tallest mast on a sailboat

World’s two tallest masts of sailing yacht Salute and superyacht M5 serviced by Marine Results

• Inspiration

Related News

Popular news this week, popular news this month, latest news.

• Yacht Charter & Superyacht News >

Written by Chelsea Smith

Marine Results, an international rigging and structural inspection company has just carried out service work on the masts of sailing yacht M5 and superyacht Salute – two of the world’s tallest masts.  Marine Results inspected the rig of fast cruising sloop Salute which has the world’s tallest aluminium mast at a towering 75 metres.  But even that measurement was dwarfed by the next project on the schedule, that of the giant 89 metres high rig belonging to the 75m yacht M5 (ex Mirabella) .  Sailing yacht M5 is not only the world’s largest sailing sloop but she has the world’s tallest carbon rig.

Marine Results personnel work on the gigantic M5 sailing yacht mast.

“We have worked extensively with both yachts since they were launched,” comments Jon Morris of Marine Results. “Following completion of the two most recent projects we reflected that we had just carried out work on the world’s two largest rigs in their particular construction category.  We are pretty proud of that achievement and the way that it illustrates our capabilities.”

In the case of the 56m Perini Navi yacht Salute, Marine Results carried out an extensive inspection after the team un-stepped the rig at the Perini Navi yard in La Spezia, where she was originally built.  Marine Results then worked with Perini’s mast division to complete the inspection on the mast and rigging systems. Marine Results specialises in a range of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to check for concealed stressing and damage.

The second of the two record breakers, the M5 yacht had her mast pulled out as part of a substantial one-year refit at Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall.  Marine Results was called in to unstep the rig prior to an extensive modification programme which is expected to last until the end of 2012.

“Unstepping the rig was no small job,” said Morris. “The rig weighs a colossal 46 tonnes. To give you an idea of the size of the job, when we removed the boom vang, this alone was 9.5 metres long and weighed 900 kg.

“One of our strengths is our ability to deploy our teams around the world to carry out service work on dozens of the world’s most advanced racing and cruising superyachts,” concludes Jon Morris.  Marine Results is based in Hamble, England and La Ciotat, France .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "World’s two tallest masts of sailing yacht Salute and superyacht M5 serviced by Marine Results".

• Charity & Fund Raising
• CharterWorld News
• Classic Yachts
• Coronavirus
• Cruise Ship
• Ecological Yachts
• Expedition Yachts
• Expert Broker Advice
• Feature Superyachts
• Interior Design
• Legal & VAT Yacht Issues
• Luxury Catamarans
• Luxury Gulet
• Luxury Phinisi
• Luxury Trimarans
• Luxury Yacht Design
• Luxury Yachts
• Marinas & Harbours
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Electronics
• Marine Equipment
• Mega Yachts
• Modern Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• New Launch Yachts
• New To Charter
• Open Style Sports Yachts
• Private Jets
• Sailing Yachts
• Social Media
• Sports Yachts
• Superyacht Crew
• Superyacht Photographers
• Superyacht Products & Supplies
• Superyacht Refits
• Superyacht Reviews
• Superyachts
• Uncategorized
• Yacht Builders
• Yacht Charter
• Yacht Charter Destinations
• Yacht Charter Picks
• Yacht Charter Specials
• Yacht Delivered to Owner
• Yacht Designers
• Yacht Events & Boat Shows
• Yacht Fashion
• Yacht Industry News
• Yacht Photos
• Yacht Racing
• Yacht Racing & Regattas
• Yacht Safety Equipment
• Yacht Support Vessels
• Yacht Tenders
• Yacht Videos
• Yachting Associations
• Yachting Awards
• Yachting Business
• Yachts For Charter
• Yachts For Sale

Quick Enquiry

Superyacht news:.

Email Your Yachting News to: news @ charterworld.com

Perini Navi

SPIRIT OF THE Cs

Sailing yacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) leaves Pendennis after comprehensive refit

Successful sea trials for Ron Holland-designed mega yacht M5

Sailing yacht M5’s 89m mast re-stepped at Pendennis by Marine Results

Refit of the 75m superyacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) at Pendennis well underway

39m sailing yacht LINNEA AURORA launched by SES Yachts

MYBA Charter Show 2025 venue announcement

44m charter yacht JEMS offers 9 days for the price of 7 in August in Italy

Mengi Yay announce the launch of 48m superyacht SERENISSIMA I – the first hull in their S1 range

A first look at 55m superyacht PROJECT AGNETHA from Heesen Yachts

Contemporary motor sailing yacht REPOSADO has been delivered and is now available for charter throughout Croatia

53m motor yacht MAIA launched by Radez in Croatia

A dream yacht charter in the Mediterranean awaits on 65m luxury superyacht ZAZOU

Luxury mega yacht ROCINANTE seen on sea trials after refit at Lurssen shipyard

76m superyacht CORAL OCEAN offering charter special in the West Mediterranean

The Monaco Yacht Show 2024: a dazzling display of the best superyachts in the world and much more …

66m Benetti motor yacht IRYNA hits water in Italy

Explore the Western Mediterranean aboard 27m luxury yacht DANIDA

Tallest mast on a sailing ship

Average Sailboat Mast Height

‍ Sailboat masts are known to be quite tall, but how tall do they get? The answer varies on rig type, boat size, and design attributes.

Small sailboats, under 20 feet in length, rarely have masts taller than 20 ft or shorter than 8 ft. Sailboats between 20 and 30 feet have masts up to 30 feet tall, and large 40+ foot sailboats often have masts that exceed 50 feet in height.

In this article, we'll cover the average mast height of various sailboats based on length, and we'll also provide a typical height range. Additionally, we'll compare mast height by rig type. Finally, we'll cover the benefits and disadvantages of tall and short masts.

We sourced the information used in this article from sailboat design guides and the sailing community. Additionally, we analyzed several boats from each length category to determine average mast heights.

Table of contents

‍ Why are Mast Heights Different?

If you spend enough time around marinas, you'll undoubtedly notice the numerous masts that tower high above seemingly minuscule boats. Some are tall and thin, some are short and fat—and many are somewhere in between. So why do sailboat mast heights differ so much?

There are a lot of factors that contribute to mast height, not the least of which is boat size. Obviously, boats need a sail plan proportionate to their length, beam, and displacement in order to be efficient. The type of sail plan varies based on what the boat is used for.

Different rigs use different mast heights, even if the boat underneath is exactly the same. Let's assume we have two identical 30-foot boats. One has a tall mast and a triangular Bermuda rig, while another has a shorter mast with a four-sided rig.

The four-sided sail has a much greater area per foot of height than the triangular sail, so the mast doesn't need to be quite as high. Additionally, shorter masts can be thicker and stay within the same weight limits as a taller mast, so they can be thicker and stronger.

Average Mast Height by Sailboat Length

Now, we'll look at the average mast heights of sailboats by their overall length. We're not considering rig type beyond the fact that the majority of modern sailboats are Bermuda-rigged sloops—we'll get into that later. Here are some averages based on popular sailboats.

