Built by Premier Composite Technologies (PCT), Dubai and designed by Shaun Carkeek, this sleek new 60 footer is a new breed of ultra-light displacement race boat, intended to win this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

 

The brief to PCT and Carkeek Design was for a potential Rolex Sydney Hobart race winner and the boat had to arrive exactly on schedule to allow Allen's team time to commission the boat and work her up ahead of the blue water classic. The whole design and build program has taken seven months.

 

The decision to go with PCT may have been taken subconsciously by Matt Allen some years ago, as this is the third boat that PCT has built for this experienced ocean racer.

 

Lead by PCT's experienced project leader Neil Cox (formerly of Camper), the boat came together more smoothly and efficiently than expected, given its complexity. This has provided Allen's team with four weeks to work up the boat and fine tune her ahead of the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

 

The Carkeek 60 is designed for long offshore races like the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, but is also designed to be fleet of foot on shorter inshore courses.

 

Perhaps part of the success so far has been down to the simplicity that is at the heart of the design process, with simple appendages and a deep hull shape providing stability and power.

 

The rig design is ultra-high modulus from Southern Spars and Carkeek Design and PCT worked closely with North Sails and Southern Spar on the rig and sail optimization to ensure synergy between all the elements.

 

Down bleow, the boat is uncluttered not least for safety considerations when offshore and in big seas. The deck layout was designed in parallel to the interior ensuring easy and quick access to all areas. Sail handling is consequently much improved and the open nature of the structure mean string drop systems for inshore racing were easily incorporated. There is a frugal two burner stove and galley as well as ample storage aft of the saloon. The four pip-costs in the saloon and the two further rows of four aft, bring the total "accommodation" onboard to 12, although how much time the crew will get to spend lying down remains to be seen.

 

On time, built to a high standard and on the water, Ichi Ban is clearly leading the way so far. Long may that continue now under race conditions and with the full team onboard.

 

By Premier Composite Technologies