With the ongoing global outbreak of Covid-19 and the enormous impact it has created on world travel, the Clipper 2019-20 Race has been postponed with immediate effect.

This decision has been in no way taken lightly. Our crew are currently under quarantine in Subic Bay, Philippines, where the Clipper Race fleet has been berthed since Sunday 15 March. The island of Luzon (where Subic Bay is located) is currently under "enhanced community quarantine".

In addition, the fleet was due to race across the North Pacific Ocean from 21 March towards Seattle. However, with the city currently in a state of emergency and travel and medical insurance restrictions in the United States, we could not allow our teams to depart without a viable destination. This, along with the growing global uncertainty on how the situation could develop in the coming months, meant postponing the race was the safest option for all involved.

Our first priority, as soon as the local quarantine has been lifted, will be to assist our crew in Subic Bay in travelling home from the Philippines as swiftly as possible.

The Clipper 2019-20 Race has three legs remaining. These race stages will now be postponed for approximately ten months, when the remaining circumnavigation will be completed. This length of postponement allows for us to avoid adverse weather patterns on the remainder of our global route.

All Leg 6, 7 and 8 crew, along with our circumnavigators, will be able to rejoin the race when it resumes next year.

This postponement will have an impact on the timing of future races. The next full edition of the Clipper Race will start in the summer of 2022. More details on this will be confirmed at a later date.

We are extremely disappointed to postpone the remainder of the Clipper 2019-20 Race. We are proud of all of our intrepid crew for having competed in this race edition since it departed London and look forward to welcoming all of our upcoming crew next year when the race continues. We are also grateful to all of our crew, supporters and Race Partners for their continued support.

Elan flagship GT6 is a next-generation Grand Tourer that delivers the perfect balance of speed and power, comfort and luxury, good handling and precise control.

Exterior

Stiff, stable and weatherly, the high-performance hull and sailplan by Humphreys Yacht Design are optimised for short-handed, medium-range cruising. Three generations of Humphreys/Elan design evolution and extensive CFD modelling produce a refined yacht that handles like a thoroughbred and delivers exhilarating performance on all points of sail, across the full range of wind and sea conditions.

Unique styling by Studio F. A. Porsche gives the GT6 a strikingly elegant silhouette with sharp, distinctive lines and elaborately curved surfaces that create beautiful flares of light as the yacht moves through the water. In the cockpit, excellent ergonomics and a host of innovative design features bring a new level of luxury to life on board.

Interior

Studio F. A. Porsche’s iconic design values and world-class ergonomics create a uniquely stylish, luxurious and practical living space inside the GT6. The sleek panoramic deck saloon gives a wonderful 180° view and a cleverly inverted layout makes the best possible use of the spacious, broad-beamed hull.

The galley is forward, right on top of the keel where the yacht’s motion at sea is most comfortable with minimal heeling, pitching and rolling. This frees up space further aft for a huge full-beam saloon. A lavish owner’s suite with a king-size island double bed makes best use of the forepeak and big through-hull windows in every cabin give a great view out.

A wide range of layout options and configurations are available to tailor the rest of the accommodation, systems and stowage on board to best suit you, your crew and your style of sailing. And throughout the boat, exquisite details, premium materials and a beautifully handcrafted finish enhance the joy of being on board.

GT6 360 experience

Want to readmore?

Interested indetails?

See the GT6development timeline

Following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Europe and the travel restrictions currently in place, the 44Cup Organising Authority has decided to cancel the 44Cup Portoroz, which would have taken place from the 22 - 26 April 2020.

The safety and well-being of the sailors and the 44Cup’s personnel is the main priority of the Class. The 44Cup Organising Authority will continue to work with its local event organisers, teams and stakeholders to monitor the situation as it develops.

SAVE THE DATE: 10. 4. – 13. 4. 2020 and
join us on the traditional Easter Season Opening Sailing Party 2020.
We will start the sailing season in 2020 with S.O.S. - active and fun sailing weekend. Like in previous years, it will include a lot of sailing, internal regattas with navigation challenges, and will be accompanied also with many fun and entertaining activities.
We welcome all sailing lovers - with partners, friends or families, regarding your sailing experience.

Start in Marina Kastela Split, CROATIA
PRICE:
295 € / person.
SPECIAL PRICE FOR JUST PERFECT SAILORS and CREWS:
275 € / person for everybody that was already present on at least one Just Perfect Y.C. sailing event.
Registrations and payments until 01. April 2020!