As you can see, the average mast height is highly dependent on the length of a sailboat. Most vessels have triangular rigs, which require a taller mast. It also seems as though mast height isn't usually far from the overall length of the boat, at least on tall single-masted vessels.

Why do Racing Sailboats Have Tall Masts?

Racing sailboats are known for their crazy mast heights and long, thin sails. There's a very simple reason for this, and it has to do with efficiency and drag. A taller and thinner sail is much more efficient for speed than a shorter and fatter sail. The same goes with the dimensions of the hull, as fast boats tend to be long and slender.

The science behind sail design is ancient and fascinating. In the 21st century, where the boat market values speed and agility, tall masts with thin triangular rigs are becoming increasingly popular. Short-masted vessels, once a key component of working offshore, are more durable but less common.

Average Mast Height of Multi-Masted Sailboats

Having multiple masts has distinct advantages, especially for cruising. Multi-masted sailboats are some of the best offshore cruisers ever built, and they are also remarkably durable. One of the main benefits of having multiple masts is that it adds a level of redundancy and increases your ability to finely control the vessel.

Multi-masted sailboats almost always have shorter and thicker masts when compared to similar single-masted vessels. Sailboats with four-sided mainsails, such as many classical schooners, are a particularly extreme example of this.

Gaff-rigged schooner masts are significantly shorter than triangular rig masts, sometimes more than 10 to 20% shorter. It's often the case that these vessels have a topmast that can be raised or lowered to add a triangular topsail, further increasing the area of the large four-sided sail plan.

What Sailboat Rigs Have Tall Masts?

Bermuda rigged sailboats (also known as Marconi rigged sailboats) are the most common tall-masted boats. Triangular rigs are tall because their sail area decreases as it moves up the sail, so they make up for it by adding height.

Fully-rigged ships also have very tall masts. These are the traditional sailing ships that are quite literally called 'tall ships' in the sailing community. They have multiple sails on each mast when fully deployed, and they usually have three or more masts and multiple headsails.

What Sailboat Rigs Have Short Masts?

The gaff rig is a common and classic sailboat rig that uses traditionally shorter masts. The gaff rig uses a square mainsail, which has more lateral area than a triangular mainsail. These vessels often deploy a topsail with or without a mast extension called a topmast.

The lateen rig is also famously simple and short-masted. It uses a triangular sail with spars that fly at an angle to the mast. It is an ancient sailing rig that was extremely common in the early days of civilization, and it served workboats across the world for centuries.

Are Shorter Masts Stronger?

Short masts can be stronger, but they aren't always. It depends on the design of the craft and is more dependent on rig type than the size of the mast itself. The strongest masts are found on gaff-rigged vessels. They are usually short and thick and traditionally made of wood.

The strength of the mast isn't so important when everything is working properly. It begins to matter in the event of a failure, like a broken stay.

A gaff-rigged vessel with a typical mast has a good chance of surviving a snapped stay as the mast can support itself. A Bermuda-rigged vessel, more likely than not, could lose its mast immediately after the standing rigging goes down.

What are Masts Made Of?

Masts are made of many different materials. Traditionally, wood was the mast material of choice. It was strong and lasted a very long time if maintained. Through the production sailboat era, when boatbuilders switched from wood to fiberglass for hulls, sailboat masts were mostly made of aluminum.

Today's high-tech racing sailboats have many more options to choose from. Composite materials, such as carbon fiber, are increasingly common due to their astounding strength-to-weight ratio. Alloy masts are also fairly common. Steel masts exist, but their use is usually confined to small sailboats and dinghies.

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Largest Sailing Yachts in the World (with Price & Owners)

In this list of the largest sailing yachts in the world, you'll discover the top 20 remarkable ones, from the groundbreaking Sailing Yacht A at 469 feet to Jeff Bezos' massive Y721 (aka Koru) that spans 416 feet. The owners of these magnificent yachts are often influential figures in various industries, such as technology, finance, and real estate.

Sailing Yacht "A", the largest sailing yacht in the world, is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who also owns Mikhail S. Vorontsov and Hetairos. Other large sailing yachts are:

• Black Pearl
• Maltese Falcon
• Sea Eagle II

The yachting industry is bound to keep evolving and pushing the limits of what's possible. Who knows, maybe by 2024, the new Somnio "yacht-liner" might redefine our concept of luxury sailing altogether. For now, let's get to know more about these 20 sailing yachts, their prices, and their owners.

• Sailing Yacht "A", built in 2015, is worth $600 million. It can accommodate 20 guests and 54 crew members.
• The largest sailing yacht was designed by Philippe Starck and built by the German shipyard Nobiskrug.
• Andrey Melnichenko is a prominent figure in the worlds of business, yachting, and philanthropy.
• Top-notch industry players such as Oceanco, Lürssen, Royal Huisman, and Vitters Shipyard are known for their attention to detail and form-function balance, which could potentially increase the yacht's price.

On this page:

20 largest sailing yachts, the largest sailing yacht in the world, world's largest yacht is owned by....

Sailing Yacht A — 142.81M (468.6 Ft.)

You may have heard of Sailing Yacht A, a luxurious superyacht measuring 143 meters in length. Owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, this yacht is famous for its blend of modern design and cutting-edge technology. Its price is estimated to be around $500 million.

Sailing Yacht "A" is unique for its futuristic design, which includes a towering masts that are among the tallest in the world, a curved hull, and a striking all-black exterior. The yacht also features a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system that allows it to sail silently and efficiently under wind power, as well as a range of luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool, a helipad, and a spa.

Koru — 127M (416 Ft.)

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns the breathtaking Oceanco's record-breaking 127-meter sailing yacht, Koru. This sailing giant was built in the Netherlands in 2023.

Koru is unique for its custom design, which was created by the renowned naval architect Ron Holland and features a sleek and modern exterior with clean lines and a metallic silver finish. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Sea Cloud — 109.5M (359 Ft.)

At 109.52 meters, the elegant Sea Cloud is a breathtaking four-masted sailing ship built in 1931. It operates primarily as a luxurious charter yacht, providing guests with a unique, unforgettable experience.

Sea Cloud is unique for its historic charm and elegance, having been built in 1931 as a private yacht for a wealthy American couple. The yacht has since been restored and converted into a luxury cruise ship, but still retains many of its original features, including a wooden deck, brass fittings, and period furnishings. Sea Cloud also offers a unique sailing experience, with guests able to help hoist the sails and steer the ship.

Black Pearl — 106.7M (350 Ft.)

The eco-friendly Black Pearl, measuring 106.7 meters in length, boasts state-of-the-art DynaRig technology and holds the title of the world's largest sailing yacht, at least, when it comes to sail area.

Black Pearl is unique for its advanced technology and cutting-edge design, including a revolutionary DynaRig sail system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that can switch seamlessly between diesel and electric power. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa.

Eos — 93M (305 Ft.)

