The survival of an around-the-world racing yacht hinges on a good structural and sea keeping design. The competitiveness of the boat depends on the high performance characteristics designed into it. Here at Van Gorkom Yacht Design, we have balanced these factors to come up with a real ocean thoroughbred.

The hull lines of the VG-Open Class 50 are based on a powerful planing form in the after sections. There is a relatively fine entry forward at the waterline with more volume higher up in the bow. This has produced a clean, fast, and efficient canoe body with good sea keeping characteristics. The deep fin and Dolphin-bulb keel articulates up to 25 degrees off centerline. The dagger board rudder is a high aspect ratio, high lift blade mounted in a roller bearing cylinder. This not only allows the skipper to control the blades depth, but to easily replace the rudder if it is damaged.

The Open 50 is engineered using the latest composite technology. This ocean rocket will be a stronger and stiffer boat than the current bread of open class racers, yet be just as light. The proposed construction of the hull and deck consists of a pre-preg carbon fiber and kevlar laminate over a foam core. Carbon fiber will also be used in areas of high loadings such as stringers, frames, and chainplates. The state-of-the-art rudder and keel blade are all carbon.

The powerful fractional carbon rig, with swept-back spreaders, will carry masthead runners and checkstays. An option to a stayed rig is a free-standing, rotating wing mast cat-ketch rig. This type of proven rig configuration will greatly simplify boat handling without any loss of sail area or performance.