The Volvo 60 Merit
The Volvo 60 yacht Merit is a highly regarded vessel with a rich racing history. Launched in 1997, Merit was originally designed for New Zealander Grant Dalton for the demanding conditions of the Whitbread Round the World Race, which later became the Volvo Ocean Race. Two times Whitbread Race Winner (81/82 and 93/94) and two times America’s Cup Winner (2017 & 2021); Grant Dalton, built Merit for his 1997, 2-boat Whitbread 60 campaign.
Like all Volvo 60 yachts, it was built to a "box rule," ensuring that key dimensions and features remained consistent across competing yachts. These specifications made the Volvo 60s famous for their speed and performance in downwind and reaching conditions, essential for their round-the-world challenges. A total of 32 Volvo Ocean 60s were built for the three editions the class was used by the race. 28 of these competed in the race with 4 boats being built as training boats for two boat testing.
Capable of doing 11 knots upwind and 20-25 knots off the wind (with a top speed of 30), at 13.5 tons, this water ballasted, 64-foot yacht is a weapon and promises a high adrenalin, racing experience.
Since arriving in Australia, Merit has contested numerous offshore races under various names, including News Corp, Line 7, Stratco and Telcoinabox Merit. One of her most remarkable achievements was setting a course record in the 2002 Gosford to Lord Howe Island Race, slicing nearly seven hours off the previous best. She continued to shine in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, where in 2008, under the command of Leo Rodriguez, she not only came to the aid of the sinking yacht Georgia, but still secured 1st place in her PHS division and first place in PHS 1st overall. Merit followed this up with a 5th in her PHS Division on 2023.
Throughout her career, Merit has maintained an active presence in Australian waters, participating in major races like the Sydney to Hobart and consistently proving her pace and competitiveness crossing the line 11th . Her history of success can be attributed to her design and the quality of the crews that have raced her. Most recently, Merit was refitted and returned to racing, where she has continued to dominate the local yacht racing scene in North Queensland in recent years. This Volvo Ocean 60 remains a testament to the durability and race-worthiness of this class of yacht, showcasing both her historical significance and her continued capability in modern competitive sailing.
A new edition to Ocean Sailing Expeditions in October 2024, Merit promises years of exciting racing ahead.