The stunning 92.92-meter sailing yacht Eos has a classic design and high-performance capabilities. Owned by American fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and American businessman Barry Diller, it is one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world.

Eos is unique for its size and spacious interior, which includes a range of luxurious amenities such as a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. The yacht also features a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a classic and elegant design with traditional features such as wooden decks and brass fittings.

Athena — 90M (295 Ft.)

Athena, an impressive 90-meter superyacht, includes five en-suite cabins, a gym, and a library. Built by Royal Huisman, this classic schooner combines luxury with deep sea exploration capabilities.

Athena is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the famous J-class yachts of the 1930s. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Athena also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, a gym, and a library.

Maltese Falcon — 88M (289 Ft.)

You'll be amazed by the innovative Maltese Falcon, a 88-meter sailing yacht. It features a revolutionary DynaRig system and is owned by Greek socialite Elena Ambrosiadou.

Maltese Falcon is unique for its innovative DynaRig sail system, which allows for efficient and flexible sailing without the need for traditional sails and rigging. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a unique interior design that combines modern and traditional elements.

Aquijo — 85.9M (282 Ft.)

The 85-meter superyacht Aquijo is the perfect example of elegance and high-performance on the water. With an impressive interior, it offers the ultimate sailing experience.

Aquijo is unique for its large size and spacious interior, which includes a main salon with a double-height ceiling, a full-size bar, and a dining area that can seat up to 20 guests. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a unique hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Sea Eagle II — 81M (266 Ft.)

The 81-meter Sea Eagle II, built by Royal Huisman, features a plumb bow, an exceptional sailing performance, and spacious interiors.

Sea Eagle II is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the historic tall ships of the 19th century. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Sea Eagle II also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

M5 — 78.4M (257.2 Ft.)

Owned by American businessman Rodney Lewis, the 75-meter M5 is a luxurious yacht built by Southern Ocean Marine with impressive sailing capabilities.

M5 is unique for its advanced sail system, which includes a set of high-tech carbon-fiber sails that can be adjusted automatically to optimize performance and efficiency. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a sleek and modern interior design with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.

Enigma — 74.5M (244 Ft.)

Enigma, formerly known as Phocea, is a 75-meter sailing yacht known for her sleek profile and extraordinary speed capabilities.

Enigma is unique for its sleek and modern design, which includes a striking silver exterior and a minimalist interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Badis I — 70M (230 Ft.)

Badis 1, a 70.8-meter sailing yacht, boasts a stunning aluminum hull, a powerful rig, and a luxurious interior accommodating up to 12 guests.

Badis I is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the famous J-class yachts of the 1930s. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Badis I also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

Vertigo — 67.2M (220 Ft.)

Famed for its contemporary design, Vertigo is a 67-meter sailing yacht built by Alloy Yachts. With impressive features and an award-winning interior, it's a dream come true for sailing enthusiasts.

Vertigo is unique for its striking and modern design, which includes a sleek and minimalist exterior and a spacious and comfortable interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Hetairos — 66.7M (219 Ft.)

Hetairos, owned by a Russian billionaire, is a 66.7-meter high-performance sailing yacht. With an advanced composite hull, it promises excellent speed and luxurious amenities.

Hetairos is unique for its advanced composite construction, which makes it one of the fastest and most efficient sailing yachts in the world. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a striking black and silver exterior design.

Adix — 65.5M (215 Ft.)

The 65.5-meter three-masted schooner Adix is a beautiful sailing yacht known for its timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

Adix is unique for its classic design and traditional sailing techniques, having been modeled after the historic tall ships of the 19th century. The yacht features a wooden hull, a towering mast, and a range of vintage features such as brass fittings and period furnishings. Adix also offers a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior with a classic and elegant design.

Mikhail S. Vorontsov — 63.4M (208 Ft.)

The Mikhail S. Vorontsov is a 64.5-meter sailing yacht with a completely wooden hull, offering a classic and captivating charm.

Mikhail S. Vorontsov is unique for its opulent and extravagant design, which includes a range of luxurious features such as a grand staircase, a full-size ballroom, and a range of ornate decorations and furnishings. The yacht also features a range of modern amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Perseus^3 — 60M (197 Ft.)

The high-performance sailing yacht Perseus^3, measuring 60 meters in length, includes a carbon-fiber mast, a powerful regatta rig, and cutting-edge features for the ultimate sailing experience.

Perseus^3 is unique for its advanced sail system, which includes a set of high-tech carbon-fiber sails that can be adjusted automatically to optimize performance and efficiency. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a sleek and modern interior design.

Ngoni — 58M (190 Ft.)

Ngoni, a stunning 58-meter sailing yacht built by Royal Huisman, is known for its innovative design and advanced sailing technology.

Ngoni is unique for its unconventional design, which includes a striking black and gold exterior and a minimalist interior with clean lines and contemporary furnishings. The yacht also features a range of luxurious amenities, including a beach club, a cinema, and a spa, as well as a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing.

Twizzle — 57.5M (188 Ft.)

Last but not least, the 57.5-meter sailing yacht Twizzle offers exceptional sailing performance paired with timeless elegance, making for a luxurious experience on the water.

Twizzle is unique for its spacious and comfortable interior, which includes a range of luxurious amenities such as a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. The yacht also features a hybrid propulsion system that allows for efficient and flexible sailing, as well as a sleek and modern design with clean lines and contemporary furnishings.

Fleurtje — 57.4M (188 Ft.)

Fleurtje is a classic sailing yacht that was built in 1961 by the Dutch shipyard De Vries Lentsch. The yacht underwent a major refit in 1993, which included the installation of a new engine, a new mast, and a range of modern amenities.

Fleurtje features a classic design with a wooden hull and a traditional rig, which gives it a timeless and elegant appearance. The yacht also features a spacious and comfortable interior with a range of luxurious amenities, including a full-size bar, a cinema, and a spa. It is also known for its impressive sailing performance, with a top speed of 12 knots under sail and a range of advanced technologies that allow for efficient and flexible sailing.

Is Sailing Yacht "A", which is 143 meters long, 24.88 meters wide, has a draft of 8 meters, and weighs 1428 tons. It can accommodate 20 guests, and has 54 crew members.

The crew sizes, and operating costs of these yachts can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the yacht, the level of luxury and amenities onboard, and the location and frequency of use.

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko. Melnichenko is known for his extravagant lifestyle and his love of luxury yachts. He is the owner of the largest and iconic Sailing Yacht "A", which is considered one of the most expensive and technologically advanced yachts ever built. He is also the owner of the motor yacht "A", which was built by the same shipyard as Sailing Yacht "A" and features a similarly striking design.

Melnichenko was born on March 8, 1972, in Gomel, Belarus. In addition to his business and yachting interests, Melnichenko is also a philanthropist who supports a range of charitable causes through his Andrey & Aleksandra Melnichenko Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting education, science, and culture, and has provided funding for a range of projects in Russia and around the world.

