Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Brothers

A fantastic debut for the Eagle Class 53 at Les Voiles de St Barth

by Fast Forward Composites / Eagle Class 53 26 Apr 2019 03:51 PDT
Eagle Class 53 catamaran - Les Voiles de St Barth © Richard & Rachel / Ocean Images

Tommy Gonzalez of Fast Forward Composites debuted the groundbreaking Eagle Class 53 catamaran with Hybrid Wing during the 10th anniversary of the Les Voiles de St Barth regatta last week. What a reception he received!

The week was full of fantastic sails, with journalists, professional sailors, avid boat racers, friends, family and well-wishers on board. It couldn't have been a better week for the boat. The reception from all who sailed on her was phenomenal. The pros certainly enjoyed giving the helm a go and seeing how easy it was to control the Hybrid Wing and sail systems. Most of the guests enjoyed the "splash" factor of the spray from the wave piercing bows!!

The screecher sail also made its debut and we saw speeds of 29 knots on its premier outing. It was a fairly breezy week, so the boat was sailed with caution. The initial testing certainly blew our hair back, and we are happy with the shape and cut.

The Gustavia Yacht Club hosted Tommy and his crew for a nice informal dinner and gave him the opportunity to chat about the boat and its conception. Many thanks to the club for hosting us.

It really was a great week, and a fantastic opportunity for Tommy and Randy Smyth to be able to chat and demonstrate the boat and Hybrid Wing in person. They were able to show off not only the boat in action, but also the look, feel, and quality of the build and design. Everybody left the island fairly tired, but with a grin from ear to ear.

The Eagle Class 53 will now be coming up the East Coast of USA in early summer. Keep checking out her progress on Instagram

Video by Richard Langdon / Ocean Images

Related Articles

Special Sunday brunch & learn
Women on the Water: The History of Female Sailors on the Great Lakes On Sunday, May 18, join us for a special Bunch & Learn event, Women on the Water: The History of Female Sailors on the Great Lakes. Posted on 11 May
NMMA testifies in support of Pennsylvania boating
The hearing focused on the economic impact of the recreational marine industry in the Commonwealth On May 6, NMMA Northeast Government Relations Manager, Sam Romano, testified before the Pennsylvania Senate Game and Fisheries Committee in strong support of the state's recreational marine industry. Posted on 10 May
Molabo & Team Malizia 48v Hybrid Propulsion System
A pioneering step toward zero-emission offshore performance Lightweight, fuel-efficient, and safe-to-maintain: A pioneering step toward zero-emission offshore performance. Posted on 9 May
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode One
Episode One - Wes Moxey, CEO of Riviera Motor Yachts - is now up and running Episode One - Wes Moxey, CEO of Riviera Motor Yachts - is now up and running Posted on 8 May
Newport International Boat Show gives back
Premier northeast boat show announces support for local nonprofits The Newport International Boat Show, presented by BankNewport announced today it will be giving back to the local community. Posted on 8 May
TowBoatUS Pittsburgh ready to assist boaters
New owners for TowBoatUS Lake Anna, VA The 24/7 on-water towing and assistance service for recreational boaters with ties to nationwide fleet of more than 600 towboats has come to Pittsburgh's Three Rivers. Posted on 8 May
MasterCraft reports fiscal 2025 Q3 results
Net sales for the third quarter were $76.0 million, down $8.0 million, or 9.5% MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) today announced financial results for its fiscal 2025 third quarter ended March 30, 2025. Posted on 8 May
Demand slows as market watches economic indicators
NMMA's Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report New data from NMMA's Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary report paints a complex picture—defined by ongoing retail softness, cautious optimism, and a watchful eye on economic indicators that continue to shape consumer behavior. Posted on 8 May
VMAR files electric marine powertrain patent
For advanced software-based overload protection The patent introduces smart software within the Company's E-Motion™ HV Electric Marine Powertrain that continuously monitors electrical conditions of the cooling-pump motor. Posted on 7 May
American Sportfishing Association urges action
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America ASA President Glenn Hughes sent a letter to Trump Administration expressing support for its efforts to address global trade imbalances and strengthen U.S. competitiveness, while urging swift action to provide greater certainty and relief for ASA members. Posted on 7 May
Selden 2020 - FOOTERRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERNorth Sails Loft 57 Podcast