The first Gunboat 80, delivered in 2023 to Lord Laidlaw
Gunboat 80 hull #1 was delivered on July 10, 2023, in La Grande-Motte after sea trials and christened Highland Fling XVIII. This is the eighteenth regatta boat for Scottish baron Irvine Laidlaw — hence the Roman numeral — and his first multihull. Designed by VPLP Design, built by Gunboat (Grand Large Yachting Group), with interior by Chedal Anglay Design.
Specifications
- Length 24.65 m, beam 10.25 m
- Light displacement 27–28 t (under the 29 t maximum specified)
- Mast 30.9 m, upwind sail area 407 m²
- Prepreg carbon construction, Nomex honeycomb core, autoclave-cured
- Asymmetric L-shaped daggerboards (lift effect), T-shaped retractable rudders
- Six headsails planned, crew of twelve for regattas with hydraulic assistance
Speed and program
VPLP states the boat achieves windward performance exceeding true wind speed from 6 knots. The hull lifts at around 12 knots true wind and requires rapid sail reduction in stronger breeze. Hull #1 is configured for racing: fittings, glazing, and paint were kept to a minimum compared to the cruising version of the model. Lord Laidlaw steers himself during races.
Boat achievements
- 1st in corrected ORC time in the inaugural multihull class on its regatta debut
- Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2024: 1st in real time over both races, 3rd in corrected ORCmh behind Gaetana (Gunboat 66) and Allegra
- Multihull Cup 2024 (Mallorca, September 27–29): winner on tie-break against Allegra (20-second gap on aggregate after a 13-minute lead in real time on the final race)
