Landmark 43, when a cruising boat is a winner

It is a production hull built in Dubai, which anyone can buy and which can be found used perfectly equipped for racing on 250,000 euros, the Landmark 43 that amazed with its performance at the ORC World Championship (second place finish) recently raced in Kiel, Germany. And that we had a chance to analyze.

CRUISING AND WINNING

The design is by a studio on the crest of a wave, Mills Design, which designed the new 72-foot maxi Ran and the Supernikka built in Italy by Vismara. But devising a winning production boat that also serves for cruising use is a far cry from a one-off boat built only for racing. This is why Mills says he has dwelled in the design to minimize the loss of performance when there is extra weight on board (as there is when cruising) especially in the aft sections, those that drag more water when the boat is no longer in the optimal waterlines.

HULL AND DECK

In the Landmark 43, the waterline length that almost coincides with the overall length due to the almost nonexistent drafts and reduced waterline width jumps out at you. Objective, to decrease the frontal section as much as possible so as to offer less hydrodynamic resistance. The stern sections are also full to provide good support when sailing in stern swells, but slightly raised to reduce water resistance in light winds. The deck features a very large cockpit with the two rudder wheels moved far forward to provide a perfect view for the helmsman and shift the weights toward the middle of the boat. At the bow, the winder and cleats are recessed.

AMPLE SPACES BELOW DECK

What is surprising are the spaces below deck, which are also ideal for cruise use. The layout includes three double cabins, large galley and stowage spaces, and a large salon. Light and ventilation is provided by a large manhole in the bow and one in the saloon and a series of portholes in each cabin.

CARBON IS STANDARD

In terms of rigging, Landmark 43 provides all-carbon sail rig (mast and bowsprit) as standard but even in the deck arrangements there is great attention to small-crewed cruising use: a rollable jib, maneuvers all deferred to the helmsman’s reach, and a German-style mainsail sheet system that allows for effortless caulking. Construction was entrusted by the Norwegian company that markets the Landmark 43 to the Premiere Composite shipyard in Dubai, famous for building hulls for the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup. To keep costs down but maintain the necessary lightness and rigidity, a hull and deck construction of epoxy/E glass laminate with foam was chosen, and the interior, structural, is also made of a single composite molding. www.landmarkyachts.com

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET.
Overall length 13,10 m
Length at waterline 11,26 m
Max Beam 3,83 m
Ballast 2,950 kg
I 17,35 m
ISP 19,00 m
J 4,80 m
P 17,35 m
E 6,15 m
Displacement 4,360 kg
Sail surface upwind 109.5 square meters
Sail area in the stern 271.5 square meters
Engine Volvo 40 HP
Fuel 170 l
Water 340 l