We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. Nigel Musto nominates Aquitaine InnovationsAquitaine Innovations was one of those breakthrough boats that precipitated a step change in sailing. Yves Parlier was, and continues to be, one of the sport\u2019s great innovators and the boat was a showcase of his ideas. Aquitaine was the first Open 60 to use deck spreaders, allowing a full-chord carbon wing mast.
\nIt was a game changer. In it Yves won the Route du Cafe and Route D\u2019Or (New York to San Francisco around Cape Horn), while the boat also won the Route du Rhum (skippered by a young Thomas Coville after Yves had a hang gliding accident).
\nPhoto: Ajax News\/Alamy
\nIn the 2000 Vend\u00e9e Globe, the race Parlier should have won, he famously dropped the rig in the Southern Ocean but \u2013 unassisted \u2013 sailed to the Kerguelen Islands, repaired and restepped his mast alone, and continued to finish in 13th place, living on seaweed in the final weeks having run out of food.
\nThe very latest and innovative IMOCAs, like Kevin Escoffier\u2019s new PRB, still use a carbon wing mast with lower spreaders, more than 25 years later.
\nAquitaine Innovations stats rating:
\nTop speed: 26 knots
\nLOA: 18.2m\/60ft
\nLaunched: 1996
\nBerths: 1
\nPrice: Unknown
\nAdrenalin factor: 80%
\nNigel Musto
\nNigel Musto has been creating sailing kit to keep the world\u2019s best offshore racers dry for 35 years, and now heads up the North Sails Performance clothing team. A highly skilled sailor, he trialled for the 1984 Olympics, has completed six Fastnet races \u2013 one on maxi trimaran Banque Populaire VII \u2013 and raced an Open 60 double-handed Around Britain and Ireland.<\/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 Worlds coolest yachts: Aquitaine Innovations 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. Nigel Musto nominates Aquitaine InnovationsAquitaine Innovations was one of those breakthrough boats that precipitated a step change in sailing. Yves Parlier … <\/p>\n