it never got back up to speed and they made an early exit.

The 2021 campaign marked the return of the New York Yacht Club to the America’s Cup. The NYYC held the America’s Cup from its inception in 1851 right the way through to 1983, when they were defeated by the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Australia II .

American Magic have confirmed their entry into the 37th America’s Cup and will, once again, be representing the New York Yacht Club.

Alinghi Red Bull Racing out training in their training AC75, purchased from Emirates Team New Zealand. Photo: Alinghi Red Bull Racing media

Alinghi Red Bull Racing

Another team making a return to the America’s Cup scene after a long break will be Ernesto Bertarelli’s Alinghi team. The Swiss team won the America’s Cup in 2003 and then completed a successful defence in 2007.

However, a serious falling out over the potential rules for the next America’s Cup saw Alinghi taken to court by Larry Ellison and his BMW Oracle team, the 2010 America’s Cup was held between Alinghi and BMW Oracle Racing in a Deed of Gift match that saw the teams fight it out in huge multihulls.

BMW Oracle won the contest and Alinghi stepped away from America’s Cup racing. Their return is a welcome one and their Cup history alongside their partnership with Red Bull Racing should see them a solid challenge from the off.

Orient Express Team France

The French entry to the 2024 America’s Cup was long rumoured but it was not until quite late in the day that they officially announced their intention to challenge.

It was in early 2023 that the official announcement came of a French AC entry, backed by Accor Group and its brands Orient Express and ALL-ACCOR Live Limitless.

As a fairly late challenge they will have a lot to do to be competitive.

What boats will be used in the 37th America’s Cup

The Protocol for the 37th America’s Cup has been released including the rules for the class of boat to be used in the next edition of the event. Once again the America’s Cup will be raced for in AC75s . These boats were first brought in ahead of the 36th America’s Cup so this will be their second outing.

The foiling monohulls will be slightly different, with rules being tweaked partly aimed at improving light wind performance and reducing crew numbers from 11 to 8.

Teams will only be allowed to build one AC75 and nationality rules are strict this time around requiring 100% of the race crew for each competitor to either be a passport holder of the country of the team’s yacht club or to have been physically present in that country for 18 months of the previous three years prior to 17th March 2021.

Emirates Team New Zealand saw success in 2017 in Bermuda with their Cyclors . These may well return for the 37th America’s Cup.

When it comes to the events, there will be up to three Preliminary Regattas, the first two raced in a new one-design class of AC40s , the last one at the Match venue in AC75s. The Challenger Selection Series and the America’s Cup Match will be held in 2024.

Barcelona, the venue for the 37th America’s Cup

Where will the 37th America’s Cup be held?

Barcelona, Spain was selected in 2022 as the venue for the 37th America’s Cup , marking the first time a New Zealand team has chosen to defend a Cup win overseas.

The home city of Emirates Team New Zealand and the venue for the 36th America’s Cup, Auckland, had an exclusive period in which to tender for the regatta immediately after the Kiwis’ successful defence in 2021, but the sums on offer were not enough, and Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton cast the net wider internationally after rejecting a NZ$99 million (£50 million) offer from the New Zealand government.

A number venues were mooted including: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Cork, Ireland; Malaga, Spain, but Barcelona eventually won out.

When will the 37th America’s Cup be raced?

The America’s Cup will be held in 2024 in Barcelona. Racing in the 37th America’s Cup Match itself, which is a best of 13 (first to seven) format will start on Saturday 12th October 2024 and could run all the way to the 27th October should all the races be needed to pick a winner.

The America’s Cup will be proceeded by the challenger selection series, which will see which of the five challenger gets the honour to race New Zealand for the Cup itself.

The stated aim was to hold the event in the September-October window, which will allow for the Olympic Games in Paris, France to conclude and also offers a decent range of weather with wind speeds usually around the 9-15 knot mark.

Match Racing

Though the America’s Cup was first raced for in 1851 ( and won by the schooner America from which the trophy gets its name), this race was between a fleet of boats. A challenge by the British in the 1870s was also conducted as a fleet race.

By the 1880s, following a protest from the British, the America’s Cup was decided in a head-to-head match race where two boats sail against each other.

Match racing is a particular skill and encourages aggressive manoeuvres using the rules to put your opponent at a disadvantage. This cut-and-thrust racing, where the only objective is to beat your opponent, has long been at the heart of America’s Cup racing and produces a thrilling spectacle.

You can catch all the latest America’s Cup news, analysis and videos right here on Yachtingworld.com

America’s Cup: Barcelona Hotels and Accommodation

• March 1, 2024

As the oldest international competition still operating in any sport, the America’s Cup is a bucket list event for any sporting enthusiast. Dating back to around 1851, the America’s Cup…

‘What I learned from the America’s Cup event in Jeddah’ – Matt Sheahan

Another AC40 streaked past the sea wall at 40 knots and I felt rather foolish. I’ve been following the development of these one design flying machines and reporting on their…

British Women’s and Youth America’s Cup squads unveiled

• February 5, 2024

The British team is seeking to win the first ever Women’s America’s Cup. It will also be aiming to defend its title as Youth America’s Cup winners, having won with…

When is the next America’s Cup? 2024 dates released

• January 31, 2024

The next America’s Cup will take place in Barcelona with six teams set to compete for sailing’s ultimate price from late August 2024. Dates for the Preliminary Regatta, Louis Vuitton…

Ben Ainslie to step down as SailGP team skipper

• January 4, 2024

Sir Ben Ainslie has announced he is stepping down as Driver of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team. Ainslie will continue his role as CEO of Emirates GBR but will…

Slingsby and Neuschäfer crowned Sailors of the Year 2023

• November 15, 2023

The 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year awards were presented to Tom Slingsby and Kirsten Neuschäfer last night at a ceremony by World Sailing in Málaga, Spain. The popular…

America’s Cup: What do we know about the teams with 1 year to go

• October 13, 2023

There is now just 1 year to go until the America’s Cup proper kicks off in Barcelona, where Emirates Team New Zealand will take on the winner of the challengers…

American Magic win first AC40 showdown at America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta

• September 17, 2023

The second day of racing for the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta was something of a mixed bag. Three solid fleet races in full foiling conditions were followed by an attempted…

First America’s Cup AC40 races: France and New Zealand share wins

• September 16, 2023

It was a day of firsts in Villanova, some 30 miles along the coast from Barcelona today: the first races in the 37th America’s Cup cycle, the first ‘proper’ races…

How to follow the America’s Cup preliminary regatta

• September 11, 2023

The six competing teams in the 37th America’s Cup are set to get their first chance to line up competitively against one another at the first America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta,…

America’s Cup: what have the teams been up to?

• September 8, 2023

Several years after Emirates Team New Zealand successfully defended the America’s Cup back in 2021, we are about to see racing in this cycle for the first time. But what…

American Magic skipper: Terry Hutchinson

• August 16, 2023

American professional sailor Terry Hutchinson has been called many things in his 40-year career racing sailboats. Brash. Outspoken. A horse’s you-know-what. And they’re among the less incendiary labels – comments…

Best sailing films on Netflix, Prime and more

• June 29, 2023

Recent years have seen a proliferation of sailing films arriving on streaming platforms, with Netflix taking the lead on producing original content but there are many other sailing films on…

Who is Jim Ratcliffe billionaire sports team investor?

