Vendée Globe

This week, the British yachtsman, Alex Thomson sailed his new Open 60 for the first time. Faster and more powerful than her predecessor, the innovative new HUGO BOSS looks like no other on the Open 60 circuit.

Designed by Finot-Conq over an 18-month period to be a top competitor in the 2008 Vendée Globe 2008, the project was managed by Jason Carrington and her build began in October 2006 at Hutton’s Boatyard in Lymington. After a comprehensive campaign of tank testing, CFD and routing simulation, the bulding took 26,000 man-hours. Despite being notably lighter, the monohull built of pre-preg carbon and Kevlar honeycomb is significantly wider and therefore more powerful than her predecessor. As for her look, the twin coach roofs give her a unique stylish appearance, with the two steering wheels behind, which offers greater protection for the helmsman and excellent visibility while driving. Her canting keel was built by Multiplast in France.
The skipper’s first reactions: "Jason, Neville and the team have done a superb job on the build and the Finot-Conq design team is one of unrivalled pedigree with in excess of 30,000 boats to its name, including four out of five winning Vendée Globe boats. It’s fantastic to finally get out on the water and see what this new racing machine is capable of.”
Hugo Boss will first race during Cowes Week and in the Fastnet Race this summer.


Specifications


Architect: Finot-Conq

LWL: 18.28 m

LOA: 20.1 m

Beam: 5.5m

Draft: 4.5 m

Displacement: 8000kg

Height of mast: 27m

Sail area upwind: 300 m²

Sail area downwind: 550 m²

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