LN finds the New Zealand Endeavour in Friuli: this is how the old glory of the Ocean Race in the 90s looks like now
A special encounter with the New Zealand Endeavour, the winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race '93-'94
Have you ever walked along the street and run into a star from the past? Sports people, TV or theatre stars, someone who, no matter what their age, is recognisable anywhere and, even though they no longer work, still remains a well-known face? This happened to Liguria Nautica a few days ago, with a boat that has made its mark in history winning the sixth edition (1993/1994) of the Whitbread Round the World Race, now known as the Ocean Race. This was the New Zealand Endeavour, ketch class 1992, now moored at the Hannibal Marina in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
During these weeks where the Prada Cup has kept our attention with its incredible and futuristic racing boats, rediscovering the historic ketch that travelled around the world, 32,000 miles in different legs, crossing the finish line for the Maxi Yacht category, is even more emotional.
NEW ZEALAND ENDEAVOUR: TECHNOLOGY AND STYLE OF THE NINETIES
Its tapered bow is reminiscent of the old clippers, and when it was built by Marten Marine, it represented the state of the art in open ocean sailing. When the New Zealand Endeavour was launched, it was a concentration of technology.
Designed by the designer Bruce Farr, from New Zealand, it stood out for its shorter water line and lighter displacement compared to the Steinlager 2 by Peter Blake which, after winning The Whitbread 1989/90, became a “generational model”. Even with its more fluid hull, the New Zealand Endeavour had reduced aerodynamic resistance as well as a smaller sail surface.
The boat not only won the Whitebread Round the World 1993-94, but also took part in a few editions of the Sydney-Hobart with Grant Dalton at the helm, the sailor who was to make history in the America’s Cup, and who now captains Team New Zealand. For years now, the New Zealand Endeavour has been in the northern Adriatic and, thanks to a scrupulous refit, it has returned to its ancient splendour. And more. A few years ago it came back into play winning “La Cinquanta 2019” from Caorle-Lignano-Grado (and back) in the Xtutti category.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 84’4 / 25.7m
Builder: Marten
Exterior Designer: Farr Yacht Design
Model: Custom
Beam: 19’1 / 5.82m
Gross Tonnage: 42 Tonnes
Draft: 12’4 / 3.66m
Cruising Speed: 8.5 knots
Top Speed: 10 knots