• March 23, 2023

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a huge backer of major sports teams, inducing the British bid for the America’s Cup, INEOS Britannia. Formerly a chemical engineer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe became an…

World’s coolest yacht: America True

• March 16, 2023

America True was a ground-breaking campaign for the 2000 America’s Cup. Created by Dawn Riley, it was the first America’s Cup syndicate to be headed up by a woman, and…

French America’s Cup entry to be named Orient Express Team

• February 3, 2023

A long-rumoured French team was finally announced as an entry to the next America’s Cup in 2024 in early January 2023. Details at the time were thin on the ground…

Emirates Team New Zealand set land speed record pace

• December 12, 2022

Emirates Team New Zealand and Land speed pilot Glenn Ashby have sailed their land yacht Horonuku, faster than any previous records, clocking in at 222.4kph on Monday 12 December and…

America’s Cup 2024 dates confirmed

• November 30, 2022

Despite confirmation that the 37th America’s Cup would be raced in Barcelona back in March 2022, the specific dates in which the event would take place have only been revealed…

Can the America’s Cup make great TV?

• November 18, 2022

A long-rumoured America’s Cup TV series now looks set to be going ahead with a top-level studio and producers onboard. But will a docu-series drive eyes onto an event that…

INEOS Britannia reveal new T6 America’s Cup test boat

• October 27, 2022

INEOS Britannia has launched its first America’s Cup test boat. Code-named T6, the test boat is known as an ‘LEQ12’ , a scaled down foiling monohull which may be used…

Different Types of Sailing and Racing Explained

You can literally sail on any type of water: whatever floats your boat. I wanted to know exactly what it's called when crossing an ocean, so I did some research. Here's what I came up with.

What are the different types of sailing? Inland sailing is freshwater sailing, on rivers and lakes. River delta sailing, so in brackish water, is called estuary. Oceanic sailing is divided into coastal (in sight of land), offshore sailing (out of sight of land, but within range), and bluewater sailing (out of sight of land and out of range).

But it's not just your location or the sort of water you're in. Intention also plays a part in determining what kind of sailing you're doing. For example: when does it stop to be offshore, and start to be bluewater sailing? It's a bit of a grey area.

Apart from the type of sailing, you can also participate in all kinds of racing, which I'll go over below as well.

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More on sailing types, more on racing types, related questions.

There are two types of sailing: cruising and racing (scrolls down ). The most common type of sailing is inland cruising, as most people simply want to enjoy their boats on safe and predictable waters.

There are five different types in total, which depend on where you are and what your intentions are. The further out you go, the more adventurous it gets.

Here are the different types of sailing:

• Inland - best for beginners
• Estuary - rivers that lead to sea
• Coastal - in sight of land
• Off Shore - out of sight of land
• Ocean - blue water or intercontinental

Freshwater generally offers the easiest conditions, and is the easiest on your boat. It's the cheapest and easiest to get started, requires the least amount of equipment and also the least amount of maintenance.

Saltwater generally offers more difficult conditions like stronger winds and higher waves. You need larger and more expensive equipment, and the salt is harder on your gear and boat, so you need to do a lot more maintenance.

The differences between each type of sailing:

Inland sailing

The easiest sailing is on inland waters . All water that is enclosed by land is called inland water. These are lakes, rivers, canals, and so on. Freshwater rivers are pretty safe. In typical lake sailing you won't find yourself drifting for weeks on end because you got hit by a storm. Generally there are more people around that can help you out.

It's important to say that ponds and small lakes can be treacherous. The winds can be unpredictable coming from land (for example due to nearby hills). So these small and seemingly innocent waters may require some real seamanship.

Inland sailing is definitely the best kind of sailing for beginners. You don't have to account for tides, the waves are not as high and you don't have to stock up on supplies since there's always a harbor nearby. It's also the easiest on your boat: inland waters are mostly freshwater, which means maintenance is low.

So great news for beginners on a budget: you can use any boat type: flat bottom, keel, aluminum, wood: whatever you like to sail most.

Estuary sailing

Estuary means the delta or tidal mouth of a river. It's partially enclosed water. Like inland sailing, estuary areas have a lot of oversight. With the Coast Guard keeping a close eye on everybody, the chance that something really bad happens is extremely small. You have to account for some tidal changes and the current can be strong.

There will typically will be good weather forecasts for river deltas, so there shouldn't be a lot of sudden surprises. However, you want to be prepared in case the weather changes. Maybe you want to have a keel for this type of water, and you should definitely wear a PFD. There are some boats that have a keel you can lower if needed; this way you won't permanently increase your draft, but you'll be able to sail coastal and estuary regions.

Because river delta water is brackish, there's more salt in the water. So it's a bit harder on your boat. You probably need to increase your maintenance. Maybe you want a fiberglass hull, but you probably won't need to convert your entire boat.

Coastal sailing

Coastal sailing is a form of oceanic sailing where you're still in sight of land, but also in partially protected waters. Protected waters are sheltered waters that have stable weather conditions and have Coast Guard support. Mostly, coastal sailing requires a bit more skill and better equipment.

You will need a keelboat to sail coastal waters, and the hull needs to be strong enough to deal with larger waves. The forces you have to deal with are just a level up compared to freshwater conditions. If you go overboard, the consequences can be quite severe, because there can be a strong current, so make sure to wear your PFD.

But, the water is quite shallow and there are reliable weather forecasts. If you don't go out in heavy weather, you'll have enough time to get back to safe harbor when the weather starts to change.

You can use smaller sailboats without problem, but make sure the boat is safe, and you have all necessary safety equipment on board. You may also need to convert your boats engine to help it deal with galvanic corrosion.

If you want to know everything about the systems used in saltwater boats, I really recommend you read my article on boat conversion (opens in new tab ).

Off Shore sailing

You're sailing off shore when you're out of sight of land, but you're not crossing an ocean. Anything under 15 miles of the coast is regarded as off shore, but if you're going out 20 miles and turning back to return for port afterwards, that's still off shore sailing and not bluewater.

Off shore sailing can be very challenging. Sea conditions can get very rough: the weather gets more unpredictable where land meets water, and the current can get very strong. Generally off shore is more rough than open seas (except for the hurricane season). If you plan on sailing off shore, you definitely need a good strong keel boat that's a bit longer, ideally over 24 - 30 feet (7 - 9 m).

A mistake can have huge consequences. Off shore is being watched pretty closely by the Coast Guard as well, so if something goes wrong, help will be on the way. But it really makes a huge difference whether you're 12 or 20 miles out. Response time for Coast Guard is about 8 minutes at 12 miles, but it's 20 minutes at 20 miles. Drifting around in cold water for 20 minutes can be dangerous. More importantly: they have to find you out there.

So please make sure you have the right safety equipment on board. If you're unsure what you need, check out my post about USCG safety requirements here (opens a new tab ).

