Words: Gentleman's Journal
As the oldest boat builder in America with its roots dating back to 1816, Hodgdon Yachts has earned a reputation for producing beautiful vessels that are synonymous with superior quality. A team of dedicated expert craftsman has long continued a tradition of proven techniques that when merged with the visions of leading designers and architects are today still pushing the boundaries of technology and engineering. The 100ft supermaxi Comanche is a great example of this – launched late last year she has gone on to make her mark on the ever-competitive regatta circuit in style.
Designed by the French team of VPLP Design/Guillaume Verdier and constructed with the most cutting-edge composite materials money can buy, Comanche truly has that striking racer look about her. She was commissioned by Netscape founder Jim Clark who gave Hodgdon a brief to build a yacht capable of breaking records, something she has repeatedly done since taking to the water.
The most notable so far was achieved last month when Comanche went head-to-head with a fleet of the world’s sailing yachts at the Les Voiles de St Barths, where she established a speed record in the Maxi 1 class and took all line honours in her division. And with her ultra-lightweight pre-peg carbon fibre hull combined with a 21-strong crew headed by renowned US sailor Ken Read, she looks set to enjoy a fruitful racing career for years to come.
The comforts available on board the incredible motor yachts we see are abundant and well-known to us all, but it is vessels such as Comanche that are changing the way people look at sailing yachts. While a classic sailing yacht can be the ultimate companion for any discerning gentleman, these state-of-the-art modern racers take yachting to the next level of adrenaline and unforgettable experience. For charterers, regattas such as Le Voiles de St Barths are a great alternative to the usual superyacht destinations while owner’s get to live out their passion in some of the most spectacular locations in the world.
For more information about Hodgdon Yachts visit the website.
By Dominique Thew
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