XR41 shines at Fyn Rundt with 1st and 2nd in class

XR 41 Formula X during the Fyn Rundt © Peter Brøgger - Sejlsportsfoto

Formula X and Xbox dominate prestigious Danish regatta under new conditions

The XR41 continues to impress. In a weekend of challenging conditions and fierce competition,the high-performance racer secured 1st and 2nd in its class, and 4th and 5th overall out of 220 boats at the prestigious Fyn Cup, a 145-nautical-mile regatta around Denmark's island of Funen.

Following its recent victory at the Maior Regatta in Kiel under the ORC rating, where Formula X proved its pedigree with a semi-professional shipyard crew, this weekend marked a significant test: how would the XR41 perform under the Danish Handicap (DH) rule?

Result: Another triumph.

Skippered by Ib Kunøe, 81, Formula X demonstrated not only remarkable performance but also exceptional seamanship in gusts reaching 34 knots. The boat was manned by a mix of shipyard team members and talent from the Kiel crew - including Mielec, Dan P, Ruben, Kræn,Tobias - many of whom have been part of the XR41's development from the very beginning.

XR 41 Formula X during the Fyn Rundt - photo © Peter Brøgger - Sejlsportsfoto

Crew member Kræn reflected on the experience:

"It was a fantastic experience to sail the XR41 around Funen. Not only because it is a dream to sail, but especially because the crew included many of the people involved in the development of the boat. And to have Ib Kunøe at the helm for several hours in heavy weather - that was a true highlight. He's a skilled helmsman, and the wind didn't seem to bother him at all."

The performance of XR41 Xbox, skippered by Henrik Jørgensen, confirmed the platform's consistency. Xbox claimed 2nd place in class, also reaching a top speed of just over 20 knots, showing just how fast - and fun - the XR41 can be.

"We weren't entirely sure how the XR41 would adapt to the DH rule, since it's optimized for ORC," added Kræn. "But with a clear class win, and both boats finishing in the top five overall, there's no doubt now."

XR 41 Formula X during the Fyn Rundt - photo © Peter Brøgger - Sejlsportsfoto

The race started with a brisk reach across to the western side of Funen, where the fleet was greeted with gusts up to 25 knots. Spirits remained high aboard Formula X, especially after leading through Lillebælt. As the wind strengthened later in the race, with showers and gusts to 34 knots, with a top speed of the trip: 16.4 knots - even before the gennaker went up.

It wasn't just the XR41's putting on a show. With over 25% of the fleet sailing X-Yachts, the regatta also saw strong results across the board. Among the highlights, Torsten Bastiansen and his X-35 "Sydbank" won their class and finished 23rd overall, impressively juggling his sails in 30 knots while others struggled.

As the team reflects on a successful weekend, all eyes now turn to the upcoming X-Yachts Gold Cup, taking place June 6-8.

About X-Yachts

Founded in Denmark in 1979, X-Yachts is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-performance sailing yachts, combining Scandinavian design excellence with cutting-edge innovation and craftsmanship. With a legacy of winning regattas and delivering unforgettable cruising experiences, X-Yachts continues to set the standard in quality, performance, and style across its range of yachts - from pure racing machines to luxury performance cruisers. Every X-Yacht is designed and built with precision, offering superior handling, safety, and comfort both offshore and on the racecourse.