The last thing anyone thinks when looking at single-handed sailors in the Vendée Globe non-stop round the world race is that this might be comfortable and relaxing. However, combining the fastest possible yacht design with the demands of cruising is in vogue. Knierim Yachtbau, from the Deutsche Yachten working group, is now building a FC3 53 designed by the successful IMOCA Open 60 designers Finot-Conq at Kiel.
The boat, 17.33 metres long, looks like a racer, but for extended two-handed sailing and racing is still luxurious enough for its crew to dispense with packet soups. The Kiel-based shipyard is presenting the plans on the boat in Düsseldorf from January 17th to 25th in Exhibition Hall 7a on stand F02.
