Imagine a yacht slicing through the Atlantic at speeds surpassing 30 knots, rewriting the record books and redefining what's possible for monohull sailing. That's exactly what the Baltic 111 Raven achieved in the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, shattering the previous monohull record and claiming the IMA Trophy in a breathtaking display of speed, stability, and innovation. But here's where it gets controversial: is this the future of offshore racing, or a glimpse into a niche world of ultra-specialized, foiling-assisted giants? Let’s dive into the story of Raven’s triumph and the questions it raises.
Skippered by Damien Durchon and crewed by a seasoned team including navigator Will Oxley and sailing master Brad Jackson, Raven completed the 3,000-nautical-mile journey from Lanzarote to Antigua in just under seven days. This wasn’t just a victory—it was a declaration of a new era in offshore maxi yacht design. Light for its size, equipped with foils, and engineered to maintain blistering speeds for days on end, Raven is a marvel of modern maritime engineering. Its arrival in Antigua was met with fanfare, as The Hon. Charles 'Max' Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Economic Development, welcomed the crew and celebrated Antigua’s new role as the race’s finish destination.
And this is the part most people miss: Raven’s success wasn’t just about raw speed. It was about balance. Unlike fully flying foilers, Raven stays largely in the water, using its side foils to generate immense righting moment while maintaining control. Durchon emphasizes, ‘This boat is incredibly stable. The better it performs, the safer it becomes.’ With 10 tonnes of water ballast and a strong hull form, Raven combines performance with safety, challenging the notion that speed and stability are mutually exclusive.
For Oxley, who previously navigated Comanche to a monohull record in 2022, the comparison between the two boats is revealing. ‘Comanche is still the benchmark in VMG downwind sailing, but Raven has clear advantages at certain angles,’ he explains. ‘In this race, we were faster when sailing our angles. Comanche still leads in pure VMG, but Raven sets a serious benchmark.’ The team’s success was drama-free, a testament to their preparation and the boat’s reliability. ‘We arrived with the boat and crew in great shape, and our time speaks for itself,’ Oxley adds.
Here’s where the debate heats up: Is Raven’s design the future of offshore monohulls, or a specialized solution for specific conditions? Project Manager Claes Nyloef believes it’s the former. ‘This is a way forward,’ he says. ‘You get foiling performance without fully flying, which is critical for ocean racing. It’s efficient, reliable, and opens a new level of performance.’ But not everyone agrees. Critics argue that such advanced designs may exclude smaller teams or create a technological arms race. What do you think? Is this progress or exclusivity?
Raven’s crew cohesion was another key to success. Jackson highlights, ‘This is a complicated boat, but the crew dynamic is very positive. Everyone knows their role, and we’ve spent a lot of time learning together.’ Oxley agrees, ‘The team’s humor and lack of friction made a huge difference offshore. People want to sail this boat because of the platform and the team.’
The race ended as spectacularly as it began, with Raven crossing the finish line at over 30 knots in challenging, moonless conditions. ‘We nailed the lay line with a bit of practice and luck,’ Oxley recalls. ‘It was a special way to end the race.’ With Raven now setting the IRC corrected-time benchmark, the next contender, the Mach 50 Palanad 4, is poised to challenge for the overall lead. But Raven’s statement is clear: this is a new generation of offshore monohull, and it’s here to stay.
As Raven rests in Antigua, the sailing world is left with a question: Is this the future of offshore racing, or a bold experiment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing is certain—Raven has set a new standard, and the race to surpass it has already begun.