Bluewater sailing

Blue water sailing is definitely one of the most advanced types of sailing.

Contrary to popular belief, the open seas aren't always rough. They can be, but it's mostly the off shore areas that suffer from heavy weather. Outside the hurricane season, they're mostly pretty calm. If you use the trade winds, wind conditions are pretty reliable.

It is recommend to use a mid-sized boat (most sailors go for 30' (9 m) or up), not just for comfort but also to be able to carry enough supplies to last for at least a couple of weeks. Typically you'll need to bring roughly 40 - 60 gallons (200 - 300 liters) of water per person and 60 gallons (250 liters) of fuel.

The hardest part of bluewater sailing is being completely self reliable.

You're out on the open ocean alone, sometimes for multiple weeks on end. The Atlantic crossing takes about three weeks, for example. The longest passage there is about 12 days. During that period, if anything breaks, you need to be able to fix it. If you don't, you won't be able to continue. If something goes wrong - you get injured, for example - you're the one that needs to put on a bandage.

Some people can handle this kind of stress pretty well. Others break down because of it. It's recommended to find out what kind of person you are before getting on that boat and using the trade winds to blast it to the middle of the ocean. Where you hit a dead zone. You're now helplessly floating around in the middle of nothingness on a 100 square foot (10 square meters) piece of plastic. It's just not the best of times to meet your true self.

If you want to learn more about what it takes to do ocean crossings, consider to read my article about bluewater sailing here (opens a new tab ).

Besides cruising, you can also participate in sailing races, which can be great fun. There are a lot of racing types, and you can invent your own rules and competition methods.

The type of race isn't just determined by the kind of water (like with cruising) but also the kind of event, the kind of course, and the competition method (which are the rules and requirements).

Here are the different types of racing styles:

• windward/leeward - racing course with one windward and leeward leg
• passage or course - maneuvering around multiple marks (for example buoys)
• fleet racing - the most common race form where a fleet of sailboats go around a course
• match racing - identical yachts trying to finish first in a single race
• team racing - two sailing teams with multiple boats compete to win a series of races
• one-design - competitive racing at high speeds, based on class requirements: identical models with same rigging and crew
• offshore or oceanic racing - races of multiple days or weeks in open waters over a distance of 800 miles

And this are some different types of racing events:

• twilight racing - social racing events in the summer organized by individual sailors
• club racing - social racing events organized by the local yacht club
• regatta - multiple day event with an overall event winner, typically organized by the class association
• disabled or Para World sailing - official racing events that are organized for disabled people

Competition methods

There are four primary competition methods in sailboat racing: one design and handicap.

• handicap racing - different boats, time gets corrected based on features
• one-design racing - identical boats, real time wins
• formula class - different boats with certain identical features (ie. hull speed)
• development class - different boats that meet specific requirements (ie. length, hull type, etc.)

In handicap racing , time is added or subtracted based on the hull type, materials used, and other design factors. The handicap gets calculated using standardized formulas. So the winner is determined by correcting the time mathematically after the race. In these races you'll see all kinds of boat models, rigging, crews, and so on. The difference between the individual boats makes the handicap.

There are different handicap rating systems. A popular system is PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet).

In one-design racing , identical boats race for the best time. The first boat to cross the finish line wins. All boats that take part must adhere to the class requirements. So you won't see any different models or hull types in one-design racing. The class requirements determine all kinds of stuff, like the number of crew allowed, the type of rigging, amount of sails, and boat requirements.

There are a couple of other approaches. The development class is a middle way that's right in between handicap and OD racing. The boats in this class are not identical, but typically have the same length. They are all built to meet certain requirements An example is the America's Cup 12-meter.

The formula class allows different boats to compete without using a handicap system. They keep a couple of specs the same (ie. hull speed) to ensure they all have a fair chance of winning.

What are protected waters? Protected waters are sheltered waters that meet certain stability criteria, such as stable water conditions and emergency support by the Coast Guard. These water bodies pose no special hazards to the people sailing them. Most inland waters, like rivers and lakes, are protected waters, but also harbors and most coastal waters.

What are the most common types of racing sailboats? The most-used sailboats for racing are keel boats, centerboard boats (dinghy), multi-hulls (catamaran or trimaran), and tower ship (also called tall ships). Most keel boats are racing yachts between 24' and 50' (7 - 15 m). One of the most well-known sailboat races is the America's Cup 12-meter, which is a 40' class.

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You may also like, the ultimate guide to sail types and rigs (with pictures).

What's that sail for? Generally, I don't know. So I've come up with a system. I'll explain you everything there is to know about sails and rigs in this article.

The Difference Between Freshwater and Saltwater Boats

17 Sailboat Types Explained: How To Recognize Them

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Learn to Race: Sailing Racing Terms

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Learn To Sail

Understanding sailing terms is vital to effective communication on a sailboat, and American Sailing has plenty of resources for the new sailor to expand their vocabulary. When you begin to crew or even skipper a race boat, it’s even more critical that everyone speaks the same language because naturally, in a race everything happens more quickly.

Ranging from phrases used in everyday language couched in nautical history, to specific terms important to learn for a beginner sailor, learning to speak the language can be a daunting task, but doing so will make for much smoother sailing when you start to learn to race.

Sailors who race have an even more specific language vital to understanding what is going on when attempting to become the local yacht club champion. As you get immersed in the sailing racing culture, you will understand the commonly used terms on board during a yacht race, but your skipper will appreciate a crew who has done their homework. 

If you want to expand on your sailing racing vocabulary and rules knowledge, take a look at the World Sailing Rules , and you’ll round out your sailing language skills. 

For a condensed primer, here are some of the standard sailing race terms you should be familiar with as you venture into the racing scene:

• Beat – sailing upwind towards the windward mark
• Reach – sailing perpendicular to the wind, at an angle between a beat and a run
• Run – sailing downwind away from the windward mark
• Start line – the line across which boats start a race
• Starting gun – the signal that starts the race
• OCS – “on course side,” meaning a boat crossed the start line too early and must restart
• Layline – the imaginary line that a boat must sail to in order to round a mark without tacking or jibing
• Mark – An object the sailing instructions require a boat to leave on a specified side, and a race committee vessel surrounded by navigable water from which the starting or finishing line extends. An anchor line or an object attached accidentally to a mark is not part of it.
• Mark rounding – sailing around a buoy or other fixed object on the course
• Finish line – the line across which boats finish the race
• Protest – An allegation made under rule 61.2 by a boat, a race committee, a technical committee or a protest committee that a boat has broken a rule.
• Penalty – a penalty imposed on a boat for breaking a racing rule, typically a time penalty or a penalty turn.
• Zone – The area around a mark within a distance of three hull lengths of the boat nearer to it. A boat is in the zone when any part of her hull is in the zone.

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Yacht Mark Twain being refurbished in bid to compete in Sydney to Hobart race once more

For the better part of five decades, one yacht returned to the starting line of the Sydney to Hobart race more than any other.

The timber and fibreglass hulled Mark Twain was built in 1971 and has competed in the race a record-breaking 26 times.

But since its last effort in 2018, it has languished at port.

