Tripp’s new 62-footer changes all the rules: goodbye corners

Bill Tripp also adapts to the current fashion, the 62-footer. But he does it his way and churns out, as usual, something really new that you can see in the first photos of the boat just launched in Florida. The trend for this size of 62 feet, or just over 18 meters has many precursors. In Italy, the ICE 62 designed by Umberto Felci for the Ice Yachts shipyard, then the Vismara Mills 62, so far built in three examples designed by Mark Mills. But even among French shipyards the fashion for the 62 is catching on; the first example of the Beneteau Oceanis Yachts 62 has just been launched, and Dufour is even announcing a 63 in the new Exclusive line.

BYE BYE EDGES
But designer Bill Tripp’s is a truly distinctive and innovative boat. Look in the photo seen from the stern at the position of the two rudder blades, they are practically coinciding with the free edge of the sides. Never seen such a solution. Also, dwell on the dead work. There is no shadow of an edge. The lines are taut but rounded, without the slightest hint of a sharp corner. It looks like an old-fashioned boat. But rest assured that hydrodynamics is state-of-the-art. Tripp’s “anti-corner” path could usher in a return to more harmonious, rounded lines.

A “CAFE RACER”
Continuing with the analysis of the boat, next dwell on the design of the deckhouse. Most peculiar. Very low, again with very sweet lines, “aerodynamic” one would have once said. “Cafe racer” Bill Tripp calls it in his commentary on the boat, which is called “Chessie Racing.” The term Cafe’ Racer is stolen from 1960s motorcycle terminology and means, “road motorcycles stripped of everything touring-related and fitted with specialized accessories and modified superstructures-often self-built-in such a way as to look like racing motorcycles, but actually used solely to show off and gratify the egos of their owners.”

AN ESSENTIAL AND BEAUTIFUL BOAT
Here is the significance of this 62-footer from Tripp, a boat stripped of all trappings, essential and, in our opinion, beautiful. And that will set a trend. Of course, everything is top notch, even the New England Boatworks shipyard, which is the one that built, for example, Rambler, the monster that won the last Middle Sea Race in royalty. The owner, an experienced sailor, says he will use the boat for day trips to Florida, short cruises, and to participate in regattas.

BOAT SHEET.
Overall length m. 18,90
Maximum width m. 5,30
Fishing m. 4,05
Sail area sqm 255
Carbon/nomex construction
New England Boatworks