The class, which will appear as the Volvo Extreme 40, is a strict one-design catamaran that has been purposely designed and built to race inshore and short offshore regattas. The concept is simple, it is easy to sail, lightweight, easily transportable and like the Volvo Open 70’s that will compete in the race, it is at the forefront of sailing technology.

Created and designed by Olympic Tornado champions Mitch Booth, who has represented both Australia and the Netherlands at Olympic competition, and French Olympic gold medal winner Yves Loday, the boat has been created to fill the gap in grand prix sailboat racing. It is a new generation of mid sized catamaran sure to set the standard for exciting inshore sailing with ‘action’ at the forefront of the designer’s mind.

The boats are guaranteed to catch the eye as the 40 ft catamaran is expected to reach boat speeds of 35 knots in flat water in around 25 knots of wind and to fly one hull in as little as 6 knots of wind.

The race series will be launched in the forthcoming months and will attract some of the world’s top sailors and provide audiences all around the globe with an exciting spectacle. The boats will be crewed by four sailors who will be joined by one non-participant, which is likely to be a media guest, celebrity or VIP, enabling them to enjoy the experience first-hand.

Herbert Dercksen, Chief Executive of the new class, said, “By the end of this summer we aim to have a fleet of at least five boats. Three sponsors have already signed up and the first boat will be hitting the water at the beginning of July. Within a year the class is expected to have up to ten boats and I am sure we will see some great racing during the series.” 

Glenn Bourke, Chief Executive Volvo Ocean Race commented, “The introduction of the Volvo Extreme grand prix 40 series is an exciting addition to our in-port race entertainment package. Can you imagine just how thrilling it will be with these boats flying a hull just feet away from the spectator gallery? The design characteristics of the boats will ensure stiff competition - and an up close and personal experience for those fortunate enough to secure a ‘guest’ spot on board.”

Further information on the class can be found on the website www.VolvoExtreme40.org

Volvo Extreme 40 Fact Sheet

LOA 40 ft Beam Max 23 ft Mast Height (2 part mast – 100 kg) 62 ft Main Area 75m² Jib Area 25m² Gennaker Area 78m² Displacement (including safety & engine) 1250 kg Top Speed 40 kts. 4 crew + 1 non participant

The boat was designed and created by the Olympic Tornado catamaran champions Yves Loday (FRA) and Mitch Booth (AUS/NED). The specially designed hull size and two part mast allows the boat to fit in a 40 ft shipping container on its own road trailer. The combined weight of the boat and trailer is approximately 2000 kg. To construct; the hulls slide out on telescopic arms on the trailer to 7m wide ready for the beams to be bolted on. The beam is attached with 8 bolts. The mast is erected by using the boom and winching the mast up. After the trampoline has been hooked on, the boat can be launched on the trailer. There is no need for a crane for standing the mast or launching the boat. You just need a ramp 8m wide and you are on your way. The rigging time from container to sailing is around 5-6 hrs for a crew of 3. The boat is fitted with two motors to allow manoeuvring in harbours or marinas. The hull shape has been produced by milling at one of the best aeronautic and race car facilities in France. The moulds were produced by Heol composites, which are one of the leaders in high tech boat construction. The boat will be produced in an Autoclave from Carbon Fibre and Nomex core. This technology is normally reserved for aircraft construction or F1 car racing with limited use in yacht mast construction. The Autoclave is a pressurised oven that allows a much greater vacuum on the laminate and then baked at 120 degrees Celsius, which produces the ultimate high strength lightweight structure. The Volvo Extreme 40 will be the largest boat ever built in Autoclave and will set the new standard in mid size multihull construction. Further information can be found at www.volvoextreme40.org. High-resolution images can be downloaded from the site using the following information, username: press password: vx40. ;

Source: Sacha Oswald - Volvo Ocean Race -Travelling Press Officer