110Ian Walker is a two-times British Olympic
Silver medallist. He has been involved in
America’s Cup teams, campaigned the
TP52 Patches, and has done two VolvoOcean Races, twice as skipper of Abu Dhabi
Ocean Racing, winning the round the world
race in 2015. He is now director of racing at
the Royal Yachting Association.Eamon Conneely commissioned the original
Reichel Pugh-designed TP52 Patches in 2005 to
race under IRC in the Admirals Cup and within the
original class box rule on the International circuit.
The class has stood the test of time, and an
incredible nine new boats were built for the 2018
circuit. The reason for its longevity and popularity,
I think, is that it’s a perfect size and an absoluteblast to sail. Everyone knows these boats are fast
downwind but the real secret is that they are so
efficient upwind.
Of course I’m very biased but of all the TP52s
ever built my favourite is the first, Patches [Walker
was skipper]. I base this on aesthetics, the
multitude of trophies won and the great team of
people who sailed on her. Those were the days!IAN WALKER NOMINATES TP52 PATCHES
WORLD’S COOLEST YACHTS
We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times
the reason for its
popularity is that it’s
a perfect size and an
absolute blast to sail
‘
‘TOP TRUMPS RATING(^) TOP SPEED 28kn
LOA 52ft
LAUNCHED 2005
BERTHS 8
PRICE €1.5M
Charlie Shoemaker/Volvo Ocean Race ADRENALIN FACTOR 75%
Thierry Martinez
Thierry Martinez