Melnichenko is one of the wealthiest people in Russia, with a net worth of over $18 billion, according to Forbes. He made his fortune in the energy and chemical industries, having founded the fertilizer producer EuroChem and the coal producer SUEK. He is also a major shareholder in the power company Siberian Generating Company and the pipe producer TMK.

Leave a comment

You may also like, how much are luxury yachts (buying & owning 2023).

Luxury yacht options can range from smaller luxury vessels to massive superyachts that boast numerous amenities and state-of-the-art technology. When you're …

Cost to Rent a Mediterranean Superyacht: Less Than You Think

Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Yacht in India (with 4 examples)

Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Yacht in Dubai (2023)

Who Owns the Yachts On Below Deck? (Valor, Ohana, My Seanna)

TwistedSifter

The best of the visual web, sifted, sorted and summarized.

• ARCHITECTURE
• NATURE/SPACE
• SHIRK REPORT
• INFORMATIVE

The World’s Largest Full-Rigged Sailing Ship (21 Photos)

by twistedsifter

At 439 feet in length, the five-masted, 42-sail Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world.

With 19,000 square feet of open deck and accommodations for up to 227 guests, the Royal Clipper is a sight to behold.

Inspired by the legendary tall ship Preussen , Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built, since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the 20th century.

Technical Data

  Tonnage: 5,000 Length: 439 feet Beam: 54 feet Draft: 18.5 feet Sail Area: 56,000 Square feet Mast Height: 197 feet Total Staff: 106 Passenger Capacity: 227 Masts: 5 Masts, 42 Sails

Royal Clipper Interiors

Royal Clipper Cabins

Royal Clipper Dining

For more information visit the Star Clippers official website

Categories: BEST OF , DESIGN , TRAVEL Tags: · boats , cruise ship , largest , sailing , top , world record

Sign up to get our BEST stories of the week straight to your inbox.

• PRIVACY POLICY
• Write For Us
• AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Foster Parents Tried To Help Their Foster Daughter But She Always Ran Away, So They Gave Her Up. When She Contacted Them Later Asking For Help, They Called The Police Instead.

Armored Delivery Driver Refuses To Stop Hogging The Handicapped Spots, So An Employee Gets Him Fined And Reassigned

Rare Florida Cactus Is Extinct In The Wild Thanks To Climate Change

Young Lady Refused To Share Her Bathroom With Her Little Brother, And Now Her Family Is Blaming Her For His Shower Strike

Bride’s Stepmother Wouldn’t Stop Messing With Her Wedding Plans, So She Made Her Suffer The Consequences Of Her Actions

Landlord Refuses To Repair A Tenant’s Roof So He Evicts Her, But She Refuses To Leave So The Landlord Moves In With Her Until She Does

When Strangers Keep Parking In Front Of His Home, He Blocks Them In To Teach Them A Lesson

His Sister Is Inheriting The Family Home, But His Mom Wants Him To Take Time Off Work To Help Her

HOA In The Next Neighborhood Over Tried To Tell His Neighborhood To Follow Their Rules, So They Put Up A Fence To Block Their Access To A State Forest, Which Caused Their Property Values To Go Down

Copyright © 2024 · All Rights Reserved · TwistedSifter

Powered by WordPress VIP · RSS Feed · Log in

How Tall Are Sailboat Masts? 9 Examples

The mast height of a sailboat varies with every model.

So what determines the height of a mast?

Here’s How Tall Sailboat Masts Are:

As a general rule of thumb, the height of a boat’s mast will be somewhere between 1.25 to 1.35 times the boat’s length, for an average of about 1.3 times the length overall (LOA) of the boat. An aspect of 2.5 or lower will be a low-aspect rig; above that is considered a high-aspect ratio.

Table of Contents

Understanding a Sailboat’s Mast and Rig

Sailboats are driven through the water by the power generated by their sails.

This is done using sail area. Sail area is calculated using the height of the mast and the length of the boom.

The battens, long strips of wood inserts in the sail, allow more sail area as they extend beyond a straight line from the head of the mast to the back of the boom, thus allowing more cloth to be carried.

Keep in mind that the mast height does not equal the luff length of the main; there is a distance between the deck and the top of the boom.

Most mains do not go all the way to the top of the boom mast.

Wind Gradient:

Designers are also aware of the wind gradient, meaning that as the wind blows over the water, the surface causes drag.

So the breeze is stronger the higher you get off of the surface.

Taller masts allow you to reach these stronger winds.

Mast Height:

While mast height is a prime determinant in the area, it is also possible to make a mast too tall so that the boat is always in danger of taking a knockdown.

Note there are some performance boats designed with masts that are too tall for the craft’s weight, assuming that the weight of the crew will balance out the sail area.

One thing to bear in mind here is a rig’s aspect ratio: this is determined by dividing the designed sail’s luff length by the length of the foot. An aspect of 2.5 or lower will be a low-aspect rig; above that is considered a high-aspect ratio.

Higher aspect boats perform better upwind; lower aspect ratios generally are more powerful in other wind conditions and are usually easier to control.

What’s the Average Height of Sailboat Masts?

Sailboats can range from 6 feet to a hundred or more feet in length if you throw out the multi-masted sailing ships of old.

The mast height for every single one is different.

The height of a mast is usually carefully calculated by figuring the amount of power needed to move a certain hull shape and weight through the water. In many cases, in the 1960s through the 1980s, some designers went by feel.

A few boatbuilders would use the same mast across several of their models to save money in some cases.

As a general rule of thumb, the height of a boat’s mast will be somewhere between 1.25 to 1.35 times the boat’s length, for an average of about 1.3 times the length overall (LOA) of the boat.

So, if you were going to average the mast heights of all 20-foot boats, you’d have about a 26-foot high mast and about 39 feet on 30-foot boats.

Boats built solely for cruising, particularly in offshore winds, will have shorter masts, and performance boats will have taller masts.

How do you Determine the Height of a Sailboat Mast?

Several factors determine a sailboat’s mast height.

A performance boat will have a higher aspect ratio for its sails and thus have a taller mast. Cruising boats will generally have smaller masts for the same length of the boat.

A wider and heavier boat than another boat will need more power to move it, so it will usually have a taller mast. If this heavy boat is a low-aspect-ratio rig designed for offshore work, it will probably have a comparably shorter mast for ease of handling in higher winds.

Conversely, a racing boat will be lighter but still have a taller mast to generate maximum power upwind.

Boats built for maximum performance will have very tall masts for their length and be very difficult to handle for an inexperienced crew – and sometimes for a trained, experienced crew as well, as the difficulties some of America’s Cup boats encounter demonstrate.

• The Melges 24 is a performance racer with a mast height of 31.4 feet for a head-to-head comparison. Her mainsail’s luff length is 28.92 feet, and the foot is 12.45 feet; she is a high-aspect-ratio boat.
• The Islander 24 has a mast height of 28.82, so it is 2 and 1/2 feet shorter than our Melges. The main’s luff length is 25.75 feet, and the foot is 11.52, for a low aspect ratio and much smaller main.
• The Islander 24 weighs 4,200 pounds, while the Melges 24 weighs less than 1,800 pounds.

