44Cup Worlds Brunnen: Launch of Two New RC44s on the Water
44Cup Worlds Brunnen: Two New RC44s Set to Compete
21-25 August 2024
In the world of yacht racing, traditional materials like wood, fiberglass, and Kevlar used to suffer from stiffness loss after years of intense use. This challenge has largely been resolved with the introduction of modern materials such as carbon fiber, epoxy, and space-age cores, significantly improving the longevity and performance of racing yachts.
The RC44 is a prime example of these advancements. Most of the current RC44 fleet was launched over 15 years ago, with notable boats like Vladimir Prosikhin’s Team Nika (hull #10) and Igor Lah’s Team Ceeref Vaider (hull #11) dating back to the class’s inception in 2007. Their impressive standings—first and third, respectively—in the 2024 44Cup season ranking highlight the outstanding design and build quality of the RC44, crafted by Pauger Carbon Composites in Hungary.
The RC44 fleet’s slow churn has led to a notable hiatus in new boat launches; the last one, Christian Zuerrer’s Black Star Sailing Team (hull #27), debuted in 2022, while Torbjörn Törnqvist’s Artemis Racing (hull #26) was introduced back in 2014. Recently, owners Chris Bake, John Bassadone, and Torbjörn Törnqvist collaborated to invest in the class by commissioning the construction of two brand new RC44s. Built by Pauger in strict adherence to one-design rules, these new boats—Team Aqua (hull #28) and Peninsula Racing (hull #29)—have now been launched and are ready to compete at the 44Cup’s 2024 World Championship in Brunnen, Switzerland.
“Chris [Bake], Torbjörn [Törnqvist], and I decided to order two boats with the goal of expanding the fleet,” shared Peninsula Racing’s John Bassadone. “The fleet is in good shape, but availability of boats has been an issue. Our initiative to build these new vessels aims at getting more teams involved in the class.” Team Aqua has a celebrated history, having won the World Championship in 2019 and 2021, while Peninsula Racing currently holds sixth place in the 2024 44Cup after being the runner-up in Marstand last year and clinching the World Championship title in 2012.
As both teams begin this season, the impact of their new boats on performance remains to be seen. Bassadone emphasizes that improvement will hinge on ongoing hard work rather than simply the introduction of new vessels: “If we are improving, it’s not necessarily due to having a new boat; it’s about putting in effort and avoiding mistakes. In this class, a single error can set you back significantly, regardless of the boat.”
Both Team Aqua and Peninsula Racing have expressed gratitude towards their shore teams for their dedication in preparing the new RC44s for championship racing. Cameron Appleton, tactician for Team Aqua, noted the owners’ commitment to fostering new teams by providing access to their boats: “We are gaining traction and it would be remarkable to see the fleet grow. We’re targeting 12 to 13 boats racing together, which would be an exciting development.”
Vasco Vascotto, tactician for Peninsula Racing, added: “The effort to get our new boat ready has been tremendous. While it’s not perfect yet, it’s an exciting prospect for the future. Having available boats will undoubtedly help grow the class. We know that starting with a new boat isn’t an automatic advantage, but we are determined to excel.”
For amateurs interested in an affordable entry into the competitive world of keelboat racing, this is an opportune moment. With two fully equipped, turnkey RC44s ready to hit the water, there’s a chance to experience top-tier racing and teamwork.
Learn more about the RC44 class and upcoming events by visiting www.44cup.org.
Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.