the IMOCA Open 60 Yacht - Awen
The IMOCA Open 60 yacht Awen, has a rich history that reflects its pedigree as a high-performance ocean racing yacht. Awen was originally launched as Ecover 2 and has enjoyed a storied career that spans two decades and multiple competitive campaigns.
Over the years, the yacht has been renamed and raced under several banners, including Ecover 2, Mutua Madrileña and Central Lechera Asturiana ESP 23, before adopting its current name, Awen. Throughout its history, this vessel has cemented itself as one of the most recognisable and capable IMOCA 60 yachts in global racing, making it an ideal choice for crew members seeking a thrilling, hands-on experience in competitive offshore sailing.
Built for Racing: The Early Years as Ecover 2
Built in 2002 and launched in 2003, by the distinguished Southern Ocean Marine in New Zealand. Ecover 2 was designed by Owen Clarke Design, a leading naval architecture firm known for creating cutting-edge racing yachts. With its sleek, powerful lines and advanced technological features, Ecover 2 quickly established itself as a formidable vessel in the IMOCA 60 class, a category known for its extreme ocean racing capabilities and cutting-edge design innovations.
Owen Clarke design specialise in the design and naval architecture of high performance racing sailboats; particularly canting keel and foiling racing monohulls such as IMOCA Open 60s, of which they have designed eight boats for the Vendee Globe. The majority of their 60s have been created by an extended design team of IMOCA, Volvo and Americas Cup designers and engineers.
The construction utilised composite materials such as carbon fibre and epoxy resin to ensure maximum strength without adding unnecessary weight. With a length of 60 feet, draft of 4.75 metres anda beam of 5.85 metres, and a displacement of 8.5 tonnes, the yacht exemplified the ideal balance of speed, stability, and durability—crucial attributes for surviving the world’s most challenging ocean races.
Initially commissioned by British environmentalist and yachtsman Mike Golding, Ecover 2 participated in numerous prestigious events, including the IMOCA Ocean Masters Series and the Vendée Globe, a non-stop solo race around the world. Golding was renowned for his sailing prowess, and under his command, Ecover 2 quickly established itself as a serious contender on the global stage. The yacht's impressive performance in these races set the foundation for its later successes.
Transformation into "Mutua Madrileña" and Continued Success
In 2007, the yacht changed hands and was rebranded as Mutua Madrileña. Spanish sailor Javier Sanso took over as skipper and led the yacht through a new chapter of racing success. This phase in the vessel's career further solidified its reputation for speed and reliability in open-water conditions. Under Sanso’s leadership, the yacht participated in several key IMOCA events, including the Barcelona World Race, a double-handed, non-stop circumnavigation.
Mutua Madrileña continued to demonstrate its capabilities, showing particular strengths in endurance and versatility in a wide range of sea conditions. The yacht’s design made it exceptionally competitive in both upwind and downwind legs, and its superior engineering minimized the wear and tear that often challenges racing yachts during long passages. These features made it a go-to choice for experienced sailors looking for a vessel that could perform at the highest level without compromising safety.
The Era of Central Lechera Asturiana ESP 23
After a brief hiatus, the yacht was rebranded again as Central Lechera Asturiana ESP 23. During this phase, the yacht continued to be an active participant in ocean races, although it was now competing with a newer generation of IMOCA 60 designs. However, despite the increasingly advanced competition, the yacht remained a steadfast performer, benefiting from its robust construction and timeless design principles.
As Central Lechera Asturiana ESP 23, the yacht participated in several Mediterranean and transatlantic races, consistently demonstrating its enduring capabilities. By now, the yacht had garnered a loyal following among sailing enthusiasts and had proven itself as a workhorse of the IMOCA fleet—reliable, fast, and adaptable, even in the face of modern innovations in yacht design.
The Current Chapter: Awen
Over the past nine years the most recent owner, Evan Davies, yacht has sailed under the name Awen and competed in a number of significant coastal and offshore racing events in New Zealand.
Awen is a Welsh, Cornish and Breton word for "inspiration". Awen derives from the Indo-European root *-uel, meaning 'to blow', and has the same root as the word awel meaning 'breeze' in Welsh and 'wind' or 'gale' in Cornish.
Today, marking a new chapter in its illustrious career, Awen is part of the Ocean Sailing Expeditions fleet. Awen offers experienced sailors and adventurous novices alike the chance to crew on a vessel with a legendary racing pedigree. The yacht’s storied history is a testament to its engineering excellence, durability, and capability to perform in some of the toughest conditions known to offshore racing.
What makes Awen particularly attractive to potential crew members is its versatility. Whether racing in a competitive offshore regatta or participating in a long-distance passage, Awen is a vessel that commands respect. It provides an exhilarating experience, allowing crew members to work closely with advanced sailing systems, including carbon fibre masts, optimised sail plans, and high-performance winches and rigging.
Sailing on Awen is not just about the thrill of racing; it’s also about learning from a yacht that has evolved over two decades of intense competition. Crewing on this vessel means joining a legacy, experiencing firsthand the precision and skill that have allowed it to remain competitive through multiple rebrands and racing campaigns. The yacht's proven reliability and speed ensure that whether you're racing to win or sailing for adventure, Awen will provide an unforgettable experience.
Awen stands out as a racing yacht not only for its impressive history but also for the unique experience it offers to crew members. The yacht’s competitive design has been refined over decades of high-stakes racing, making it an ideal vessel for those looking to push the limits of their sailing abilities. The yacht's performance capabilities are complemented by its well-balanced handling, allowing crew members to engage in all aspects of offshore sailing, from navigating complex wind patterns to managing sail changes under pressure.
Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork required to race on a yacht like Awen fosters a rewarding and challenging environment. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or relatively new to the sport, this yacht offers the perfect platform for honing your racing skills while experiencing the thrill of open-ocean competition.
In summary, Awen is a unique blend of historic significance and modern performance, making it an ideal racing yacht for those looking to be part of a truly exceptional sailing experience.
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