The price includes:
- sailing boat,
- transit log (200€ / boat)
- turist tax
- skipper,
- 1 x Just Perfect dinner
- evening socializing events and parties,
- official 8th S.O.S. CREW T-Shirt
- event organization and coordination

The price does not include:
- fuel (around 10 € / person)
- moorings (around 10 – 20 € / person)
- food and drinks expect two dinners
- transfers and parking

Program outline:
… arrival and overnight stay on the boats is possible already on Thursday 09.4. evening
- Friday, 10.4.: check in, skippers meeting ,sailing to Hvar - Sveta Nedelja, dinner in konoba
- Saturday 11.4.: skippers meeting, sailing to Korcula - Vela Luka, dinner on boats, anchor party
- Sunday, 12.4.: skippers meeting, internal regatta with navigation challenges to Hvar town Hvar, Just Perfect Y.C. dinner in konoba, party
- Monday, 13.4.: sailing back to initial marina, check out, group photo and going home

The final program is defined a few days before the event, taking into consideration the weather forecast.

Registration and more info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., + 386 51 604 395.

Sea U There!

Volvo Penta ventures into new waters by expanding its IPS propulsion system to the larger semi-displacement yachting segment with the updated D13 IPS 1350 semi-displacement (SD). The new edition Volvo Penta D13 propulsion system’s torque curve has been expertly modified to cope with higher thrust loads at slower speeds. The D13 IPS 1350 SD also has a wider speed range down to 19 knots (former 25 knots).

With this new edition D13 IPS1350 also comes the introduction of two new propellers to the Q-series – the QS4 and QS5 – both will only be allowed for use with the new D13 IPS 1350 SD.

One of the key advantages of the new edition D13 propulsion system is that a wider range of boaters can use the IPS features which were, previously, not available for larger, semi-displacement yachts. The key advantages of the Volvo Penta IPS, compared to inboard shaft installations are the increased onboard comfort, increased fuel efficiency and longer range. As an integrated marine propulsion system, the Volvo Penta IPS also delivers an intuitive onboard experience through simple joystick control. The individually steerable IPS drives – controlled by the joystick – make for ultra-responsive handling and pilot-like control when maneuvering and docking. This allows owners to navigate in tight spaces, perform tricky maneuvers and maintain outstanding stability in all sea conditions. Additionally, onboard features are integrated from the helm to the propellers, delivering a seamless experience for the driver.

“Recently, we have seen a trend of larger yachts going down in speed,” explains Björn Rönnvall, Product Manager Volvo Penta. “We wanted to be able to bring the benefits of our IPS system to these larger slower semi-displacement yachts and that is what we have achieved with this update.”

The new D13 IPS 1350 SD edition is already bringing the IPS boating dream to life for the larger yachting segment – the Absolute Navetta 73, ISA 93 Extra and the Arcadia Sherpa XL are all powered by the new edition IPS 1350 SD, as well as, the Mangusta 33 – to be unveiled this year.

“This is a great achievement both for our customers but also for Volvo Penta as a business” says Rönnvall. “We can now offer our IPS system to a wider and larger size range of yachts than ever before.”

Absolute Navetta 73 with D13 IPS 1350

Photo: Volvo Penta, www.absoluteyachts.com

Register TODAY for complimentary show entrance and to reserve your private viewing!

Elan Yachts returns in January 2020, to the Düsseldorf International Boat Show and featuring a display of our E5 and Impression 45.1 yachts in water, with what promises to be one of the most photographed stands of the show this year. 

Elan will also be previewing the NEW flagship Elan GT6, a design collaboration between Elan, Humphreys Yacht Design, and Studio F. A. Porsche. Including a 360 degree preview and a completely unique Porsche inspired display feature. 

• Be their guest at boot Düsseldorf 2020
• View their products first-hand, ask questions and get information about our range
• Discover collaboration with F A Porsche and explore the GT6 360 degree preview
• Meet the Elan factory team at Europe's  largest boat show

Be thier guest at boot Düsseldorf 

Register for show entrance and arrange a private viewing today

Elan Yachts is set to redefine the concept of the modern performance cruising yacht with the launch of a brand new 49 ft (15.2m) grand tourer, the first of which is currently in build.

The keenly anticipated Elan GT6 is the result of a three-way collaboration between Elan Yachts, Humphreys Yacht Design and Studio F A Porsche. Following on from their highly acclaimed superyacht design projects, this is the first time that Studio F A Porsche has been deeply involved in the design of a sailing yacht.

A natural, upscale evolution from Elan’s groundbreaking and successful GT5, the new GT6 is also the first yacht in its class to feature the clean, stylish silhouette of a flush deck.

Styled by Porsche to turn heads and leave a striking first impression, with an innovative hull and sail plan drawn by Humphreys for exhilarating performance and a comfortable motion at sea, the GT6 encapsulates the exclusivity and luxurious sporting spirit of the classic gran turismo concept.

