We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. Eddie Warden Owen nominates The Ultra 30\u201cThe Ultra 30s were the coolest boats, were way ahead of their time,\u201d says Eddie Warden Owen, who skippered an Ultra 30 and also ran the circuit for several years.
\nThe Ultra 30 circuit was the original spectator-friendly sailing concept, with short-course, crash-and-burn style racing broadcast on BBC Grandstand, the prime Saturday sports show of the 1990s.
\nIt attracted Olympic sailors and commercial sponsorship, and developed a multi-stage circuit.
\nThe dinghies were monstrously overpowered, with bowsprits up to 15ft long and over 500ft2 of sail area balanced by a crew of nine that required complex crew co-ordination in every manoeuvre.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou had nine crew on racks and then we put trapezes on \u2013 it led to a huge step up in speed. They were unbelievable to sail.
\n\u201cEven the best would capsize and at the end of a 20-minute race the crew would be completely exhausted. And we\u2019d have three races a day,\u201d Warden Owen recalls.
\nThe Ultra 30 stats rating:
\nTop speed: 25 knots
\nLOA: 30ft\/9.1m
\nLaunched: 1988
\nBerths: 0 (9 trapezes)
\nPrice: \u00a365,000
\nAdrenalin factor: 95%
\nEddie Warden Owen
\nEddie Warden Owen is CEO of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and has skippered, helmed and coached for many top teams.
\nHe graduated from sailing GP14s, Fireballs and 505s to Olympic selection in the 470 class in 1980.
\nHe was the UK J\/24 champion four years in a row and has been involved in seven America\u2019s Cup campaigns.<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post World\u2019s coolest yachts: The Ultra 30 appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. Eddie Warden Owen nominates The Ultra 30\u201cThe Ultra 30s were the coolest boats, were way ahead of their time,\u201d says Eddie … <\/p>\n