The yacht's new owner, Rob Payne, who refers to himself as the boat's custodian, has grand plans to refurbish the vessel, a Sparkman and Stephens 39, and return the Mark Twain to its former glory.

Although he hopes to return the boat to the starting line of the Sydney to Hobart, he also believes the yacht can be used for a greater good.

Along with Beaconsfield mine disaster survivor Brant Webb , Mr Payne has plans to establish a group called Old Saltys, which will aim to use sailing as a vessel to empower youth through sharing knowledge.

"Sailing is a metaphor for life. You've got to trim your sails and set your course and you're gonna get buffeted around," he said.

The Old Salty's motto will be 'well-weathered wisdom', and the men believe they have a lot of life experience they can share with young people anywhere Mark Twain can sail.

Mine collapse survivor finds solace on the sea

Brant Webb, who was one of two miners rescued after spending 14 days trapped almost a kilometre underground when a Tasmanian mine collapsed in 2006, says sailing helped him after the ordeal.

"After Beaconsfield, if I was having a bad day I'd call up the GP and he'd say 'get the boat ready, we're going sailing'.

"I've been sailing since I was eight years old. All my life. That's the great thing about it, you can turn your phone off out there and no-one can find you."

Mr Webb said the Old Saltys group was intended for "sailors who are too old to race and too young to cruise".

"It gives us old folk a new lease on life. The whole thing is to connect people, to put the unity in community, which we lost during COVID."

Mr Payne, a recent transplant from New Zealand, said he was heartbroken by the condition of the Mark Twain when he first found it in 2020.

"When I saw it, it broke my heart," he said, adding that he had the opportunity to "do something about" refurbishing the "old girl".

"We're only ever the custodians of these extraordinary vessels."

Once a fine racing yacht, the Mark Twain had fallen into disrepair in port at George Town in recent years.

From its first entry in the Sydney to Hobart in 1971, the boat long held the steadily increasing record for the greatest number of entries in the iconic race, even managing to clinch podium finishes for its class on several occasions.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it competed in more than 20 Sydney to Hobart races, and in 2002 became the first-ever boat to have sailed in 25.

"Thousands of men and women have sailed on this beautiful vessel," Mr Payne said.

It was bought and refurbished for its 26th entry by veteran Sydney to Hobart skipper Michael Spies in 2018, but that was the last time it took part.

Mr Payne spent several months last year refurbishing the boat's hull himself and on Wednesday, March 27, the mast and boom were removed to be restored by a Beauty Point shipwright.

Along with Mr Webb, he hopes to take the Mark Twain around Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand and share their knowledge of the seas.

"My encouragement to youth is to get into sailing and you know, become part of the community within those sailing clubs," Mr Payne said.

"You don't necessarily have to own a huge boat … you can be in a little sabot [dinghy] and have that experience on the water. It's life changing and transformational."

He is keen to share the refurbishment project with anyone who wants to be involved and hopes the Mark Twain will sail again in the next two to three years.

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A Brief History of Superyachts

And how they explain the world..

Tim Murphy January+February 2024 Issue

James Clapham

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When the US targeted Russia’s oligarchs after the invasion of Ukraine, the trail of assets kept leading to our own backyard. Not only had our nation become a haven for shady foreign money, but we were also incubating a familiar class of yacht-owning, industry-dominating, resource-extracting billionaires. In the  January + February 2024  issue of our magazine, we investigate the rise of American Oligarchy—and what it means for the rest of us. You can read all the pieces  here .

The luxury yacht may be the world’s most exclusive form of transportation. But there are only a hundred-some that meet the definition of a gigayacht—a pleasure craft 295 feet or longer. Their opaque ownership records offer a glimpse of modern wealth and power: Over two dozen are linked to Gulf royals, businessmen, or states, and 20 to citizens (past or current) of the former Soviet Union. At least 23 have reportedly belonged to Americans, including founders of Microsoft, Netscape, Amazon, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. The widow of a German retailer who thrived under Hitler owned one; a UK tax exile and a Formula 1 dad still do. Yugoslav strongman Tito’s old yacht makes the list; Dominican dictator Trujillo’s does too. Take a cruise through the history of the vessels and their—somewhat—more modest sister ships.

1895: Nineteen years before World War I, the future King Edward VII of England punches his nephew, Kaiser Wilhelm II, in the face, after the German’s 121-foot yacht, Meteor II , defeats the royal Britannia in a race off the Isle of Wight.

1954: Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis ushers in an era of postwar one-upmanship with his 325-foot Christina O . It features a pool that converts into a dance floor, furniture made from whale foreskin, and pornographic carvings.

1963: During his final birthday party aboard the presidential yacht Sequoia , JFK chases future Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee’s wife, Antoinette, into the bathroom and gropes her. “I guess I was pretty surprised, but I was kind of flattered, and appalled, too,” she says later. The ship’s visitor logs are destroyed after Kennedy’s assassination.

1984: King Fahd of Saudi Arabia builds the record-breaking 482-foot Prince Abdulaziz .

1987: Sen. Gary Hart (D-Colo.) drops out of the presidential race just before photos emerge of him with model Donna Rice aboard the yacht Monkey Business .

1988: Donald Trump acquires Nabila , which previously belonged to the Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi and was featured in the James Bond film Never Say Never Again . He renames it Trump Princess , adds a disco, and changes the helipad’s “H” to a “T.”

1991: After one of Trump’s casinos files for bankruptcy, he sells Trump Princess to his bank—which flips it to a Saudi prince. A new yacht, the Trump Princess II , which he boasted would be “something in excess of 400 feet long, closer to 500 feet,” is never built.

British publisher Robert Maxwell’s body is found in the Atlantic Ocean, where he had been cruising on a 180-footer named for his daughter—the Lady Ghislaine . The vessel is eventually resold to Anna Murdoch, Rupert’s second wife.

1994: At a cocktail party on the oligarch Petr Aven’s yacht in the Caribbean, Boris Berezovsky meets Roman Abramovich, calling him a “nice boy who wanted to discuss commercial projects.” He and Abramovich begin working together to acquire Sibneft, a Russian state oil company.

1997: Construction ends on The Limited and Victoria’s Secret owner Les Wexner’s ­316-foot Limitless . The project was overseen by his good friend Jeffrey Epstein.

1999: Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison buys the 191-foot Izanami from a Japanese seller. He changes the name to Ronin , he said later , after “the local newspapers started pointing out that Izanami was ‘I’m a Nazi’ spelled backwards.”

2001: Months before Enron files for bankruptcy, former CEO Jeffrey Skilling asks a company executive for advice on finding a yacht broker. “This industry is known for crooks and thieves,” he warns Skilling.

2002: House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas) promises to strip “corporate kingpins of their ill-gotten gains,” after scandals rock Enron and WorldCom. “We’re coming after the yacht.”

2003: DeLay charges donors $500,000 a pop for tickets to a yacht cruise.

2005: Ellison shoots down rumors he issued orders midconstruction to have his newest yacht, the 454-foot Rising Sun , extended to outdo Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s recently launched 414-foot Octopus .

Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.) pleads guilty to federal bribery charges after being caught living rent-free on a yacht, called the Duke-Stir , that was moored in Washington, DC, and owned by a defense contractor.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s 531-foot Dubai surpasses Prince Abdulaziz as the world’s longest yacht.

2006: Media mogul Barry Diller reveals the world’s longest sailing yacht, the 305-foot Eos , whose prow features a 9-foot-tall sculpture of his wife, Diane von Furstenberg.

2007: Diller opens a Manhattan corporate headquarters­­ at a Frank Gehry­–designed building that itself has been likened to a sailboat . It’s across the street from where Eos ties up.

2008: George Osborne, the No. 2 official in the UK’s Conservative Party, relaxes on Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska’s yacht while vacationing with his family in Greece. He denies an accusation that he solicited funds, explaining in a statement that they discussed “Russian history” and drank tea.

2009: As his marriage falls apart, Tiger Woods retreats to a 155-foot yacht called Privacy .

2010: Abramovich’s new ship, Eclipse , surpasses Dubai as the world’s longest yacht. The 533-foot vessel features a submarine, anti-missile systems, and lasers to thwart paparazzi .

2011: During an unsuccessful suit seeking $5 billion he believed Abramovich owed him from the sale of Sibneft, an exiled Berezovsky claims that his former partner helped purchase the yacht Olympia for Vladimir Putin. When the BBC publishes a supporting account from another Russian businessman five years later, Abramovich’s lawyers dismiss the allegation as “a rehash of speculation and rumours.”

2012: As GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney faces criticism for holding investment funds in the Cayman Islands, his campaign invites donors to party on Cracker Bay . The ship, owned by the founder of The Villages retirement community, flies the Cayman Islands’ flag.

2013: UAE leader Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan launches the 593-foot Azzam , surpassing the Eclipse .

2014: The Wall Street Journal reports that Ellison has basketball hoops on “at least two of his yachts” and had someone follow in a smaller boat “to retrieve balls that go overboard.”

2016: Allen’s Tatoosh drags its anchor through a protected zone in the Cayman Islands, destroying 14,000 square feet of coral.

2017: After leaving office, Barack and Michelle Obama retreat to the South Pacific aboard David Geffen’s yacht, where they’re joined by Oprah, Tom Hanks, and Bruce Springsteen.

Abramovich’s business partner, Eugene Shvidler, blocks views of the Statue of Liberty while anchoring his 370-foot Le Grand Bleu in New York Harbor for a month.

Addressing the national Boy Scout Jamboree, Trump tells an anecdote widely assumed to allude to sex parties on a yacht belonging to the developer of the Levittown suburbs. “You’re Boy Scouts, so I’m not going to tell you what he did,” he said. “But you know life.”

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) buys a yacht and on the same day votes to cut taxes on yachts.

2018: Rupert Murdoch is airlifted to UCLA after collapsing on a yacht trip with his fourth wife, Jerry Hall. “He kept almost dying,” a source tells Vanity Fair .

Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott designates a billionaire donor’s marina as a special anti-­poverty opportunity zone.

Someone unties Seaquest , a superyacht belonging to Trump administration Secretary of Education (and billionaire) Betsy DeVos, causing it to crash into a dock on Lake Erie.

Businessman Jho Low, who financed The Wolf of Wall Street , is accused of taking part in a $4.5 billion scheme to siphon Malaysian state development funds and using some to purchase a $250 million yacht.

2019: Actress Lori Loughlin is arrested in a college admissions bribery scheme . Her daughter, USC student Olivia Jade, is vacationing in the Bahamas— on a yacht belonging to USC board of trustees chair Rick Caruso.

Following an investigation into corruption in the Nigerian oil industry, the US government auctions off businessman Kolawole Aluko’s Galactica Star , six years after Jay-Z rented out the vessel for Beyoncé’s 32nd birthday. A former Enron unit attempts to claim a portion of the proceeds.

Clarence Thomas visits an Indonesian preserve for Komodo dragons with billionaire Harlan Crow on the conservative megadonor’s Michaela Rose .

ArtNet reports that a $450 million (reputed) da Vinci that was supposed to be in an Abu Dhabi museum has been spotted hanging in Mohammed bin Salman’s personal yacht, Serene .

Kylie Jenner holds her 22nd birthday party on Low’s yacht, now under new ownership.

2020: “[I]solated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus,” Geffen writes on Instagram from Rising Sun , which he purchased in 2010. “I’m hoping everybody is staying safe.”

Steve Bannon is arrested off the coast of Connecticut by US Postal Police while aboard the fugitive Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui’s 150-foot Lady May .

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. dresses up as a character from the TV show Trailer Park Boys for a costume party aboard a NASCAR mogul’s yacht. He later posts a photo of himself to Instagram with his fly unzipped and his arms around his wife’s assistant.

2021: NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre testifies that he took refuge on Illusions , a Hollywood producer’s yacht, after the Newtown and Parkland mass shootings. “I remember getting there going, ‘Thank God I’m safe, nobody can get me here.’”

During a bitter divorce, the Daily Mail reports that Tatiana Akhmedova, wife of the Russian Azerbaijani billionaire Farkhad Akhmedov, hired a team of British special forces veterans to seize his yacht, Luna , in an effort to enforce a Marshall Islands court ruling. They settle instead, and he keeps the boat.

Port Azure , dubbed the world’s first harbor designed exclusively for megayachts, opens in Gocek, Turkey. It bills itself as a place where “problems big and small go away.”

2022: Amid reports a historic bridge will be dismantled so Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ newly built Koru can leave Rotterdam’s shipyards, residents threaten to pelt the sailboat with eggs . The city changes plans.

A Ukrainian mechanic is arrested in Mallorca for attempting to sink a vessel owned by his boss, a Russian arms dealer.

Biden promises oligarchs he’s going to “take their ill-begotten gains” after the invasion of Ukraine. “We’re going to seize their yachts.”

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder avoids a congressional subpoena on the team’s misogynistic culture while cruising the Mediterranean on his yacht, Lady S .

Missing Russian superyachts are spotted waiting out sanctions at Port Azure.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) criticizes Joe Biden for vacationing in Delaware while vacationing on a luxury yacht in Italy.

After sailing through Fiji on his yacht Aquarius , briefly retired Disney CEO Bob Iger tells friends he misses his wife and is bored with life.

New York Republican congressional candidate George Santos brokers a $19 million deal to sell a superyacht called Namaste to a Long Island car dealer.

Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX reveals in court filings that founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s hedge fund once spent $2.5 million on a yacht, which a top executive named Soak My Deck .

2023: Bezos takes possession of Koru . The $500 million, 417-foot sailboat comes with a bust that resembles his fiancée Lauren Sánchez—and its own second, 246-foot “shadow” support yacht with crew quarters and a hangar for the helicopter she pilots.

After divorcing Jerry Hall, Rupert Murdoch vacations on the Christina O with Abramovich’s ex-mother-in-law.

As TV and movie writers and actors strike, the Wall Street Journal reports that Iger, now back at work, has been regaling visitors to his Burbank office about the new, longer yacht he’s building.