Built from premium materials throughout, with Elan’s unique combination of cutting-edge composite engineering, market-leading 3D VAIL infusion technology and fine traditional craftsmanship, the GT6 is optimised for fast, medium-range offshore sailing, easy handling and luxury liveaboard cruising.

'Our powerful new flagship model offers discerning sailors all the benefits of Elan build quality and Humphreys performance with the design flair of Studio F A Porsche,’ says Marko Škrbin, Director of Marine Division at Elan. ‘With the GT6 you can sail further, faster, cruise in comfort and arrive in style.’

'The fundamental idea behind the design of Elan’s new GT6 yacht designed by Studio F. A. Porsche is to create a modern and unique sailing experience that unifies nature and technology while travelling the high seas.' says Studio F. A. Porsche.

'The yacht’s exterior focus’ on combining minimalism with dynamics, while bringing watersports closer to nature. The result is a stunning aft deck composed of sculptured volumes inspired by aero-dynamic elements used in sports cars'.

Further details and specifications of the Elan GT6 remain shrouded in secrecy but more will be revealed at Europe’s biggest boat show, Boot Düsseldorf, in January 2020. 

A brand new 47ft (14.3 m) Elan Yachts flagship model is taking shape in our shipyard under a veil of secrecy.

This groundbreaking new design is the result of a unique collaboration between our own in-house design team, the renowned naval architect Humphreys Yacht Design and – in their first-ever sailing yacht project – Studio F. A. Porsche, the product design team behind the world-famous luxury carmaker.

The BAVARIA C42 is the logical progression from the BAVARIA C-line, but has its own distinct character. A modern, innovative hull shape with chines and a V-shaped bow developed by BAVARIA YACHTS guarantee both the best sailing performance and an unusually large amount of space below deck.

The clever details that BAVARIA YACHTS is known for, both above and below deck, has been further refined in the BAVARIA C42, providing this unusual 12.38m long sailing yacht with the best of the newest innovations in yacht building.

More volume and more performance

thanks to chines and V-shaped bow

BAVARIA CHINES and BAVARIA V-shaped bow: These striking hull design characteristics not only give the BAVARIA C42 more space below deck, they also provide unusual good sailing performance. The BAVARIA CHINES ensure more stability, a longer waterline and therefore better performance and a more direct feeling when steering. But the prominent angle at the stern of the BAVARIA C42 has another advantage. It yields more space for the stern cabin, providing more comfort.

The BAVARIA V-shaped bow is narrow at the waterline and broadens towards the deck like a V. It was developed by Cossutti Yacht Design from Italy and BAVARIA YACHTS to grant more volume to the hull in the foreship. The additional volume in the bow ensures less trimming when heeling, despite the broad stern, ensuring a safer experience even in swell. And the forward cabin gives the V-shaped bow new dimensions. An iron keel with a ballast ratio of 2700kg and a total weight of just 9600kg supplies sufficient righting momentum.

Extra speed thanks to more sail area

When developing the rigging and sail plan, the development team from BAVARIA YACHTS in collaboration with Cossutti Yacht Design focussed on two aspects in particular: easy handling and above-average performance. 54 square metres of sail area for the mainsail and 47 square metres for the  genoa sail provide the BAVARIA C42 with an extra portion of power from the wind.

While sailing with the wind abeam or running before the wind, a Code 0 sail (85 square metres) and a gennaker (140 square metres) ensure maximum speed. The self-tacking jib means the easiest of handling when tacking. What’s more, it’s included in the standard version of the BAVARIA C42. In order to be able to perfectly trim the two-spreader mast on all courses, a backstay and backstay tensioner are also included in the BAVARIA C42’s basic equipment.

More space for the joy of sailing

When designing the deck layout, the BAVARIA YACHTS product management team concentrated their efforts on the essential characteristics in order to make space for an important aspect: the joy of sailing. The bow area and side deck provide an unusually large amount of space for a sailing yacht of this size.

The cockpit, with its ergonomically formed L-shaped seating bench, is also a space winner. That guarantees you a comfortable, fatigue-free seating position, whether you’re sailing close to the wind or enjoying a lavish lunch at the large cockpit table.

A new dimension of spaciousness

The innovative hull design opens up new dimensions on board the BAVARIA C42, even below deck. There are individual cabin designs available to choose from, from the luxurious two-cabin version with a generous bathroom to the comfortable three-cabin version with two head rooms.

Thanks to the V-shaped bow and the large side windows, the bow cabin doesn’t simply appear spacious; when it comes to headroom and the space on offer, it’s close to unbeatable. Owners can look forward to a real king size bed with a breadth of 1.8m and a length of 2.1m. Cupboards and abundant storage space go without saying.

