A New Era of Offshore Monohull Racing: Speed, Stability, and the RORC Transatlantic Record
In a breathtaking display of maritime prowess, the 34-meter Baltic 111 Raven has shattered the boundaries of monohull offshore racing, claiming the Monohull Line Honours, the IMA Transatlantic Trophy, and setting a new monohull race record in the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Antigua.
The Raven crew, led by Skipper Damien Durchon, showcased their exceptional skills, crossing the finish line at an astonishing 30 knots off English Harbour, Antigua, on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This remarkable achievement marked the completion of a 3,000-nautical-mile Atlantic crossing in just under seven days, a feat that solidifies Raven's status as a pioneer in offshore maxi yacht design.
The crew, comprising Brad Jackson, Carlos Hernandez Robayna, Charlie Wyatt, Claes Nyloef, Corrado Rossignoli, Damien Durchon, Daryl Wislang, Dean de Groot, Simbad Quiroga, Julien Cressant, Justin Slattery, Pablo Arrarte, Robbie Naismith, Roger Samuelsson, Rudi van Velzen, Tony Mutter, and Will Oxley, demonstrated unparalleled teamwork and technical prowess.
The Raven's success is a testament to its innovative design, combining light weight, foil assistance, and advanced engineering to achieve exceptional average speeds over extended periods. This balance of performance and stability sets a new benchmark for monohull offshore racing.
Navigating the Waves: Will Oxley's Insight
Will Oxley, the navigator who also played a pivotal role in setting the monohull race record on Comanche in the 2022 RORC Transatlantic Race to Grenada, offered a fascinating perspective on the comparison between Raven and Comanche.
"Raven and Comanche are fascinating to compare," Oxley explained. "Comanche remains the global standard for VMG downwind sailing, but Raven excels at specific angles. In this classic downwind Atlantic crossing, we achieve higher speeds when sailing at optimal angles. Comanche still holds the edge in pure VMG, an area we continue to refine. However, Raven is an exceptional platform, and our achievements here set a formidable benchmark."
The team's success was achieved without drama, a testament to their meticulous planning and execution. Oxley emphasized the importance of boat condition, crew condition, and time against Atlantic crossing benchmarks, all of which were met with flying colors.
Stability and Control: Damien Durchon's Perspective
Skipper Damien Durchon highlighted the Raven's remarkable stability, a key factor in its success. "This boat is incredibly stable," he stated. "The better it performs, the safer it becomes. Our huge righting moment from the foils, coupled with 10 tonnes of water ballast and robust hull form stability, ensures the boat behaves like a conventional yacht even if a foil stalls. In many respects, I'd say Raven is safer than most offshore boats."
Durchon's enthusiasm for the boat's performance was evident: "At 25 knots, it feels fast. At 30 knots and above, you're moving faster than the waves. You're navigating the sea rather than reacting to it. It's demanding, but the boat remains remarkably manageable."
Sustained Performance: Brad Jackson's Take
Sailing Master Brad Jackson underscored the importance of sustained performance over peak speed. "Completing a race like this in under seven days is a testament to our success," Jackson said. "The excellent weather conditions contributed, but the boat's genuine speed through the water is the real standout. This wasn't a sprint; it was about maintaining the boat's integrity and letting it do what it was designed to do."
Jackson also emphasized the crew's cohesion, a crucial aspect of their success. "This boat is complex, but our positive crew dynamic is key," he explained. "Everyone knows their role, and we've spent a lot of time learning together. This was the first time we treated it like a full race, and the team's unity was a significant factor in our success."
Engineering the Future: Claes Nyloef's Vision
Project Manager Claes Nyloef expressed confidence in Raven's role in shaping the future of offshore monohulls. "This is a significant step forward," Nyloef stated. "We've achieved foiling performance without fully flying, which is crucial for ocean racing. The combination of a fast monohull and foiling technology is impressive. I believe we'll see more boats like this. It's efficient, reliable, and offers a new level of performance while maintaining the familiarity of a conventional boat."
Nyloef highlighted the boat's acceleration as a standout feature. "When she starts accelerating, it doesn't stop," he said. "It's breathtaking. Previously, this sensation was exclusive to multihulls. Now, it's available on a monohull of this size, and it's truly extraordinary."
A Statement Victory: The Race's Conclusion
The race concluded with precision and pace, as the final approach to Antigua was challenging due to shifting conditions. Oxley recalled the experience: "It was a dark night, with no moon, a shifting breeze, and changing pressure. We aimed for a good lay line. With practice and luck, we succeeded, crossing the finish line at over 30 knots. It was a spectacular way to end the race."
The team's achievement was more than just a race win; it was a bold statement of intent from a new generation of offshore monohull racing. Raven's performance not only secures Monohull Line Honours and the IMA Trophy but also positions her as a leading contender for the overall IRC corrected-time result, with few boats capable of matching her speed, stability, and consistency.
As Raven rested in Antigua, it was clear that this was not just a race win but a declaration of intent from a new era of offshore monohull racing. The future of this sport is undoubtedly in capable hands.