How Tall is the Mast on a 40 ft Sailboat?

If a yawl or other rig with multiple masts, it will have shorter masts than a sloop.

If the boat is a fractional rig with a small foretriangle, like a modern high-aspect-ratio Hunter, the mast will be taller than another sloop of the same length:

• The old Tartan 40, an all-around great Sparkman & Stevens design from 1984, has a 51-foot mast. This is a classic racer/cruiser.
• The Nordic 40, designed around the same time, has a 52-foot mast.
• The Canadian-built C&C Crusader, designed in 1968, has a mast of 48 feet, but their later Mark 2 designs have masts of 53 to 55 feet in height.

These are all sloops. Ketch and yawl rigs will have masts shorter than this, as the smaller mizzens provide power (and helm balance).

So, this shows us that mast heights will fall into a range for any given length of the boat, again depending on other factors such as its function (primarily racing or cruising).

What is the Optimal Height of a Sailboat Mast?

As specified earlier, the designed height of a mast for any given sailboat generally falls between 1.25 and 1.35 times its length overall (as opposed to its waterline length).

The optimal height will be based on the designer’s calculations of the sail area and aspect ratio needed for the boat’s intended purpose. Beyond the simple racing/cruising divide, there are inshore and offshore cruisers and casual and serious racers.

Inshore cruising boats will generally be designed for maximum safety, and the mast height may be less than 1.25 times the length. Offshore cruisers may also be divided into casual and serious distance cruisers; a boat designed for better offshore cruising performance will have a taller mast.

It is unusual to find many cruising boats with a higher ratio than 1.3, however.

Racing boats will usually have a 1.35 ratio, though it can be as high as 1.5 or even higher at the extremes of the sport.

The mast height for America’s Cup AC50, a 50-foot catamaran, is 77 feet.

How Tall is the Tallest Sailboat Mast?

Two boats are currently competing for the title of having the world’s tallest mast.

Mirabella 5, now named M5 and launched in 2003, is the largest single-masted yacht ever built at 294 feet long.

Her mast is over 290 feet high.

The boom is nearly 90 feet in length. The mainsail has an area of 16,000 square feet! Her reacher (a large, light-weight genoa with some characteristics of a spinnaker), at 20,600 square feet, is the world’s largest sail.

The White Pearl, the world’s largest sailing yacht at nearly 350 feet, was launched in 2014. She has three carbon-fiber wing-style masts that are a little more than 90 meters high.

This puts the masts for the two yachts within a few feet of each other, though White Pearl gets the nod.

References:

Masts – Wikipedia

Sloops – Sailboat Cruising

World’s Tallest Carbon Fiber Masts

Click to share...

• Demystifying ship masts: A comprehensive guide

Ahoy, fellow enthusiasts of the high seas! In this nautical journey, we embark on an exploration of ship masts, those towering structures that have played a pivotal role in the history of seafaring. Let's unfurl the sails and set sail into the fascinating world of masts and maritime lore.

Unveiling the mast in ship

The mast in a ship is no ordinary pole; it's the heart of the vessel, holding the key to harnessing the power of the wind for propulsion. It's more than just a piece of wood or metal; it's a symbol of human ingenuity and our enduring relationship with the oceans.

Masts on a ship: Where power meets elegance

Ship masts are not a one-size-fits-all affair. They come in various sizes and shapes, each tailored to the specific needs of the vessel. From the towering main mast to the more understated mizzen mast, each has a distinct role to play in the intricate dance of sailing.

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

The mast of a ship: A masterpiece of engineering

Crafting a ship mast is an art form that blends tradition with modern engineering. These towering structures are engineered to withstand the most punishing conditions the open sea can throw at them. It's a testament to human craftsmanship.

Single masted sailing vessel: A solo act of seamanship

Imagine sailing solo, with just you, the wind, and a single mast. Single masted sailing vessels are the epitome of simplicity and self-reliance. They harken back to a time when brave souls ventured into uncharted waters armed with little more than their skills and determination.

Three mast schooner under sails on the Baltic sea.

Two masted sailing vessel: Double the sails, double the adventure

Two masted sailing vessels are a sight to behold. With their additional sails and masts, they offer more power and control to sailors. They are the choice of those who crave adventure and challenge on the open water.

Yawls: The elegant compromise

Yawls are graceful sailing boats known for their distinctive mizzenmast positioned aft of the mainmast. This configuration offers several advantages, including better balance and versatility. Yawls are often favored for their ease of handling, making them suitable for both solo and crewed sailing.

Ketches: Versatility afloat

Ketches, with their two masts—the mainmast and a smaller mizzenmast—embody versatility on the water. The mizzenmast adds extra sail area, enhancing maneuverability and control. Ketches excel in long-distance cruising, as they can handle a wide range of wind and sea conditions.

Schooners: The tall ships of yore

Schooners are renowned for their multiple masts, typically two or more, with fore-and-aft rigging on each. This configuration allows for a significant sail area, enabling schooners to achieve impressive speeds. Historically, schooners were common among pirates and privateers due to their agility and speed.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite sailing destinations .

• AMERICA'S CUP
• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

Inside the America's Cup: A closer look at AC75 masts and rigging

Related Articles

Mike Lynch’s Sunken Superyacht Is Largely Intact, Italian Officials Say

I talian investigators searching the wreckage of the Bayesian superyacht said it appeared largely intact, a discovery that contradicts earlier eyewitnesses who said its mast had snapped when it sank in Monday’s storm.

Divers are reporting that the 180-foot-long yacht was lying on its side on the ocean floor, an Italian coast guard official said Wednesday. “The divers are looking for structural damage on the hull,” the official said.

The early reports from Italian officials appeared to be at odds with witnesses who had said the aluminum mast snapped during a violent thunderstorm when the vessel sank off the coast of Sicily with 22 people on board, including owner Mike Lynch, a U.K. tech billionaire.

The towering mast on the Bayesian stretched nearly 240 feet into the sky—making the superyacht the tallest luxury sailboat when it was built.

Maritime experts said a broken mast of that height could cause serious damage to a vessel, but the design isn’t a safety concern as long as the masts are well maintained and held tightly upright on the hull by cables called stays.

“Bigger masts support bigger sails and higher sailing speeds,” said Takis Tsakos, a veteran captain who also oversees for clients the construction of superyachts such as the Bayesian at yards in Europe and the U.S. “The yacht fans love the bigger masts because they look marvelous and give the vessel more volume. They are especially impressive at night when they are lit up.”

The Bayesian’s mast could have fallen on the hull, damaging it, or could have been uprooted from its base by the strong winds if the stays weren’t tight enough. Yacht captains say loose stays can make a boat tilt as much as 15 degrees even with the sails folded.

