THE CLIPPER 70

A RACER THAT WILL TURN HEADS

Crew members will be making history by being the first to sail the third generation of Clipper Race yachts around the globe, the Clipper 70. The twelve new 70-foot yachts will make up the world’s biggest fleet of one design ocean racing yachts.

Designed by renowned naval architect Tony Castro, the Clipper 70 design is faster and more dynamic than previous Clipper Race yachts and promise to attack the 40,000-mile racecourse head on; taking the race to a higher level.

New features include twin helms, twin rudders and a six-foot bowsprit which allows the inclusion of three large asymmetric spinnakers and a suite of Yankee headsails which will all add to increase performance and boat speed.

The inclusion of state of the art features in the new hull design produces a better performance and control, especially in the light winds encountered near the Equator or between weather systems when crossing oceans. When surfing on big seas crews can expect to set new Clipper Race speed records  - of more than 30 knots when conditions suit.  

The new design will provide absolute control in the heaviest of conditions, ensuring not only high speeds but safety too.

Hull and external design

The hull construction utilises lessons learnt from the previous races utilising well-proven composite construction materials and methods. The hull and deck are of a sandwich construction using glass fibre, epoxy resins and structural foam. More commonly called Foam Reinforced Plastic (FRP) this construction method is light, stiff and is proven to produce an incredibly strong and safe hull.

Modern features have been included within the design of the hull which along with the twin rudders will give improved directional stability when heeling, provide the helm with more control and an overall faster ride.

The deck layout provides a well-designed office for the 24 crew to perform. Eleven winches, including the primaries controlled by twin three-speed coffee grinders, will swiftly bring the sails under control. Jammers and organisers have been located in easy to operate locations allowing crew to swiftly change settings. The mainsheet has been placed further aft in the cockpit, permitting a better level of communication between the crew as they undertake the various evolutions during tacks, gybes, hoists and drops.

The aluminium mast towers 95-foot above the waterline and is rigged using tried and trusted materials and methods to further improve overall safety. Mast mounted instruments will provide the crew with immediate feedback on sail trimming and boat speed.

Internal design

Crews will find a stripped-out interior below decks with 24 bunks, state of the art navigation station and a simple galley. Watertight bulkheads and doors are placed at strategic locations to provide compartmentalisation in case of flooding.

The navigation station is placed towards the stern providing a closer link between navigator and helmsman and is equipped with the latest navigation electronics, navigation computers and satellite communications.

The engine and generator are mounted just behind the companionway steps. Their mid-ship position brings increased stability and balance to the hull and it also keeps all the ancillaries and electrical components in one maintenance-friendly area.

Centrally just aft of the mast sits a simple horseshoe shaped galley, which will feed in to the communal area. This is where crew briefings and those all-important sociable meal times can take place. Crew accommodation runs from the stern forwards in a series of double bunks and stops short of a watertight bulkhead towards the front third of the boat. Ahead of this is a large compartment for storing sails with the main hatch located directly above.

Specifications