 Class symbol | |
 Competitors of the 2005–2006 Volvo Ocean Race | |
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Design | Development class |
| Boat | |
| Draft | 4.5 m (15 ft) |
| Hull | |
| LOA | 21.5 m (71 ft) |
| Beam | 5.7 m (19 ft) |
| Rig | |
| Mast length | 31.5 m (103 ft) |
| Sails | |
| Mainsail area | 175 m2 (1,880 sq ft) |
| Jib/genoa area | 94 m2 (1,010 sq ft) |
The Volvo Open 70 (sometimes referred to as a Volvo Ocean 70) is the former class of racing yachts designed for the Volvo Ocean Race. It was first used in the 2005–06 race (replacing the Volvo Ocean 60 yachts which were first used in 1993).
According to the VO70 rule, the yachts can be made from glass fibres, aramid fibres, or carbon fibres (which were not allowed for VO60s). It uses a canting keel which is capable of canting transversely up to an angle of 40 degrees.
The Volvo Open 70 is not a singular yacht design or boat but rather a set of design rules to which competing boats must adhere. This is similar to the concept to the design and construction rules that define a racing car. Competing teams design and build boats within the scope of this rule to try and come up with the fastest boat for the expected conditions of the race.
Version 2 of the VO70 rule which “has been further developed to apply the lessons learned on the last event and ensure the continuing evolution of this outstanding class” was released in September 2006.[1] [2] A revised VO70 rule, version 3, was released in 2011.
The boat proved expensive and fragile, with numerous structural failures during races. On June 28, 2012, during a stopover in Lorient, France during the 2011–2012 Volvo Ocean Race, it was announced the boat would be replaced by the Volvo Ocean 65 for future editions of the race .[3]
- ^ About The Race – Volvo Open 70 Rule' Archived 2008-08-04 at the Wayback Machine – retrieved 28 May 2008
- ^ Volvo Ocean Race 2011–2012 | Docs & Rules[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Volvo Ocean Race to enter new era with 65-foot one-design". www.theoceanrace.com. 2012-06-28.