“That would have made a gaping hole and water could have rushed in. It was also a relaxed evening—doors and windows could have been open with more water coming in as the boat tilted,” said Tsakos, founder of Athens-based Yachtways GP, which rents out luxury yachts in the Mediterranean. “These will be determined when the yacht is pulled out of the water.”

The people missing and presumed dead in the sinking of the Bayesian include Lynch, his daughter, a top executive at Morgan Stanley and one of Lynch’s lawyers. The group was celebrating Lynch’s acquittal on U.S. fraud charges.

Italian authorities are continuing to investigate the accident and divers are trying to access the sunken hull. Rescue teams located five bodies from the wreck on Wednesday. The body of the boat’s chef was retrieved from the sea on Tuesday.

Masts must meet the safety standards of classification societies that give the green light for a ship to sail and monitor its maintenance over the years. Oversize masts on superyachts are turned by computer so they face the wind straight on and not sideways even when the sails are folded.

“For a vessel of this size to go down, there must have been tremendous ingress of water inside its enclosed spaces,” said Fotis Pagoulatos, a naval architect who has participated in a number of shipwreck investigations. “Its design allows it to stay afloat, even with two compartments flooded.” He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the yacht’s hull is found cracked and buckled from the forces exerted by the freak weather and possibly the cracked mast.

The single-masted Bayesian was built by Italian company Perini Navi and delivered in 2008 to its original owner. The boat, which was taller than it was long, was one of a class of supersize luxury yachts that cruise the Mediterranean and other hot spots.

Formerly known as Salute, it was one of several that Perini Navi built that was 56 meters long. But its sister ships had shorter masts—generally extending 59 meters, compared with about 72 meters for the Bayesian. Perini Navi didn’t return requests for comment.

The Bayesian has been eclipsed by newer boats owned by other billionaires. Jeff Bezos, the Amazon.com founder, commissioned the 127-meter-tall Koru, a three-masted vessel that was delivered in 2023.

The Koru was so tall that in 2022 it sparked a protest over plans to dismantle a bridge to let it sail out of the Dutch port where it was built. Instead, the ship was towed to another shipyard to have its masts mounted.

Still, the Bayesian remained one of the largest private sailing yachts. It was ordered by a Dutch businessman but, in 2005, he was paralyzed in a yachting accident and it was sold on completion to another Dutch owner and renamed Salute, according to yacht brokers.

In 2014, it was sold to an entity owned by Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife, and renamed Bayesian. It has no racing history, but boats of this size compete in events such as the St Barths Bucket Regatta, an annual race in the Caribbean, and in the Perini Navi Cup, a four-day race near Sardinia.

Perini Navi is known for creating some of the world’s most famous and luxurious sailing yachts, including the 88-meter-long Maltese Falcon, one of the world’s most recognizable sailing yachts, with rotating masts and a futuristic design.

The masts of the Maltese Falcon are 57 meters tall.

Write to Costas Paris at [email protected]

Charleston, SC (29403)

Some early morning breaks in the overcast, otherwise cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph..

Cloudy. Low 73F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.

Updated: September 13, 2024 @ 11:30 am

• Full Forecast

The M5, the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world, while docked at the City Marina on Monday.

• Gavin McIntyre/Staff
• Copy article link

A small plane sits on top of the M5.

The M5 sailing yacht is docked at the City Marina on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The M5 is the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world.

• Walker Smith/Staff

A Texas flag flies on the M5, the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Owner Rod Lewis is founder of Lewis Energy, an oil and natural gas drilling company based in Texas.

Boaters along the Ashley River check out the M5, docked at the City Marina on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The City Marina has been under construction over the past year to allow larger ships, mainly yachts, to dock along the Ashley River. The M5 is the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world.

The M5, the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world, while docked at the City Marina on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Charleston.

A small plane sits on top of the M5, the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world, while docked at the City Marina Monday, June 24, 2024, in Charleston.

The world's largest single-mast yacht is docked on the Ashley River in Charleston. 

World's largest single-mast yacht docked in Charleston

Caitlin Bell

Quick Response and Public Safety Reporter

Caitlin Bell is a breaking news and courts reporter for The Post and Courier Charleston. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Author linkedin
• Author twitter
• Author email
• Jun 23, 2024

The world’s largest single-masted sailing yacht is docked in the Ashley River.

Previously known as the Mirabella V, the M5 superyacht garners attention due to its incredibly unique build and one-of-a-kind features.

Today's Top Headlines

Story continues below

Former Gamecocks staffer alleged to have committed 'serious' violations, report says

Body of missing 2nd grader found in pond near elementary school in simpsonville, bishop england says no fans allowed at football game vs. philip simmons, several charleston restaurants have closed in the last month. is it a trend or a coincidence, csx train and semitruck carrying artillery vehicle collide in goose creek. here's what we know., sc man gets $63m in baby powder cancer case. with months to live – and no money yet – he speaks out., after charleston mayor's plea makes headlines, city officials don new 'no yahoos' merch, west ashley piggly wiggly site plans approved weeks after being introduced, but not without hiccups, mount pleasant had big plans for a property, but they just sold it for $10m. what happens now, charleston county school district takes first step to implement state-mandated book ban rule.

The behemoth boasts a nearly 300-foot mast sporting a 36,000-square-foot sail, according to yachtsinternational.com .

To give some perspective, the mast is about the length of a football field, minus the end zones . The sail? A little over the square footage of one end zone to the 50-yard line.

According to MarineTraffic , the vessel departed from Palm Beach, Fla., and docked at the Charleston City Marina around 5:36 p.m. on June 18.

The vessel was built in 2004 by architect Ron Holland of New Zealand. The yacht attracted the attention of natural gas magnate Ron Lewis, who purchased it in 2011, according to boatinternational.com.

Lewis is the proprietor of Lewis Energy, an oil and natural gas drilling company based in Texas.

The Charleston City Marina declined to answer questions about the planned route of the M5 and why it remains docked on the Ashley River, citing customer privacy.

'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling's yacht anchored off James Island

• By Komlavi Adissem [email protected]

The M5 is hard to miss and has drawn the attention of countless in the Charleston area. Some folks took to Reddit to find out what the yacht was called, and over a dozen commented.

One commenter said it was “trippy” seeing the yacht from the nearby bridge connector.

At the time of reporting, four sailing vessels were observing the yacht up close, according to live MarineTraffic data.

Reach Caitlin Bell at 843-790-9433. Follow her on Twitter/X @CaitlinPatBell

More information

• M5, world's largest single-mast sailing yacht, captivates Charleston during 10-day visit

Similar Stories

Details emerge in james island hatchet slaying case. but accused may never stand trial..

A man accused of a hatchet murder behind a James Island Walmart is not competent to stand trial and might never be, doctors and judge agree. The case of Theodore Wagner Jr. raises questions about how a tragedy could have been prevented after his mental health records were left open in public view. Those records are now the focus of a First Amendment lawsuit.  Read more Details emerge in James Island hatchet slaying case. But accused may never stand trial.

Lively music. Tasty cuisine. What's the best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Charleston?

