Yachting is a popular sport that involves sailing in large and luxurious boats, commonly known as yachts.
Racing yachts are specifically designed and built for speed and performance, and many of them have become legendary due to 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 in the yachting world.
Australia II
The first on the list is the America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II. This 12-meter yacht was built in 1982 and became the first non-American yacht to win the America’s Cup in 1983, ending the United States’ 132-year winning streak.
If you happen to be the lucky owner of a classic yacht, you’ll have to hire a reliable boat transport company to get it to your next race destination. The yacht was designed with innovative features such as a winged keel that allowed for better manoeuvrability and speed.
Australia II’s victory marked a significant moment in the history of the America’s Cup, and the yacht is still celebrated today as a symbol of Australian excellence.
Endeavour
The second yacht on the list is the J-Class yacht, Endeavour. Endeavour is a J-Class racing yacht that was built in 1934 by Camper & Nicholsons. At 130 feet in length, it is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic yachts ever built.
Endeavour competed in the 1934 America’s Cup, facing off against the famous yacht Rainbow, skippered by Harold Vanderbilt.
Although Endeavour lost the cup to Rainbow, it remains a symbol of classic yacht design and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. Endeavour has since been restored and can be seen racing in regattas around the world. Its elegant lines, luxurious interior, and rich history make it a beloved yacht among sailors and yachting enthusiasts alike.
Sayonara
Third on the list is the maxi yacht, Sayonara. This 80-foot yacht was built in 1995 and designed for offshore racing.
It set the record for the fastest yacht to sail around the world, completing the journey in just under 74 days.
Sayonara also won the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race twice and was a dominant force in the maxi yacht racing circuit in the 1990s.
Flyer
Next on the list is the Whitbread Round the World Race-winning yacht, Flyer. This 58-foot yacht was designed by the legendary yacht designer Sparkman & Stephens and skippered by Dutch sailor Conny van Rietschoten.
Flyer won the 1977-78 edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race, setting a new record for the fastest circumnavigation. The yacht’s triumph inspired a generation of Dutch sailors and made van Rietschoten a national hero.
Te Rehutai
Finally, we have the AC75 yacht, Te Rehutai. This 75-foot monohull was built for the 2021 America’s Cup and skippered by Peter Burling.
Te Rehutai was designed with innovative features such as a canting foil that allows the boat to “fly” above 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.