The term maxi originated with the International Offshore Rule (IOR) rating system, which in the 1970s and 1980s measured offshore racing yachts and applied a single-number rating to each boat. This number was approximately equal to the sailing waterline length in feet, plus or minus speed enhancing or reducing factors in the design. A yacht with a rating of 40 feet (12 m) was generally about 47 to 52 feet (14 to 16 m) in length overall. The IOR had upper and lower rating limits of 16 feet (4.9 m) and 70 feet (21 m), so a yacht designed and built to exceed the maximum limit of 70 feet (21 m) rating was known as a maxi.
For the 2009 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia increased the IRC rating upper limit for length of hull from 98 ft to 100 ft, and most 98 ft yachts have been lengthened to this size. In order to achieve higher speeds, Maxi yachts were early adopters of modern materials and technologies such as carbonfiber, thermoformed sails, rotating wingmasts, water ballasts and canting keels. Previous smaller Maxi yachts are still raced with corrected time class victories in mind whilst the 72 ft “mini-maxi” yachts now have a class of their own.
Great news that the 9th Les Voiles de St Barth is open for registration 8-14 April - one of the bucket list of regattas to take part in...
Video Producer: Air Vide et Eau Productions
The Royal Ocean Racing Club Caribbean Classic got underway in Antigua. From mighty maxis and multihulls to the vast array of cruising and racing yachts, the fleet of over 80 entries, was set to be one of the most diverse, the race has ever seen.
Video Producer: Acquafilms
The 2018 edition of the race was the coming of age of the Royal Ocean Racing Club Caribbean 600. 84 starters. 41 finishers. 2 race records.
Video Producer: Acquafilms
The season opener on Antigua's deep blue waters. four days and nights of racing and shoreside fun in a corner of beautiful Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua.
Video Producer: Acquafilms
After the devastation bought by Hurricane Irma in 2017, fund raising is being supported by the St Maarten Heineken Regatta - worth watching and understanding how you can help.
Video Producer: On Air Media & Entertainment
Highlights from the 2018 St Maarten Heineken Regatta Around The Island race.
Video Producer: On Air Media & Entertainment
Highlights from the 2018 St Maarten Heineken Regatta Commodore's Cup.
Video Producer: On Air Media & Entertainment
38th St Maarten Heineken Regatta - held in March hosted by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club with the motto "Serious Fun!" Enjoy the 'Aftermovie' bringing all the action and fun from 2018 - we can't wait for next year!
Video Producer: On Air Media & Entertainment
Day One and the ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille started with a splash, welcoming 53 teams in the regatta’s seven classes.
Video Producer: Air Vide et Eau Productions
Day Two and stunning conditions for the ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille with 53 teams competing in the regatta’s seven classes.
Video Producer: Air Vide et Eau Productions
Lay Day at Les Voiles de Saint Barth. Time to uncork a few bottles and take to the water at the beach instead!
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Breezy Day Three for the 53 teams competing for the Richard Mille Record Trophy - 47 mile sprint course for the Maxi's and Multihulls between the islands of St Barth and Tintamarrein.
Video Producer: Air Vide et Eau Productions
Final day and stormy conditions for the ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille with 53 teams competing in the regatta’s seven classes.
Video Producer: Air Vide et Eau Productions
Day Four and stunning conditions for the ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille with 53 teams competing in the regatta’s seven classes.
Video Producer: Air Vide et Eau Productions
And they're off! Race 1 of the 51st Antigua Sailing Week, 2018. Magic conditions...
Video Producer: Acquafilms
Strong trade winds continued at Antigua Sailing Week where the rodeo ride upwind was rewarded with double-digit boat speed downwind, blasting through warm Caribbean surf. Sailors from 37 different countries have come to ASW for the legendary sailing conditions and for the second day in a row, tha...
Mother Nature delivered fantastic conditions for the first day of the 51st edition of Antigua Sailing Week. English Harbour Rum Race Day was spicy, packing a real punch. With 20 knots of breeze and a building sea state, the 116 teams that took to the combat zone revelled in fast conditions drench...
One team from Antigua, one team from London. Their one common goal...becoming better sailors.
Video Producer: Acquafilms
Across the 13 classes competing, leaders are emerging, as the iconic regatta enters the final day of racing for Antigua Sailing Week.
Video Producer: Acquafilms
The ultimate Caribbean regatta - highlights from the 51st edition of Antigua Sailing Week!
Video Producer: Acquafilms
New Series - Get to know some of the very top sailors around the world with VRsport.tv. 'CJ' has an impressive resume and has been on some of the fastest boats including the AC75 and Superfoilers - we caught up with him at the J70 UK Nationals.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
