One of the world’s best-known and continuously updated Maxi cruiser/racers is now actively in search of a speedy new home

Twenty years after starting the design process with Farr Yacht Design, Sir Peter Harrison, the man that masterminded the British entry into the 2003 America’s Cup, has taken the decision to sell Sojana, his pride and joy. She is actively for sale and offers a fantastic combination of comfortable fast cruising and race-winning performance.

Her cruising credentials are impeccable and from the outset no stone was left unturned in ensuring the design brief was met. The cockpit was designed to be both efficient for cruising and for crewed racing with a seating area aft for dining and non-participating crew to be protected. There is also a spacious deckhouse for comfortable on deck seating but giving complete protection from the weather. In conjunction with Green Marine and Bremner Associates, full size mock-ups of the cuddy and cockpit were built prior to final design to refine all elements.

Design Unlimited was commissioned to create her Nomex interior. Mahogany panelling and detailing combined with lightweight fixtures, fittings and materials enabled a new level of lightweight interior to be developed, while still providing a luxurious and traditional superyacht feel. Classically inspired, with beautiful furnishings throughout created an elegant, yet comfortable and relaxed style.

The wish to ensure lightweight construction led the team to have the composite elements of the yacht engineered by SP (now Gurit) and built at Green Marine who at the time were undoubtedly the leader in advanced composite construction, particularly in the world of superyachts. Using carbon and Nomex, Sojana tipped the scales at a distinctly svelte 209,000 lb (95,000kg) which at 115ft is impressive even today.

Additional stability for cruising was achieved by specifically designing the tankage systems to be transferred to windward, reducing heel and further adding performance when sailing short-handed. When Sojana was commissioned, Sir Peter had a simple and intelligent brief, driven by three key elements:

• The longest and fastest yacht capable of being handled by the owner, friends and with the minimum of professional crew
• A robust, sea-kindly hull and rig capable of long-range ocean cruising, but also capable of winning its fair share of trophies
• A sleek and elegant yacht, wellappointed but also responsive and fun to sail.

Above and below: beneath the traditional veneer of luxurious marble and fine-crafted mahogany, the interior is actually made of lightweight Nomex as befits a high performance racing yacht. Above: the notably classical interior is by renowned superyacht stylist Design Unlimited. Sojana had a detailed refit during 2015

A ketch rig was chosen as it could offer a sailplan that would be quite flexible in its ability to balance the boat in various conditions and sailing modes, and for its power in reaching and running conditions.

The pure efficiency of the ketch rig, with smaller sails and two masts would allow for five-sail reaching with horsepower to burn and options for all conditions. It was also key to recognise that the yacht would have as many as six sailing modes, from delivery to full inshore racing, to cruising with the owner, to charter to offshore/trans-oceanic racing and everything in between.

Sojana’s performance has been repeatedly improved over the years, and with support and guidance from Farr Yacht Design, she has the perfect blend of an exceptionally well-appointed cruising boat together with the performance potential to be at the top of the superyacht racing scene.

Farr Yacht Design’s vice president Jim Schmicker has raced aboard the boat in many of her regattas and has provided a constant support in the evolution of the yacht’s performance.

Sir Peter has enabled his enthusiastic team to regularly update the boat, and has enjoyed being part of the development process. The very early adoption of full Future Fibres PBO rigging, and then EC6 solid carbon rigging, as well as being involved in the very early days of North Sails 3di, has kept the boat at the forefront of the superyacht racing circuit.

Sojana’s carbon Hall Spars have been constantly refined, most recently with a complete set of Carbo-Link carbon standing rigging fitted in in December 2020, which will undoubtedly further improve her performance.

Other major modifications to the boat over the years include the addition of a retractable bowsprit, a Deckchute spinnaker drop system and hydraulic winch package upgrades. These choices, taken by Sir Peter, have given Sojana the necessary boosts at the right time to remain competitive.

