We ask prime sailors and marine business gurus to decide on the good yachts of our occasions. This month Will Oxley nominates the Kingfisher/Skandia
Asking WIll Oxley to select the good yacht he’s ever sailed is a troublesome alternative, as his checklist incudes Comanche, Sodebo Ultim, and the foil-assisted superyacht Raven. “It was fairly a troublesome choice,” he remembers, “however I believed again to all of the crusing I’ve accomplished, and a few of the most enjoyable I ever had was in 2005 with Brian Thompson within the Transat Jacques Vabre on board Skandia – which was, after all, extra well-known as Kingfisher.”
Skandia was an Open 60 (now IMOCA) design by Owen Clarke constructed for Ellen MacArthur’s 2000 Vendée Globe marketing campaign, through which she completed 2nd. The boat was later campaigned as Skandia by Nick Moloney, in addition to Thompson and Oxley.
The 2005 TJV was sailed at a record-breaking tempo. “I keep in mind double-handing with Brian and doing almost 100 miles in 4 hours,” says Oxley.
“This factor is tiller-steered and also you’re strapped in. You’re getting water pouring down the deck, screaming alongside, simply the 2 of you. I keep in mind it being essentially the most superb crusing I’d ever accomplished in my life at that time.”
Be sure to try our full checklist of Coolest Yachts.
Photograph: Jon Nash/OC Crusing Staff/DPPI Media/Alamy
Kingfisher/Skandia stats score
High velocity: 30+ knotsLOA: 18.28m/60ftLaunched: 2000Berths: 1-2Price: (construct price) £50,000Adrenalin issue: 80%
Will Oxley
Will Oxley is likely one of the world’s greatest offshore navigators, and has sailed a few of the most enjoyable ocean race yachts ever constructed. Since skippering an entry within the 2000 BT International Problem, he has gone on to work on 4 Volvo Ocean Race campaigns, in addition to Maxis, superyachts, and successful lots of the bluewater basic races.
Should you loved this….
Yachting World is the world’s main journal for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Each month now we have inspirational adventures and sensible options that will help you realise your crusing goals.
Construct your data with a subscription delivered to your door. See our newest provides and save not less than 30% off the quilt worth.
Observe: We might earn a fee once you purchase by hyperlinks on our web site, at no further price to you. This doesn’t have an effect on our editorial independence.
Source link