Measuring Contest

Iconic gigayachts through the years

1931: Sea Cloud , Marjorie Post: 359 ft.

1981: Atlantis II , Stavros Niarchos: 380 ft.

2003: Octopus , Paul Allen: 414 ft.

2005: Rising Sun , Larry Ellison: 454 ft.

2010: Eclipse , Roman Abramovich: 533 ft.

2013: Azzam , Sheikh Khalifa: 593 ft.

Illustrations by Anthony Calvert

The Few, The Loud

Some famous faces aboard gigayachts

Steven Spielberg reeled out his anchor off Cannes.

A part of Katy Perry got stuck exiting a dinghy on her way to Barry Diller’s yacht.

Mohammed bin Salman purchased his yacht, Serene , just hours after he saw it.

Jerry Jones made a draft pick aboard his Bravo Eugenia to deepen the Cowboys’ bench.

Mariah Carey was engaged to a gigayacht owner, before the fantasy ended.

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Race: Inside Riva's First 50 Metre Superyacht

This 50-metre Riva takes the storied brand into a whole new size bracket. Carlo Riva would have been proud, says Risa Merl

When the Riva 50 Metri made her public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, the name emblazoned on her transom – Race – gave a hint as to who her owner was. And in case there was any doubt, the treasure trove of Ferrari memorabilia on board and a very unusual automotive-inspired bridge made it crystal clear.

As a board member, chairman of product development and 13.2 per cent stakeholder in the Ferretti Group , parent company of Riva, Piero Ferrari’s choice of builder is unsurprising. But this famous engineer’s passion for the brand is genuinely infectious. “Riva details are distinct from any other yacht,” he enthuses.

At 49.9 metres,  Race  is the largest-ever Riva yacht, proudly previewed in June 2019 at Venice’s Arsenal, during an exclusive client event. She’s also the first to emerge from the  Riva Superyachts Division , which was established in 2014 at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, where its CRN, Custom Line and Pershing superyachts are built. The name Riva most vividly evokes the sexy runabouts that made the brand famous in the 1960s and 70s. But Carlo Riva always envisioned a place for larger Riva boats, as seen in his collaboration with De Vries ( Feadship ) and later CRN on the 24-metre Riva Caravelle series, and his personal yacht, 30.5-metre  Vespucci , which was delivered in 1978 and relaunched in 2018 after a thorough refit.

Two exterior styles, each drawing inspiration from classic Rivas, are offered on the same technical platforms in the Riva Superyachts series, in 50-, 60-, 70- and 95-metre sizes. This first design is inspired by the 1964 Riva Caravelle series. The second option is sportier, with rounded lines and a more aggressive profile, taken from the Riva coupé yachts and seen on the current Riva 76 Perseo and 88 Domino Super.

The Riva 50 Metri’s exterior and interior were created by  Officina Italiana Design  in concert with Riva’s in-house team. “Race takes inspiration from the Caravelle, which was a true masterpiece conceived by Carlo Riva,” says Sergio Beretta, CEO of Officina Italiana Design, which he founded with chief designer Mauro Micheli. “The challenge was to innovate without forgetting the DNA of the Riva brand.”

In essence,  Race  is a highly modernised take on the classic Caravelle. Both yachts feature parallelogram windows, as well as forward-sloping lines that give the impression of movement. During the Monaco show,  Race  had an enviable position at the very end of Jetée Lucciana, so you could admire her silver hull and clean and simple lines. “ Race  has a great personality,” says Micheli. “She has three straight lines that define each level. The design is clean, and we stayed away from overworked, elaborate or redundant lines and shapes, both in the exterior and the interior.”

The exterior paint job is cool grey with a muted 20 per cent gloss finish, so as to avoid reflections seeping inside from her large windows. “The owner wanted lots of light and panoramic views,” says Beretta. “As with any other Riva yacht, we have paid great attention to the use of glass that gives light to the interior and puts the owner in contact with the surrounding nature.” Emphasis has also been given to external living spaces. According to Micheli, Ferrari wanted to have cosy spaces outside – like the forward deck lounge – where he could enjoy the yacht while under way.

Ferrari was hands-on in every aspect of the build. “We worked with the owner from the start,” says Stefano de Vivo, the Ferretti Group’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We decided each detail with him, and he was involved in the project from the first day of thinking about the layout until the decision of the position of the plates at the end. This yacht is very much a part of him.” Ferrari’s previous boat was a Custom Line Navetta 37 motor yacht, and he also has a Riva 76 Bahamas.

One of the first things that de Vivo points out is the use of lightweight materials derived from the aviation industry: a sandwiched panel made of fibreglass and Nomex – the latter is also used in Formula One cars. A veneer goes over the top to give the look of wood, but it’s much lighter.

This veneer is found on all exterior panels, ceilings and the built-in exterior furniture. “By decreasing the weight, you have much better results in terms of fuel consumption,” says de Vivo. “At 14 knots,  Race  burns 300 litres per hour with the engines and generators on. It’s a very good result for us.” Powered by twin 1,360hp MTU 8V 4000 M63 diesel engines, this full-displacement yacht in aluminium alloy reaches a top speed of 15 knots and has a cruising range of 3,500 nautical miles at 11 knots.

It was also vital that the first Riva 50 have the essence of an iconic Riva. This translated to an obsession with the material selection and a bevy of little details – even the stainless-steel drains on the deck are emblazoned with the Riva logo written in miniature. Custom doorknobs, similar to those seen on the Riva Dolcevita, were moulded to fit the owner’s hand perfectly.

Race  has a holistic design, the same materials used inside and out to create a sense of harmony. Exterior features are brought inside, such as the teak decking of a classic Riva, which is found in the dayhead and the corridor leading to the bridge. All the materials used are familiar to the Riva family lineage – rich mahogany, gleaming stainless steel and lots of leather. A darker tone of mahogany was chosen to specifically mimic the colour used on the Aquariva models.

The interior of  Race  is modern, masculine and distinctively Riva. There isn’t a dizzying array of materials; instead the design team concentrated on a uniform colour palette of grey and white, accentuated by mahogany, stainless steel, white statuario marble with grey veining and an abundance of glass, like the glass-framed main stairwell. Narrow strips of mahogany on the ceilings in the saloons and cabins add dimension and hide the air-conditioning output, as the air filters out between the wooden slats. These slats are carried throughout the boat, from the main saloon to the hallways and the guest cabins.

The dining room has a soft grey carpet, and a pantry directly off this space hosts a dumb waiter serving three decks from the lower deck galley. “Following the owner’s wishes, the galley is situated on the lower deck – this is just one of the layout options of the Riva 50,” says Micheli. “This allowed us to obtain more space on the main deck and create a unique master suite.”

Moving the galley allows the entire forward main deck to be laid out to fit an owner’s needs. Ferrari opted for a media room just before the master. Videoworks designed the entertainment system, which is outfitted with James speakers. This cosy spot is a shrine to all things Ferrari, including a painting of the owner’s car and Formula 1 memorabilia signed by the winning drivers.