With such a committed owner and a crew who have remained together for the life of the boat, it is a testament to the pedigree of the original design that Sojana can genuinely be said to be “better than new”. With the latest technology from both North Sails and Doyle Sails making up the racing and cruising sail inventories , she is performing at a level far above her original, proving the value of constant evolution and development under the guidance of a highly qualified and credible team.

In 2015 Sojana underwent a comprehensive refit at Southampton Yacht Services in the UK. Upgrades included new teak decks, new hull paint, a new engine, new air conditioning and hydraulic systems, total rewiring and, to finish it off, new soft furnishings throughout, a gloriously revarnished interior and new canvas work.

Sojana has proven time and time again that the alchemic sweet spot of a yacht that remains visually very easy on the eye, and yet performs to an ever more impressive level as she evolves can be achieved. She continues to prove that the holy grail of outstanding performance on the racetrack and cruising comfort is not a pipedream and she stands head and shoulders above her peers.

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As life returns to the superyacht racing circuit it is no surprise to see that it is one of the world’s most popular, successful and spectacular regattas which is taking the lead. Hola!

After a year like no other, the message from Superyacht Cup Palma 2021 is to the point – it’s time to go racing! The 25th anniversary of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta will see action out on the Bay of Palma from June 23-26, with the new-look event acting smartly and adapting itself to local pandemic limitations.

Buoyed by an already promising provisional entry list featuring several stars of the superyacht world, the event now features new racing classes that offer something for all possible competitors. With the determined support of SYC partners, friends, suppliers and collaborators – not least the prestigious Real Club Nautico de Palma which has expanded its long-standing involvement – the organisers are optimistic they can meet the pent-up demand for competitive and enjoyable racing.

With planning now at an advanced stage, Superyacht Cup Palma is aiming for a spectacular summer display at the home of Mediterranean superyachting.

‘We know that all the participants, owners, guests and crew are very keen to get back out racing and to enjoy time onboard,’ says SYC event director Kate Branagh. ‘For some it is the competition that is important, for others it is the joy of sailing with friends and family.’

And she adds: ‘Knowing that level of enthusiasm, passion and support is out there is inspirational, we want to make sure we do everything we can to ensure Superyacht Cup Palma will be a reality in 2021.’

With more than a dozen provisional entries already received, the SYC team are clearly not alone in looking to make the dream a reality. Among those keen to join the spectacular celebration of sail are SYC first timers Shamanna.

‘Superyacht Cup Palma has a fantastic reputation and the new owner of Shamanna is very keen to put her through her paces in what we are sure will be a competitive fleet,’ says Tom Aiken, captain of the 35m Swan. ‘Palma is a great place to be, with something for everyone ashore, plus all the support services on hand, and the reliable breeze out in the bay pretty much guarantees we will get great racing. We know that Kate and her team will put on a great show and we can’t wait to get out there. June can’t come soon enough.’

A possible contender for the highly prized overall SYC title, the spritely Shamanna may face stiff competition from the likes of Highland Fling, Magic Carpet³ and Leopard, all early and high-profile possibilities on the provisional entry list.

Meanwhile, out to defend her 2019 class win, the Spirit of Tradition yawl Bequia is looking set for another visit to Palma. She will be competing alongside other SYC returnees such as Child of Lir, the stunning Ganesha, elegant Missy, regatta regular Saudade and the Bill Langan-designed Huckleberry. The latter’s debut in 2019 was rewarded when the 40m modern classic ketch became the inaugural winner of the North Sails Trophy, the handsome Boat of the Day prize which will now be awarded annually in memory of North Sails founder Lowell North.

Also set to return – and currently the largest entry to put their hat in the 2021 ring – is the impressive 47m Perini Navi creation Aquarius. While not in the lightweight flyer category the inclusion of Aquarius on the growing entry list demonstrates that, as ever, Superyacht Cup Palma is a very broad church that is attracting an ever-wider fleet.