South Carolinians can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with several community events in the Charleston area, including the  Latin American Festival  at Wannamaker County Park, a Latin jazz concert downtown and Latin-themed chamber music concerts at various locations. Greenville and Columbia will also be hosting several events. Read more Lively music. Tasty cuisine. What's the best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Charleston?

Charleston County has a green plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Is it possible?

It's described as a 26-year, $9.9 billion communitywide investment. Read more Charleston County has a green plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Is it possible?

As population booms, Lowcountry water authority grapples with rapid growth following summer peak

A water and sewer authority serving Beaufort and Jasper counties balances expensive capital expansion with rapid population growth. Read more As population booms, Lowcountry water authority grapples with rapid growth following summer peak

Bar Harbor Story

Faster. smarter. news for our community.

Largest Single-Masted Ship Visits Southwest Harbor

And some other town news.

CARRIE JONES

JUL 23, 2024

SOUTHWEST HARBOR—A giant sailboat hasn’t been turning heads in Southwest Harbor this week—not exactly. It’s more like it’s raising those heads and chins and gazes as people look to the skies to locate the top of the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world.

The  M5  has been docked in Southwest Harbor since last week.

One Southwest Harbor resident said that the 89-meter-mast can be seen over the trees at the town’s Causeway Club. That mast length is roughly the size of a football field. The boat itself is 78 meters long.

According to  SuperYachtFan , “The  superyacht  is the brainchild of Irish-based, New Zealand-born yacht designer, Ron Holland, a respected name in the industry. The intricate composite construction of the hull and rig was closely monitored and supervised by High Modulus Europe Ltd, a renowned Hamble-based firm.”

Yachtsinternational.com  says that  M5 ’s giant mast holds a 36,000-square-foot sail.

According to MarineTraffic , she had last been in Providence, Rhode Island. She arrived in Southwest Harbor, July 16.

It’s currently owned by Rodney Ray Lewis who founded  Lewis Energy Group , which is based in Texas. Lewis is a renowned pilot. He was a gauger in the late 1970s, purchased an oil well in 1982 for $13,000, and founded the company, which has operations in Texas, Mexico, and Colombia. He purchased his first plane a year before the well—a hand cranked Aeronca Chief. He’s also known as having what  Forbes  calls “one of the top vintage warbird collections in the country.”

There is often a plane resting on the back of the yacht. This is also the case in Southwest Harbor. Lewis’ father was a pilot in the Air Force.

OTHER BUSINESS IN SOUTHWEST HARBOR

Planning board.

In a quick meeting, the  Southwest Harbor Planning Board  reappointed its current officers for the upcoming year.

The board is made up of Eric Davis, chair (2028), Ken Salvatore (2028), Lee Worcester (2026), John Williams (2026), Priscilla Ksionzyk (2029), Michael S. Levesque (2029), Joel Wolak (2028). The members have five-year terms and are appointed by the Select Board

The board approved the request of Zachary Firestein of 16 Seawall Road. Firestein is raising the second floor by five feet and transferring a small piece of the structure to another part of the building. His request was unanimously approved.

​TOWN MANAGER SEARCH

A new candidate to replace Town Manager Marilyn Lowell was discussed at the Southwest Harbor Select Board’s emergency meeting last Wednesday and is on the agenda for an executive session this week as well. Lowell has said she intends to retire later this year.

POLICE AND DISPATCHER WAGES

Police contracts were also discussed in executive session. Select Board Chair Carolyn Ball said that the board approved a $4.00 increase for police officers and a $2.00 increase for dispatchers (per hour) starting this week for additional responsibilities for policing Tremont.

LINKS TO LEARN MORE

Boat International story about the M5

TONIGHT’S AGENDA

Bar Harbor Story is mostly a self-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thank you for being here with us and caring about our community, too!

Type your email…

Thank you for reading Bar Harbor Story . This post is public so feel free to share it.

If you’d like to donate to help support us, you can, but no pressure!  Just click here.

If you’d like to learn more about being a sponsor, we’d love it.  Just click here.

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• Boat Reviews
• Industry Directory
• Accessories

Inside the America’s Cup: A Closer Look at AC75 Masts & Rigging

As the Round Robins progress and Barcelona delivers, the AC75 fleet is looking fast. Whether it’s the return of the cyclors, enhanced foil designs, aero improvements, or more advanced control systems, a range of technical innovations are frequently cited as the reason for driving this impressive performance. In this respect, one area that may have received less attention is the rig and rigging design. Yet, especially since the arrival of composite materials in the America’s Cup, it’s an area that has had a formative impact on how things play out on the water.

Southern Spars has played a leading role since entering the America’s Cup fold in 1995, with the supply of Team New Zealand ’s innovative high-performance carbon mast that took them to a historic victory. Southern Spars’ sister company , Future Fibres , is also increasingly central to the trajectory of composite innovation in the Cup .

Class Rules

AC75 class rules specify several key one design aspects of mast design and construction. They stipulate the shape (D-section) and the size (within a tolerance) of the mast tube. The Rule also dictate s the required carbon fibre specification, including the fibre modulus, a real weight, and resin content. Additionally, the geometry and material s of the fittings, such as shrouds and spreaders, mast rotation restriction to 45°, and the height of the mast rotation ball relative to the waterline are all defined by the rule.

Mast R otation

Through c ontrolling the 45° mast rotation , each team has at their disposal a mechanism to access enhanced power and performance. All AC37 participants have selected North Sails as their best option such is the compelling performance of the North Sails Helix structured luff technology, which has redefined what a sail can deliver —its internal structure enhancing power potential by controlling the load s through the sail structure , delivering a proactive, positive sail shape.

With a mast designed to react to the conditions by rotat ing to the exact degree needed to exploit every breath of wind and realis e the sail shape intended by the team’s sail designers, the benefits of Helix are taken to the extreme. You could almost say that the masts on AC75s have become part of the sail or the other way around, and it feels like the lines are blurring between the essential elements of the engine above deck.

Thickness and Stiffness

Another way masts influence sail shape is, of course, mast bend. This is the stand-out area where teams can differentiate their masts to influence performance. W hile the D-spar minimum laminate and core details are specified under AC37 c lass rules , teams are free to add more laminate if they choose to. There is always weight to performance trade-offs , but there is scope within the teams to increase the overall stiffness of the mast, or to alter the deflection response — optimising it to suit the desired degree of mast bend that the team’s sail designers are calling for.

No Backstay

While the rigging for AC37 is a fully one-design   “supplied” component from by Future Fibres, identical onboard each AC75, some significant changes have been made to the rigging packages since the 36 th America’s Cup . One talking point is the elimination of the backstay, which also has a knock-on effect o n the wider engine above deck. Mast bend, which would conventionally be influenced by backstay control, is now almost solely manged by sail controls. Another knock-on effect is escalating load through the shrouds, which ha s required the cap shroud s to be enlarged and jib locks to be upgraded from 5t to 8t for this edition of the cup . One constant though, and a s per the AC 36 rule, the Future Fibres rigging package s are equipped with integrated fibre optic load monitoring, for performance analysis and to keep an eye on loading limits.