A glass wall separates the media room from the hallway, and an electric curtain in a silver metallic finish can close off this space for privacy. With an en suite off the media room, it can be converted to an additional guest suite, bringing the overall accommodation capacity up to 12. Though Ferrari usually has only four to six guests on board, it is good to know for a future Riva 50 Metri owner that this is possible. Below decks are four guest cabins – three doubles and one twin. The materials are the same that you would find in the owner’s area, with a prevalence of leather and grey tones. “We wanted the design to flow seamlessly everywhere,” says de Vivo.

The interior volumes were arranged to allow Race to come in just under 500GT. Some compromises had to be made, as in the upper saloon, which is a bit smaller than you’d typically find on a 50-metre yacht. Instead of being full-beam, the designers opted for walk-around decks outside.

In order to make the space feel larger, windows inside the upper saloon descend on either side and the aft doors open fully, letting a breeze come through and creating an indoor/outdoor living area. The controls for the windows are toggle switches, like those found on old Rivas such as Vespucci.

The upper aft deck dining table, which seats 10, is made of Corian, just like a table you’d find on a smaller Riva. “Corian is coming back in fashion – it’s easier to clean and you can polish it in case of scratches,” says de Vivo. The mesh chairs by Dedon are ergonomically designed and so comfortable – you might sit down at dinner and never want to get up. But the sundeck beckons you to lounge for a post-dinner drink with loftier views. It is covered by a carbon-fibre hardtop with a forward angle, matching the geometry of the exterior. The stylish lounge chairs are crafted from mahogany bases with leather straps that raise or lower the back. Even in these tiny details the Riva lineage is clear.

That goes for the bridge as well, where wood floors were chosen to match a classic Riva. “This is a technical area, but we think of it as a guest area,” says de Vivo. “So the finishes and quality of the interior are the same.” The steering wheel is a work of art, custom made and formed from a single piece of titanium. “The price of the boat includes everything but the wheel,” he jokes. But it’s the helm seat that really catches the eye. It is not your usual captain’s chair, but a genuine driver’s seat from a Ferrari California. It had to be augmented so it could work on board a yacht.

“It was a big challenge really because chairs coming from Ferrari cars work differently – you need a key for the electric mechanism of the chair to work, otherwise you can’t move or adjust it,” says de Vivo. “So we had to customise it before installing it – and it took us a lot of time!”

Wing stations are found on either side of the bridge, and there is a forward lounge area where the owner can sit and watch the yacht come into port, staying out of the way of the crew. The sunpads here, which rise via a hydraulic lift, conceal water toys. Of these, the “Ferrari-red” jet ski does not exactly match the cool silver tones of Race. “It would make more sense to have the jet ski in grey, but he didn’t want to repaint it,” says de Vivo. “So we built this to hide the jet ski.”

A seven-metre tender is held below in the garage, which has a shell door for launching. When it is launched, the space is transformed into a beach club with loose furnishings. There is enough space for the area to be used as a gym even when under way with the tender inside.

The second Riva 50 Metri is currently in build at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, with delivery slated for early 2021, before the summer season. According to Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi, seeing the Riva Superyachts Division come to life was a dream of Carlo Riva.

“I’d like to try and cruise on her,” Riva said when he first saw the renderings of the 50-metre yacht that would become Race. He was taken by the boat’s simple yet elegant lines, says Micheli. Sadly, Carlo Riva passed away before Race was launched and did not get to see her completed. But his dream of the Riva brand growing, literally and figuratively, has certainly been realised.

All photography courtesy of Alberto Cocchi

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Hurry up and wait: Servers speed-walk through Paris, reviving a century-old race

Rachel Treisman

Servers take off for the " Course des Cafes " in front of City Hall in central Paris on Sunday. Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Servers take off for the " Course des Cafes " in front of City Hall in central Paris on Sunday.

Foreign stereotypes of French restaurants tend to paint the service as slow. But hordes of Parisian waiters proved just the opposite this weekend as they hurtled down the streets of the capital with full trays in hand.

Thousands of spectators gathered to watch more than 200 servers compete in Sunday's "Course des Cafés," the newly-revived version of a century-old race.

Waiters and waitresses traversed a 1.2-mile loop starting and ending at City Hall, suited up in traditional crisp white shirts, black trousers, neatly tied aprons and in some cases, bow ties. They each carried a tray loaded with a croissant, a full water glass and an empty coffee cup.

The goal: Cross the finish line as quickly as possible without running, spilling or carrying the tray with two hands at the same time.

The Paris Olympics medals will have pieces of the Eiffel Tower

"Through the streets of the Marais, you will have to slalom with agility, avoid obstacles with a skill worthy of Opera dancers and demonstrate speed without haste," said Eau de Paris , the city's public water company and sponsor of the event. "It will not only be about speed but above all balance."

Judges at the finish line inspected contestants' trays, docking points for sloshed water, broken dishes and empty glasses, according to the New York Times , which reported that most people finished in under 20 minutes.

Men's winner Samy Lamrous finished in 13 minutes and 30 seconds, while women's winner Pauline Van Wymeersch clocked in at 14 minutes and 12 seconds.

☕🏃La #CoursedesCafés | 👏👏 et l’arrivée… félicitations à tous les participants ! 💧 ☕️ #eaudeparis #paris #cafés #eau #coursedesgarçonsdecafé pic.twitter.com/mqHU4cUowf — Eau de Paris 🚰 (@eaudeparis) March 24, 2024

Aside from bragging rights, each won a medal and a night's stay in a fancy hotel and two tickets to the Olympic opening ceremony this summer, the Associated Press reported .

Thirty-four-year-old Van Wymeersch, who has worked in the industry since age 16, told the AP that she couldn't imagine doing anything other than waiting tables, calling it "part of my DNA."

"I love it as much as I hate it," she said, noting the weekends and holidays she has lost as well as the experience she's gained. "I have been shaped, in life and in the job, by the bosses who trained me and the customers, all of the people I have met."

Participants carried trays each with a cup of coffee, a croissant and a glass of water. Christophe Ena/AP hide caption

Participants carried trays each with a cup of coffee, a croissant and a glass of water.

A celebration of Paris café culture returns after more than a decade

Cafés and restaurants are a major part of Parisian history and culture. In fact, the modern restaurant has its roots in the broth-heavy "bouillon shops" of 18th-century Paris, says Maryann Tebben, a professor who specializes in French food and identity at Bard College at Simon's Rock.

Tebben told NPR in a phone interview that the race reflects pride in that long tradition and in the quality of French service overall. Many waiters work in the industry — and even at the same establishment — for decades, following a strict set of best practices.

Opinion: In Paris, heroes carry espresso

"The café exists since the 17th century, so the café waiter exists since then too," she said. "And there's a lot of pride in the traditional ways. But as it does enter into the modern age, it's still alive and well."

The café race — which was originally called the Course des Garçons de Café (café waiters race) — originated in Paris in 1914, celebrating what Eau de Paris calls the "know-how and skill of waiters."

"On the big day, glasses and bottles placed on their trays, napkins in the fold of their arms, the waiters, in white jackets, black pants and bow ties, competed on the boulevards, to the cheers of the public," it said.