Potentially further adding to the throng are a number of possible entries from the ranks of the majestic J Class fleet, several of whom have been regular attendees at SYC over the years. This year interest has been shown by both Topaz and the venerable Velsheda, the latter no doubt keen to repeat her narrow but well-deserved overall win in 2018. If another J Class entry steps up and joins the fray, they will get their own racing class, adding another string to the SYC bow.

In fact, new racing classes are likely to be something of a feature at Superyacht Cup Palma 2021. With the focus firmly on a return to exciting and entertaining racing, the team is highlighting the introduction of a dedicated Performance Class – a direct response to a growing demand from the owners and crews of the increasing number of ultramodern yachts.

Bringing the competitive element and thrill of a mass racing start under RRS on its own bespoke course, the Performance Class will further add to the regatta’s already broad appeal, satisfying the highenergy requirements of the go-faster contingent. It will be joining the longstanding Superyacht Class and Corinthian Class, itself another popular addition when first introduced back in 2017.

Above: the Wallycento Open Season (formerly known as Hamilton) revels in the reliably strong breeze of the Bay of Palma – an ideal natural arena for superyacht racing where the worldʼs best tacticians and skippers will always find plenty of scope to test their mettle.
Below: the purpose-built racers like Open Season and cruiser-racers like this SWS100 used to compete directly against one another, but with growing interest from owners of ultra-modern, high-performance racing yachts, a new Performance Class has been created and some of the fastest superyachts in the world are expected to take part in the 2021 edition

An obviously more relaxed counterpoint to the Performance Class, the non-spinnaker Corinthian option also – this year in particular – opens the door to owners and captains choosing to race with fewer crew. While Mallorca boasts an extensive population of experienced and available race crew already on site, taking to the racecourse with a reduced line-up could offer an alternative to having to navigate the vagaries of ever-changing pandemic travel restrictions.

‘Over the past quarter of a century Superyacht Cup Palma has gone from strength to strength, and a big part of that success has been listening to what owners, skippers and crews want from the event,’ says Branagh, whose Aquamarine Events took the helm at Superyacht Cup Palma in 2013. ‘And this year, perhaps more than any other, we have heard them loud and clear. Introducing the Performance Class – and before that the Corinthian – is part of that process.’

Underpinning the entire endeavour is the obvious and continuing support of SYC’s numerous partners, friends, suppliers and collaborators – described as “incredible” by Branagh. Front and centre in this array is the event’s destination partner, 100% Pure New Zealand, the campaigning project run by Tourism New Zealand, a longstanding sponsor.

Also staying the course after a turbulent year – and indeed expanding its involvement – is Real Club Nautico de Palma, which has delivered professional race management to the event since 2011.

With the usual SYC race village impractical this year due to local restrictions, the iconic club will host the event and is making a few berths available to competitors on a first come, first served basis.

Welcoming the enhanced relationship, RCNP President Emerico Fuster says: ‘The partnership that we are launching this year benefits both our club, which has increased the calendar of its prestigious events, and the SYC, which joins its name with that of a world-renowned entity.’

Also continuing their considerable support and backing are the SYC Silver Partners, including some of the world’s leading superyacht services for whom Palma represents the focus of their Mediterranean operation.

Astilleros de Mallorca, Gottifredi Maffioli, Southern Spars, Rondal, RSB Rigging, Vitters Service and AT Instruments, as well as Evolution Sails, North Sails, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance and Marinepool are all fully behind Superyacht Cup Palma.

For an event that began life back in 1996 as a simple end of Mediterranean sailing season sail loft get-together for crews waiting to go transatlantic, Superyacht Cup Palma has come a long way. A regatta that has shown itself to be responsive and versatile over the past quarter of a century, 2021 is an anniversary that deserves to be celebrated. In the context of more than a year that has been dominated by the grim fallout of a global pandemic, Superyacht Cup Palma is hoping to provide a celebration that will have even greater significance.

Click here for more information on Superyacht Cup Palma 2021 »

When it comes to furling today’s huge sails in a hurry it is good to know that there are 130 years of development and engineering excellence behind the key components upon which you are relying

At wind speeds of more than 50kts, everything should still work. That’s the self-imposed standard of safety, reliability and durability Reckmann builds into its products, which is why you’ll find Reckmann sail control systems – headsail and mainsail furling gears, rigging hydraulics and more – on so many of the world’s finest (and largest) sailing yachts. Three quarters of the superyachts competing in the St Barth’s Bucket last year had Reckmann furling gear and hydraulics, for example, and a similar proportion of the fleet at the Superyacht Cup.

‘The most important thing for us is that our clients can rely on us and our products,’ says Reckmann’s chief executive, Marcus Schuldt. ‘We have been in business now for 129 years and our focus is on quality, reliability and function. It’s not unusual for us to receive a furling gear back for its first service after 20 years of troublefree use, which demonstrates the exceptional quality of these products.’ It might not be unusual for Reckmann but it is remarkable for a yacht rigging systems manufacturer, given that nearly all other components of a large yacht’s rig (except perhaps the spars themselves) aren’t expected to last even half that long, even with regular and diligent servicing.

Reckmann prides itself on being a rather unusual company with a singular ethos. As proudly announced on its website, it has never registered any of its groundbreaking inventions as patents ‘because we remain convinced that fast, innovative solutions are more important to our customers than worldwide patent coverage. It’s impossible to prevent imitations and our “way of nonpatenting” is our contribution to the excellent value for money of our products and leads to happy and convinced clients. Another advantage is that it also encourages us to continually redesign and further develop our products.’

Product design is a collaborative process. ‘As soon as we have a product idea we sit together as a team and discuss the main features and benefits for the client,’ Schuldt explains. ‘Then we do the first proposals and produce a prototype.’

Even a determined imitator is unlikely to match Reckmann’s levels of reliability and there’s a straightforward reason for that. For every new product, whether it’s massproduced in large numbers or a custom made one-off, a full-scale working prototype is subjected to the most punishing testing regime possible – simulating the worst possible real-world conditions the product is ever going to face, over a long period of time – before the green light is given to manufacture the product for sale. And if the prototype doesn’t perform perfectly in testing, it’s back to the drawing board.

Another notable thing about Reckmann is that it’s been owned and run by the same family for more than two thirds of its history, which goes back nearly 130 years. The current chief executive, Marcus Schuldt, joined the company in 1991 straight after his engineering degree and later took over from his father Horst Schuldt, a master sailmaker and champion Dragon keelboat racer, who also took control of Reckmann from his father back in 1962. And the tradition continues with Marcus’ daughter Catharina, also an engineer, joining the family business in 2020 – she’s now a project manager for the Sailtec division. ‘I have grown up with the company. Even my work experience spells while still at school were done here,’ she says. ‘Through the years I had the opportunity of accompanying my father to a vast range of exhibitions, such as the Monaco Yacht Show, gaining my first insights into the field of mega-yachts.’

Reckmann’s ethos and heritage strongly inform its approach to business. ‘It’s a bit different to most other companies nowadays,’ Marcus Schuldt says. ‘We are not interested in making a quick deal. Our focus is on long-lasting, trustful relationships with our business partners and clients. We’ve been working closely with many well-known boatyards for 30 or 40 years and that is what Reckmann stands for. Reliable, long-term and trustful relationships.’

‘Another important point is that we have very experienced sailors in the team who sail with our clients in major regattas to check the performance of our gears, to see if we can improve them in any way,’ Schuldt says. ‘It’s always good to keep in close contact with clients.’

It starts with a talented design team, of course, but the high standard of excellence is maintained all the way down the line. ‘The most important part for me as a designer is when the parts I have created arrive and are assembled,’ says Reckmann’s lead designer Burkhart Heberle. ‘That is when teamwork has an impact. Colleagues from the workshop are also involved and you can see the results after the product has been properly assembled.’

'Quality and functionality have always taken centre stage at Reckmann,’ Heberle says, ‘and this is profoundly important even though times have changed, everything is fast-moving and we have a wider range of products. It’s our duty and a challenge to maintain these values. My personal approach is to be clear, simple and direct without concealing the technical demands that remain an integral part of the design.’

Above: RF-90 furlers are the default choice for todayʼs superyachts, used by more than three quarters of the fleets at the St Barthʼs Bucket and Superyacht Cup. Key features include a full manual emergency backup drive, double axial tack swivel ring bearings with load distribution plates, and integral length adjustment.
Below: alongside a complete range of standard through-deck furlers, full custom furling systems for more specific applications are frequently produced – and are put through a punishing regime of worst-case scenario testing prior to delivery

Minimal servicing is also built into the Reckmann ethos. ‘Our products are made to be very long-lasting and they require very little maintenance,’ says Schuldt. ‘Customers choose us for our products’ high quality and because they get top service from us for the entire lifespan of the product. We produce all of the parts locally so our products are completely made in Germany and assembly always takes place in house.’

Sail control systems remain the company’s core focus – and probably always will be – but Reckmann has diversified in recent years, growing and entering new markets by acquiring other companies that are similarly successful within their own niche. For example Holmatro’s highly regarded hydraulic cylinders, pumps and power packs joined the Reckmann product line in 2013 and NSM’s drive systems for furling booms in 2014. In 2015, the takeover of Sailtec gave Reckmann an entry into the powerboat market for sun shade systems, where its 40- year experience with sail furling technology translated directly into the production of high-end awnings for superyachts and textile engineering projects such as finite element modelling (FEM) design of solar panels and the production of large-scale tensile membranes.

‘Our know-how from the world of sail reefing has enabled us to create large complex systems and the advantages for our customers are the same as for our reefing systems – extremely long service intervals and long product lifespans,’ Schuldt says. Indeed, one of Reckmann’s first forays into large-scale architectural shade systems, long before Sailtec joined the team, was an enormous automaticfurling shade sail system installed on the Festo corporation’s glass-clad global headquarters building in Esslingen, Germany. It’s still working faultlessly 20 years later and has led to further commissions. On a much smaller scale, the McDonald’s fast food restaurant in Leipzig shows what can be done with Reckmann MFseries manual furlers, more commonly seen on high-quality 35ft sailing yachts, to provide shade and shelter for diners on an outdoor terrace.

Back in the high-performance sailing world, Reckmann has begun to attract customers for a new reason – sustainability. As boatbuilders respond to their clients’ demands for more sustainable yacht production and start using life cycle assessment tools to reduce the environmental impact of their supply chain, it makes a lot of sense for them to fit furling and reefing systems that are designed to last for a lifetime and can very easily be repaired rather than slightly cheaper systems that will need to be discarded and replaced after a number of years. For any boatbuilder that measures its own sustainability in a meaningful way, fitting Reckmann gear is an instant win.

But it’s not just the longevity of the products that makes Reckmann the sustainable sailor’s choice. A worldwide repair service is available even for old models, which includes replacing any worn-out parts and testing all components. And for new furling and reefing systems, responsible manufacturing – taking full responsibility for the resources used – is also assured.

‘Reckmann stands for real German workmanship,’ Schuldt says. 'We attach great importance to producing mainly in Germany. To achieve this, the team relies on the latest technologies to consume less energy and resources, as well as not compromising on materials that can cope with a minimum of service and associated costs. Investing in Reckmann quality equipment is a good investment for the future.’

Click here for more information on Reckmann »

As well as great sailing performance a new generation of sailcloths is exploiting the potential for very much improved levels of durability

With the rise in popularity of longrange blue water cruising, the world’s leading sailcloth manufacturer Dimension-Polyant is experiencing greater demand than ever for its timeproven and distance-defying products.

DYS, a rugged Dyneema laminate, remains the most popular cloth for blue water cruisers who are also keen on maximising performance on the occasional race track. DYS is the cloth of choice on many of the yachts in the Oyster World Rally, for example.

For the ultimate in low stretch and durability, GXLD’s GraphX Carbon Dyneema Spectra laminate structure makes it the strongest and most durable product in the Dimension- Polyant range. Where loads, budget or specific operating conditions such as increased mildew resistance are required, woven hybrid Vectron and Hydra Net Radial are also viable options. Both of which benefit from Dimension-Polyant’s UVi technology which increases the resistance to degradation from UV light by 10 to 15 per cent.

While the racing fraternity has always been obsessive about sourcing the best possible products from the most reputable manufacturers, UK sales manager Ben Rogers says cruising sailors are just as demanding. ‘The racers see which sails are winning and they are fully aware when it’s Dimension- Polyant sailcloth that has powered another team towards victory.

Main picture: extreme durability, high tear resistance, low stretch, light weight, easy handling and high performance are the main reasons why Dimension- Polyantʼs DYS sailcloth is used on so many of the yachts in the Oyster World Rally.
Below: the technical features and properties of Dimension- Polyantʼs GXLD make it an ideal choice for large cruising multihulls – above all because of its excellent strength to weight ratio

‘Similarly, when someone has just completed a successful two-year cruise around the world, other cruising sailors want to know how the sails have fared. When they hear that the sails are still going strong and the cloth has proven as durable and reliable as promised, it’s natural that they would want the same. It’s why our products are so present in blue-water fleets such as Oyster and Discovery.’

Although the typical cruising sailor might have only a passing interest in racing, they’re nevertheless reassured by the strong racing pedigree of Dimension-Polyant, a German-based company with satellite HQs spread across four continents. Dimension- Polyant has been researching, developing and manufacturing worldbeating sailcloth for more than 50 years, employing its own textile engineers, chemical engineers and material scientists to work closely with leading sail designers and sailmakers around the world. Quality manager Heiner Schillings says: ‘In the past, when developing new materials for making sails, the focus was on technical aspects. But in the case of new developments, sustainability now also plays an important role.

‘Wide varieties of recycled raw materials, such as yarns, are tested for their usability. DP takes responsibility for future generations and I am happy to be part of it.’

Every day at the manufacturing plant in Kempen, near Dusseldorf, more than 10,000 metres of cloth rolls off the production line. From the yarn to the final product, the entire manufacturing process is precisely monitored and consistently controlled by expert teams. Dimension-Polyant’s experienced specialists and trained employees have mastered state-ofthe- art production of a wide variety of cloths and laminates right through to the fine coating.

DYS
DYS Offshore Technology is aimed at sailors who want a high-performance fabric with high tear resistance, low stretch, high performance-to-weight and that’s easy to handle. The Ultra-PE sandwich laminates combine ease of handling and the highest levels of durability in the industry, combined with excellent strength and UVstability. A strong internal Ultra-PE woven membrane base is encapsulated by film, which is laminated to a tightly woven ripstop taffeta.

GXLD
Originally developed for superyachts, GXLD is finding its place at the top end of the blue water cruising market. It’s a complex hybrid of laminates combining the low-stretch/high strength characteristics of GraphX Carbon yarn with the solid durability of Ultra-PE fibres. Aside from delivering one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios in the sailcloth market, one of GXLD’s most important features is its light, soft pliability, a welcome characteristic rarely associated with carbon-based products. This makes GXLD the go-to specification for in-mast and in-boom furling systems.

Abrasion resistant Ultra-PE covering stretch-resistant carbon ensures a strong, durable fabric that enhances sailing performance without the life of the sail. The line is based on increasing counts of both inserted carbon ribbons and Ultra-PE based taffetas as weights go up. Even under high loads for a long period, a sail constructed from GXLD will hold its original design shape for thousands of sea miles through all kinds of weather conditions and varying climates.

Click here for more information on Dimension-Polyant »