Sailing is a popular sport that involves sailing in large and luxurious boats, commonly known as yachts.
Racing yachts are designed and built specifically for speed and performance, and many of them have become legendary because of their history and achievements.
These boats have won numerous prestigious races and set records that have stood the test of time. Here are five of the most famous racing yachts that have made an impact on the yachting world.
Australia II
First on the list is America’s Cup winning yacht Australia II. This 12 meter yacht was built in 1982 and was the first non-American yacht to win the America’s Cup 1983ending the United States’ 132-year winning streak.
If you are the lucky owner of a classic yacht, you need to rent a reliable one boat transport company to take it to your next racing destination. The yacht was designed with innovative features such as a winged keel that allowed better maneuverability and speed.
Australia II’s victory was a significant moment in America’s Cup history and the yacht is still celebrated today as a symbol of Australian excellence.
Make an effort
The second yacht on the list is the J class yacht, Make an effort. Endeavor is a J class racing yacht built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1934. At 130 feet long, she is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic yachts ever built.
Endeavor competed in the 1934 America’s Cup, competing against the famous yacht Rainbow, which was skippered by Harold Vanderbilt.
Though Endeavor lost the trophy to Rainbow, it remains a symbol of classic yacht design and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. Endeavor has since been restored and can be seen racing around the world. Its elegant lines, luxurious interior and rich history make it a popular yacht among sailors and yachting enthusiasts.
Sayonara
Third on the list is the maxi yacht Sayonara. This 80ft yacht was built in 1995 and designed for offshore racing.
It set the record for the fastest yacht to circumnavigate the world, completing the voyage in just under 74 days.
Sayonara also won the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race twice and was a dominant force on the maxi yacht racing circuit in the 1990s.
flyers
Next on the list is winning the Whitbread Round the World Race yacht, Flyers. This 58ft yacht was designed by legendary yacht designers Sparkman & Stephens and helmed by Dutch sailor Conny van Rietschoten.
Flyer won the 1977-78 edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race, setting a new record for fastest circumnavigation of the world. The triumph of the yacht inspired a generation of Dutch sailors and made van Rietschoten a national hero.
Te Rehutai
Finally, we have the AC75 yacht Te Rehutai. This 75ft monohull was built for the 2021 America’s Cup and helmed by Peter Burling.
Te Rehutai was designed with innovative features such as a tilting foil that allows the boat to “fly” over the water and reach high speeds.
The yacht’s performance in the Cup was impressive, winning six out of nine races and leading Team New Zealand to their fourth America’s Cup victory.