Waiters take part in the café race in 1957 at the Place de la Bastille in Paris. AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Waiters take part in the café race in 1957 at the Place de la Bastille in Paris.

The race was held regularly in the decades that followed. And similar races have taken off in other French cities, like Marseille and Nice, and beyond, including in Hong Kong , Buenos Aires and San Francisco . Some towns in the United Kingdom have put their own spin on the event, CNN reports , swapping out the coffee and croissant for a pint of beer.

Paris paused the race in 2011, reportedly due to budget constraints.

The city is home to some 150,000 cafes and restaurants, according to a 2023 report , but Tebben says that number has shrunk over time, especially as young people increasingly gravitate towards places with fast service and strong Wifi.

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At your service: a restaurant maître d' tells all in 'your table is ready'.

Given economic and political realities, she says she's not surprised that the race faded away — or that city officials decided to bring it back this year, ahead of the summer Olympics.

"The way [the French] do sports is a little different, and everything in Paris is a little bit more elegant," she said, noting that France doesn't have the same sort of public gym culture as the U.S. "So I love with this race that you can't run, you have to walk. You can't hold the tray with both hands, you can switch it from hand to hand. I just think that's a very French rendering of ... an athletic contest, with all the style and the sort of panache of what the French are about, especially in Paris."

Hundreds walked the 1.2-mile loop, careful not to run, spill or drop anything. Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Hundreds walked the 1.2-mile loop, careful not to run, spill or drop anything.

Meanwhile, the summer Olympics are getting closer

Eau de Paris contributed the equivalent of more than $100,000 to cover the cost of the trays, aprons, coffee and croissants, according to the Guardian .

The water company says the race has the same objectives as before — "to promote sport and French excellence in service" — with a new focus on reducing plastic waste.

It's part of the utility's larger campaign against single-use plastic water bottles, which includes encouraging restaurants and businesses to pledge to refill patrons' water bottles with tap water for free.

"In a city that is about to host the greenest Olympic Games in history and two days before World Water Day, it is important that even our oldest traditions take a step towards a greener future," it said.

The race returned to Paris on Sunday after a 13-year hiatus. Dimitar Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The race returned to Paris on Sunday after a 13-year hiatus.

Tebben says she's glad to see the race return, and, alongside the Olympics, hopes it will help re-energize Paris's café spirit, which she describes as a sort of "eternal pleasure."

The Olympics are a chance for France to showcase its innovations, from environmental initiatives to culinary fusion, Tebben says. To her, the race shows how old traditions can be modernized, without being scrapped altogether.

"They're proud of it and they're not going to try to change it because the world has changed," she said. "There's some comfort in that too, that it's still going on: Waiters are still there, doing what they've always done and doing it properly."

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Former Justice Eileen O'Neill Burke wins Democratic primary in Chicago-area prosecutor's race

C HICAGO (AP) — Eileen O’Neill Burke, a former appellate judge, has won the Democratic primary for Cook County state’s attorney over Clayton Harris III, an attorney with party backing.

The race is open because State’s Attorney Kim Foxx decided not to seek a third term. It was among the most spirited and competitive contests in the March 19 Illinois primary. The Associated Press called that race Friday.

“It was worth the wait," O’Neill Burke said in a statement Friday. “I am so honored to be the Democratic nominee for Cook County State’s Attorney. I’d like to congratulate Clayton Harris on a hard-fought campaign. While we may have had our differences in this election, we share a love for our beautiful city and Cook County.”

Harris conceded Friday night and said he called O’Neill Burke to congratulate her on her victory.

“We have more to do. We’ll keep pushing for effective prosecutions of hate crimes, carjacking, armed robbery, and gun violence that plague our communities,” Harris said in a statement.

O’Neill Burke led in fundraising, in part with money from top Republican donors, but Harris had numerous endorsements including from labor unions and progressive and establishment Democrats.

The race is the latest example of how the legacy of progressive Democrats who swept into big city prosecutor offices over the past decade has fractured. In other cities, progressive Democrats have faced tough reelection bids with blame on progressive policies for perceptions that cities are less safe. Candidates in the Chicago area both praised and criticized Foxx’s leadership.

“Across every neighborhood and every town in Cook County, people told me the same thing: we want a fair criminal justice system that works for everyone,” O’Neill Burke said in her statement. “We want a professional and effective State’s Attorney’s Office. We want illegal guns and assault weapons off our streets. We want less crime and safer communities, not by locking everyone up, but by turning people around.”

O’Neill Burke served as judge both in appellate court and in Cook County. She was also an attorney in the state’s attorney’s office.

Since Cook County is largely Democratic, O’Neill Burke is expected to win the November election. Republican Alderman Bob Fioretti and Libertarian Andrew Charles Kopinski are also running.

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New Lexus LY 680 Is A Super-Luxe Yacht With Up To 2,700 HP

The new luxury yacht from Lexus that's powered by twin Volvo engines has more space for relaxation and activities in the extended outdoor areas

by Thanos Pappas

Ah, luxury yachts —constantly vying for attention like competitive siblings at a family reunion. Enter Lexus with their latest creation: the LY 680 yacht. It’s like the LY 650’s cooler, more sophisticated sibling who just got back from a gap year in the Mediterranean and now boasts an expanded flybridge and swimming platform.

The design of the LY 680 closely mirrors that of the LY 650, which is far from a drawback considering the latter’s reputation as one of the most aesthetically pleasing products in the Lexus lineup . The flybridge has been extended by a substantial 1,400 mm (55 inches), providing ample space for relaxation and activities, including a spacious lounge sofa and a barbecue grill.

Additionally, the swimming platform at the rear has been elongated by 700 mm (27.6 inches), allowing for easier watercraft parking and more room for ocean plunges.

More: Bentley Can Now Furnish Your Yacht To Match Your Car’s Interior

After the redesign, the yacht’s length now stretches to 20.66 m (67 ft 9.4 inches), compared to its predecessor’s 19.94 m (65 ft 5 inches) footprint. The LY 680 is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS engines, available in a choice of two outputs: 1,050 hp or 1,350 hp for each unit, or up to 2,700 hp combined. Lexus boasts that the LY 680 delivers ‘stable maneuverability, excellent ride comfort, and quietness,’ all par for the course for vessels of this size.

The spacious and luxurious interior remains unchanged, featuring a kitchen and comfortable seating area on the main level. We can also see the master bedroom and another living room underneath. In total, there are three rooms and up to six beds available. According to Lexus, the luxury yacht should feel like a “hideout in the middle of the sea, providing a space where discerning customers can feel free and at ease”.

The Lexus LY680 is exclusively available for order in Japan through the Toyota Marine sales offices and select dealers. Production will be handled by superyacht manufacturer Horizon Group in Asia, with the first deliveries anticipated in the spring of 2026. While Lexus has not disclosed pricing details, it’s anticipated to be in line with the previous model, which was listed at around $3.5 million before taxes and options

Interested parties can explore a 1/20 scale model of the LY 680 at the Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama. Depending on customer demand, Lexus may contemplate broadening the yacht’s availability to international markets.