We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. This month Chris Tibbs nominates Mariquita\u201cBuilt in 1911 as a 19 Metre, Mariquita is one of the most beautiful yachts afloat, and I\u2019ve had the privilege to be race navigator on board for most of the time since her restoration in 2004,\u201d says weather guru Chris Tibbs.
\n\u201cIt takes approximately six minutes to gybe from set to set as it requires the balloon jib to be dropped, the boat gybed, and the balloon jib re-hoisted \u2013 not a great feeling if you get the layline wrong!
\n\u201cWith everything set downwind, Mariquita is wider than she is long (about 125ft) and as the pole is launched from up the mast there is always one crew in the rigging.
\nOnboard Mariquita
\n\u201cSailing without winches, the whole crew is needed to hoist the sails or pull in the main for a gybe, taking a great deal of teamwork.
\n\u201cStart lines are particularly spectacular with large classic yachts vying for position \u2013 this is no gentleman\u2019s racing but full-on competition.
\n\u201cIt is usually only after the race is over and you see the pictures that you realise what an honour it is to sail on such a beautiful yacht.\u201d
\nMariquita stats rating:
\nTop speed: 12 knots
\nLOA: 38m
\nLaunched: 1911
\nBerths: 8
\nPrice: \u20ac3.5m
\nAdrenalin factor: 50%
\nChris Tibbs
\nChris Tibbs is a meteorologist and sailor. He has competed in three round the world races including as skipper of Concert in the BT Global Challenge.
\nHe has been official of two British Olympic sailing teams as well as Volvo, Vend\u00e9e Globe, and America\u2019s Cup teams.
\nHe recently sailed with his wife, Helen, to Australia on their own yacht.<\/p>\n
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We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. This month Chris Tibbs nominates Mariquita\u201cBuilt in 1911 as a 19 Metre, Mariquita is one of the most beautiful yachts afloat, … <\/p>\n