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© Daniel Forster

Comanche

Launched in September 2014 for owner Jim Clark, Comanche’s design derives from studies of the IMOCA monohulls Macif and Banque Populaire, first and second in the 2012 Vendée Globe respectively. She differs from her closest 100’ rivals by her considerable beam, her mast stepped well aft and her boom ending directly above the transom. This configuration allows her to have a sail plan with a high aspect ratio.

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© Daniel Forster

The cockpit is set up for manual rather than hydraulic line controls, thus saving on weight. The hull features very powerful lines, while her draught is at the extreme limit of what most docks are able to accommodate (6.80 m). Low freeboard and lateral ballast tanks also contribute to lowering considerably her centre of gravity, thus increasing power. Comanche was designed for speed and breaking records, prioritizing line honours victories over handicap wins.

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© Daniel Forster

She more than achieved this goal with three victories in the Sydney–Hobart (2015 with Ken Read at the helm, 2017 and 2019), as well as setting the 24 hour distance record in 2015 (620 nautical miles) and the fastest North Atlantic crossing with a crew in 2017 (5 days, 14 hours).

Launched

2014

Category

Prototype

Architect

VPLP Design /
Verdier

Builder

Hodgdon Yachts (USA)

Materials

carbon

Length

30,45 m

Beam

8 m

Draft

6,8 m

Air Draft

48 m

Propulsion

Sail

Sail Area

760 m² / 1100 m²

Award

2015: 1st in the Fastnet Race

2015: Monohull 24 Hour Distance Record, 620 nautical miles

2015,2017 and 2019: 1st in the Sydney–Hobart

2016: Monohull Transatlantic Sailing Record, 5d 14h 21m 25s

Sun Fast 30 One Design

Paragon

Réalités