Tehnical specification:

• Length overall: 12.38 m (40,6 ft)
• Length including bowsprit: 12.90 m (42,3 ft)
• Hull length: 11.98 m / 12.04 m (39,3 ft)
• Water line: 11.27 m (37 ft)
• Beam overall: 4.29 m (14,1 ft)
• Standard draught: 2.10 m (6,9 ft)
• Shallow keel draught: 1.70 m (5,6 ft)
• Standard total weight: 9678 kg (21336 lb)
• Standard ballast: 2698 kg (5948 lb)
• Sail area: 100.6 qm (1082,9 sq.ft)

At 13:15 (French time) the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre starting horn was sounded and the 118 skippers in their 59 multi-coloured boats weaved across the start line in front of Cape de la Hève, beating into 12-14 knots of north-easterly wind.

The bi-annual double-handed 4,350-mile race, the longest and toughest transat in the sailing calendar, will take them to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil.

Both IMOCA and Class40 fleets were tightly bunched, but line honours appeared to go to Bureau Vallée II(IMOCA) and Aïna Enfance and Avenir, the Class40 favourite. 

The Route de Café is a marathon not a sprint, but the start along the coast is never simple, especially when the blood is up and adrenaline flowing in front the crowds lining the pontoons, channel, beaches and coast. Not to mention the live TV audience. And, of course, the a choppy shallow sea with plenty of current against them as they race the 16 miles of coast to round the Region Normandie buoy off Étretat. The fastest among them should take a little under three hours before they turn to head west towards Cotentin under spinnaker.

There should be an intense downwind race in the Channel overnight when the wind will continue to strengthen. Through that time and the morning, as they all exit the Channel, it will be decision time as to whether to go east, west or further west. That could provide an early test of the different trajectories the latest generation foiling IMOCA may take, although Alex Thomson on Hugo Boss has said his priority is finishing not winning, especially after being helicoptered to safety when his boat capsized four years ago. Britain’s Samantha Davies, in an older boat but with hugely upgraded foils on Initiatives-Cœur, is keeping an open mind.

“Once we’re west of Ushant then we’ve got to make a decision,” she said. “I don’t want to make a decision yet because it’s not clear enough and sometimes if you decide in your head you influence yourself when you’re making further decisions. 

“We’re pretty open at the moment, (laughs) we’re going to have all the sails out on the deck to work out which one we’re going to use. We are at one with Initiatives-Cœurand super happy to be finally at sea and heading for Brazil.”

The small Class40 have the same dilemma. 

“Do we go west fully, for me there is still an option, but it’s a bit of a tricky one,” Luke Berry (Lamotte – Module Creation) said. “We’re still waiting for the info from our weather routers - you’re allowed a weather router before you start - so, we’ll make our decision sometime tonight. It’s not a (Class40) group decision, there are some that are going to go their own way and we’re not here to follow the others, but we’re not going to do lone cowboy either. It’s going to be more of downwind race out of the Channel, but it’s do we go up into the Celtic sea or not?

Britain’s Sam Goodchild, one of Berry’s main rivals, on Leyton, says that the risks and rewards are not clear.

“We don’t think we have to make our decision until tomorrow morning,” he said. “We’ve got all the ideas in our head, we don’t know what the risks and the gains are yet, it’s not as straightforward as if you go west, you break or you win, and if you go south you’re safe.”

There were emotional scenes on the pontoon before departure as the said goodbye to their friends, family and partners, except perhaps for Miranda Merron and Halvard Mabire, who are partners on both land and sea.

Jean-Baptiste Gastinne, Mayor of Le Havre, president of the urban community of Le Havre Seine Métropole

“There were a lot of emotions this morning seeing these boats go, and watching families kissing the skippers goodbye. The Bassin Paul Vatine is empty now after these ten days of festivities. The salt and spice of the Route du Café is that it is a race, an adventure, a sporting challenge and a mix of technologies. This year we can see the rapid change in sailing with these new boats with exceptional foils. The Transat Jacques Vabre Normandy Le Havre is a great event with this mix of man and machine that skippers that the skippers share in pairs.”

Juan Amat, President of JDE France

“I saw a start full of emotions. There are a mixture of feelings seeing the skippers say goodbye to their families from excitement to sadness at leaving loved ones. With all these new boats, it feels like watching a Formula 1 of the seas. All this week, the public were able to be close to the race, see the boats in their every detail and meet the skippers, which is very rare in high-level sport. I will be following the race closely, there is Virtual Regatta and we’re also having a competition internally, and I’ve also made my own little forecast, but I’m keeping that a secret.”