THE CLIPPER 70

General information:

Length: 23m (70' feet)

Width: 5.65m (18'6 feet)

Draft (depth): 3m (9'1 feet)

Mast Height: 29m (95' feet)

Mainsail area: 123,19m2 (1326' feet)

Displacement: 31 700 kg

Bulk Keel: 12 000 kg 

EXTERIOR (Hull and Deck)

The hull and deck are of a sandwich construction using glass fibre, epoxy resins and structural foam. 

More commonly called Foam Reinforced Plastic (FRP), this construction method is light, stiff and proven to produce an incredibly strong and safe hull. 

Their construction utilises lessons learnt from previous races, employing well-proven composite construction materials and methods. Modern features have been included within the design of the hull which, along with the twin rudders, give improved directional stability when heeling, provide the helm with more control and achieve a faster ride.

The deck layout provides a well-designed environment for the crew to perform in. Eleven Harken winches, including the primaries controlled by twin three-speed coffee grinders, will swiftly bring the sails under control. Jammers and organizers have been located in easy-to-operate locations allowing crew to swiftly change settings. 

The mainsheet has been placed further aft in the cockpit, permitting a better level of communication between the crew as they undertake the various evolutions during tacks, gybes, hoists and drops. 

The aluminum mast towers 95-feet above the waterline and is rigged using tried and trusted materials and methods to further improve overall safety. Mast-mounted instruments provide the crew with immediate feedback on sail trimming and boat speed.

The design provides total control in the heaviest of conditions, ensuring not only high speeds, but also safety for the yacht and crew.

INTERIOR

Below deck is a stripped-out interior with 24 bunks, a state-of-the-art navigation station and a simple galley. Watertight bulkheads and doors are strategically located to provide compartmentalization in case of flooding.

The navigation station is placed towards the stern, providing a closer link between the navigator and helmsman. It is equipped with all the latest navigation electronics, navigation computers and cutting-edge satellite communications. This area of the yacht will provide the skipper and media crew member on board an ideal working space. GRIB weather files will be studied and courses mapped on the navigation computer while photos, diaries and videos will be edited and sent back to race headquarters using a powerful marine computer.

The engine, a Perkins M165 of 130 horsepower, and generator are mounted behind the companionway steps. Their mid-ship position brings increased stability and balance to the hull and also keep all the ancillaries and electrical components in one maintenance-friendly area.

Centrally, just aft of the mast, sits a simple horseshoe-shaped galley, which feeds in to communal area. This is where crew briefings and all-important meal times can take place. Crew accommodation runs from the stern forwards in a series of double bunks and stops short of a watertight bulkhead towards the front third of the boat. Ahead of this is a large compartment for storing sails, with the main hatch located directly above.