The Open 50 Yacht - Andar

The Open 50 yacht Andar is a storied racing vessel with a legacy that mirrors the evolution of the high-performance offshore sailing class known as the Open 50. Designed and built for solo and short-handed racing, Andar was constructed in the 1990s, a period when innovation and daring were at the forefront of competitive sailing. Like her contemporaries, Andar was designed with the open class principles in mind, which prioritised minimal restrictions on design, allowing builders and sailors to push the boundaries of speed, safety and endurance.

Design and Construction

The Open 50 class, similar to the more famous IMOCA 60 class, is designed for long-distance ocean racing, but in a smaller and more accessible package. Andar was a cutting-edge yacht for her time, blending speed, agility, and ruggedness to face the harsh conditions of solo ocean racing. Built with a light yet strong composite hull, Andar was engineered for maximum performance in a wide range of sea conditions. Her wide beam and open cockpit allow for more efficient sail handling, while her lightweight construction enhances her speed, making her competitive in even the lightest winds.

Naval architects of the Open 50 class designed these boats to be stable and fast, with large sail areas and cutting-edge rigging systems that allowed solo sailors to push the boat to its limits. Andar exemplifies these qualities. Her long keel and advanced rigging systems allow her to handle the unpredictable and often violent conditions of the open ocean. The result is a boat that is fast, agile, and capable of withstanding the rigours of long offshore races.

Racing Legacy

Since their launch, the Open 50 class have participated in numerous offshore races, including trans-oceanic challenges and solo races that have tested their capabilities to the extreme. Among these races, participation in the prestigious Around Alone race stands out. Around Alone, now known as the Velux 5 Oceans Race, is a single-handed yacht race around the world, covering some of the most challenging and remote waters on the planet. Competing in such a race is a testament to the quality and durability of Open 50 design and construction.

The yacht's robust performance in races like Around Alone highlights her strengths: the ability to handle rough weather, high-speed performance in downwind conditions, and exceptional manoeuvrability in solo sailing. Sailors who have helmed the Open 50 speak of responsiveness and the balance between speed and safety, key features in a yacht designed for solo, high-risk ocean racing.

Over the years, Andar has also participated in significant offshore races, ocean crossings and solo races, where she has consistently performed well, further solidifying her reputation as a capable and competitive yacht in the Open 50 class. Her performance in these races reflects her capability to withstand the challenges of offshore sailing, from light winds to gale-force storms.

Andar will join the sailing calendar from August 2025, once a refit is completed

*Images are for example only of Open 50 yachts similar to Andar