Looking Ahead

Beyond the talking points we have summarised here – luff tracks, batten stiffness, batten location s , halyard locks and mainsail controls – all sit within the remit of team designers. It remains to be seen which technical factors will rise to the surface during the 37 th America’s Cup, but it is a safe bet that ripple effects from technological choices and innovations will be felt around the wider sailing landscape in the coming years.

General Manager of Southern Spars, Mark Hauser comments, “We  are immensely proud of our close partnerships with the teams and together we commit ourselves entirely to the pursuit of excellence. I nnovation in the Cup reverberate s around the industry for years the regatta and we are proud to be leading the charge with the world’s most elite sailing teams.”

Related Articles

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

More from Boating New Zealand

.tdi_213{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} .tdb_module_title{display:block;position:relative;margin:0;font-family:'roboto',sans-serif;font-size:21px;font-weight:400;line-height:1.2}.tdb_module_title a{transform:translatez(0);transition:box-shadow 0.2s ease;-webkit-transition:box-shadow 0.2s ease}.tdb_module_title .tdb-module-title-excl{font-family:'roboto',sans-serif;color:#fff;background-color:#ff0000;padding:4px 8px 2px;margin-right:8px;font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:1;vertical-align:middle}.tdb_module_template_115338 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{text-align:left;font-family:var(--headings)important;font-size:30pximportant;line-height:1.2important;font-weight:600important;text-transform:capitalizeimportant;letter-spacing:.8pximportant}.tdb_module_template_115338 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0 a{color:#000000} ineos britannia to race alingh..., .tdi_226{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} new zealand coastguard: nation..., .tdi_239{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} new boating rules in bay of pl..., .tdi_252{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} exclusive offer celebrates new..., .tdi_265{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} carbon yachts welcomes astende..., .tdi_278{margin-top:-5pximportant;padding-top:0pximportant;width:100%important} yanmar reveals details of its ..., weekly boating brief.

Boating New Zealand's essential guide to boating in New Zealand.

-- Advertisement --

Advertise with Boating New Zealand

-- Subscribe --

Subscribe with Boating New Zealand

boating weekly

Join Thousands

of New Zealand Boating Enthusiasts!

Exclusive deals, boat reviews, sports coverage, stories, and our best tips for NZ boaters ⏤ free and straight to your inbox.

Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

COMING EVENTS

Catch all the action of the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup , happening from 22 Aug to 27 Oct 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand .

The Outdoor Expo , 14 & 15 Sep 2024 at Canterbury Agricultural Park

NZ Boat, Fish & Dive Expo , 31 Aug & 1 Sep 2024 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton

NZ Millenium Cup , 1-4 Feb 2025 at Bay of Islands

Auckland Boat Show , 6-9 March 2025 at Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show , 15-18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Hot Off the Press

@media (max-width:767px){.tdi_391{margin-top:10pximportant}} .tdb_module_template_3638 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{text-align:left}.tdb_module_template_3638 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0 a{color:#223c65}.tdb_module_template_3638 .tdc-row .tdb_module_title_0{font-family:"helvetica neue",helvetica,arial,sans-serifimportant;font-size:18pximportant;line-height:1.2important;font-weight:500important} ineos britannia to race alinghi in louis vuitton semi final phase, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_400{margin-top:10pximportant}} new zealand coastguard: nationwide bar-crossing seminars aim to save lives, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_409{margin-top:10pximportant}} new boating rules in bay of plenty: enhancing safety on new zealand waters, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_418{margin-top:10pximportant}} exclusive offer celebrates new dufour 44, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_427{margin-top:10pximportant}} carbon yachts welcomes astenders, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_436{margin-top:10pximportant}} yanmar reveals details of its first electric propulsion product, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_445{margin-top:10pximportant}} marina of the year winners, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_454{margin-top:10pximportant}} seadoo fishpro apex, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_463{margin-top:10pximportant}} seawind production in turkiye, @media (max-width:767px){.tdi_472{margin-top:10pximportant}} hanse 590 debut.

Leeuwin damage: New images and video reveal extent of damage to WA’s iconic tall ship after cargo vessel hit

leeuwin damage video

New images revealing the extent of the damage on WA’s Leeuwin tall ship have emerged as processes to fix the iconic vessel get underway.

The STS Leeuwin II was left mangled with broken masts, rigging and debris strewn across the deck after cargo ship Maersk Shekou ran into the anchored vessel while berthed in Fremantle Port about 6am on August 30.

Photographs of the aftermath showed the Leeuwin as a crumpled mess but at the time the extent of the damage was not clear.

Almost two weeks after the event, The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation has released close-up vision of the vessel and confirmed the process to fix it has started.

Photos show the ship masts, spars and rigging have all been significantly damaged. However, the hull of the ship remains intact and watertight.

STS Leeuwin Leading Master James Rakich has also thanked the community for its “outpouring of support ”.

“It is with a heavy but hopeful heart that I write this, after Friday’s incident where the vessel was dismasted whilst alongside at B Berth,” he said.

“I’m thankful for the medical care and support provided to our two crew members aboard at the time, and the outpouring of support from throughout the Leeuwin community — asking how can they help?

“I feel the shock that each and every one of us go through, seeing a vessel we believe in, live aboard, make friends on, be a part of reduced to a state that is familiar, but barely recognizable.

“The masts, spars and rigging have all been significantly damaged, with the masts all having fallen most of the way to deck, still under tension.”Mr Rakich said he had been through the ship and its watertight integrity was “maintained”.

“We have closed underwater valves and watertight doors, and the ship appears for the time being safe in its position alongside B Berth,” he said.

“We are continuing to monitor our drafts and mooring lines to ensure the safety of the vessel, and attention now draws toward the task of derigging the vessel to make it safe for access and to then determine the full extent of the damage.

“I must stress that this is a high-risk/low-frequency event (look it up, it’s good watching). Our priority is to avoid injury to workers and further damage to the vessel.

“I am overwhelmed by the eagerness of volunteers old and new to support the vessel in any way they can help.

“Please continue to reach out to our office - we may not respond immediately but we are listening. In time, we will get the vessel ready to sail once more.

“I can’t tell you when or how long that will take, this early after the incident, but know that when the times comes the whole Leeuwin family will be instrumental in our return to sail, and I’ll be with you and the ship every step of the way.”

Two crew members, who were asleep in the cabin of the Leeuwin at the time, were taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, with one man believed to have suffered a broken arm.

The men were sleeping in the hull when they were woken by a loud crack. It is believed they suffered the injuries as they escaped the ship.

The container ship had also “slightly impacted” the Maritime Museum nearby, with structural engineers called in to assess the integrity of the building.

The Fremantle Port, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have launched an investigation into the incident.

Those who wish to support the recovery of The Leeuqin can donate to the Phoenix Fund and sign up for news and updates on its progress at sailleeuwin.com .

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails