New wave — Part I

Shaun Carkeek of Botìn & Carkeek Yacht Design looks at the potential for the new GP42 box rule class and describes his office's ownseries-built Grand Soleil GP42

Together with our build partners, Cantieri Del Pardo-Grand Soleil, and under the direction of project manager Gianguido Girotti, we've sought to extend our successful IMS 600 GS Race formula into the ORC's new GP42 box rule class. With watchwords such as winning, innovation, development, service, precision, quality, affordability and customisation, we've refined the GS GP42 model to be able to deliver a turnkey, no-compromise racing package near enough off-the-shelf.

Some endorsement of these efforts can be seen in the sale of 11 boats to date ­ not too shabby for a new class that has yet to enjoy its first event. We plan to increase this tally through late 2007 and into 2008 with a target cap of 15 boats built to this first design by various yards. But to do this we need to be able to guarantee our product on every level, hence the need for rigorous and continuous development, tight control on production quality, combined with a comprehensive service package, including tuning guides, measurement and race support. One of the direct advantages of this package approach to a new class is the ability to purchase components in bulk, further reducing costs. Based on our research, we're confident the GS GP42 price of 450,000 euros (delivered to Valencia ex-sails and electronics) is extremely competitive, particularly when you are discussing a no-compromise grand prix racer.

To read the remainder of this and many other articles, please purchase your copy of the May 2007 edition of Seahorse International Sailing available at selected newsstands or by calling: + 44 (0) 1590 671899 or by email at: info@seahorse.co.uk

You can subscribe via our website