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 of Scottish baron Irvine Laidlaw — hence the Roman numeral — and his first multihull. Designed by VPLP Design, built by Gunboat (Grand Large Yachting Group), interior design 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), retractable T-shaped rudders
- Six headsails planned, crew of twelve for regattas with hydraulic assistance
Speed and program
VPLP states that the boat achieves a speed through the water exceeding true wind speed from 6 knots of true wind. The hull lifts at around 12 knots of true wind and requires rapid sail reduction in stronger breeze. Hull #1 is configured for racing: fittings, glazing and paintwork have been minimized compared to the cruising version of the model. Lord Laidlaw steers himself during races.
Boat achievements
- won corrected-time ORC in the inaugural multihull class on its regatta debut
- Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2024: 1st in real time in both races, 3rd in corrected-time ORCmh behind Gaetana (Gunboat 66) and Allegra
- Multihull Cup 2024 (Mallorca, September 27–29): winner on tie-break against Allegra (20-second cumulative margin after a 13-minute real-time lead in the final race)
