The Volvo Open 70 (sometimes referred to as a Volvo Ocean 70) is the current class of racing yachts designed for the Volvo Ocean Race. It was first used in the 2005-2006 race (replacing the Volvo Ocean 60 yachts which were first used in 1993) and use a Canting keel which is capable of canting transversely up to an angle of 40 degrees. According to the VO70 rule, the yachts can be made from glass fibres, aramid fibres, or carbon fibres (which were not allowed for the VO60’s).
Version 2 of the VO70 rule which “has been further developed to apply the lessons learned on the last event and ensure the continuing evolution of this outstanding class” was released in September 2006.[1]
Contents |
Measurements
| Attribute | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length Overall | 21.5m | 70.5' |
| Beam | 5.7m | 18.7' |
| Draft | 4.5m | 14.7' |
| Mast | 31.5m | 103.3' |
| Displacement | 14,000kg | 30,870lb |
| Ballast | 7,400kg | 16,320lb |
| Mainsail | 175m² | 1,883sq' |
| Storm Jib | 35m² | 376sq' |
| Jib | 94m² | 1,011sq' |
| Spinnaker (Masthead) | 500m² | 5,381sq' |
| Spinnaker (Fractional Rig) | 350m² | 3,767sq' |
| Storm Trysail | 41m² | 441sq' |
Current Record
In October 2008 the yacht Ericsson 4 officially travelled 596.6 nautical miles in 24 hours.
Skipper Torben Grael and his crew made the record on the first leg of the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race. They sailed Ericsson 4 hard as a strong cold front hit the fleet, bringing winds approaching 40 knots, and propelling the yacht at an average speed of 24.8 knots.[2]
Past Records
In April 2005, the VO70 ‘movistar’ broke the 24 hour world monohull speed record when she sailed 530 nautical miles.[3]. In 2006 "ABN AMRO TWO" broke that record when she sailed 562.96 nautical miles.[4]
Pictures
 Ericsson 3 and 4 |
 Puma and Green Dragon |
 Delta Lloyd |
 Telefonica Black |
References
External links
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