Volvo Open 70 Ocean Race Survey

Ericsson 1 is a high-performance ocean racing yacht, designed by Farr Yacht Design for the 2005–2006 Volvo Ocean Race and built to Volvo Open 70 standards. At 21.55 meters in length with a 6-meter beam and a draft of 4.5 meters, this yacht offers impressive speed and control, enhanced by a canting keel system capable of pivoting up to 40 degrees to increase righting moment and optimize sailing performance.

A sistership to the legendary Pirates of the Caribbean, Ericsson 1 remains a strong contender in offshore racing circuits. Following a full rigging refit in 2018, the yacht returned to competitive sailing and is now active across the Atlantic and Caribbean regatta seasons, as well as major events in the Mediterranean. She is designed to accommodate up to 12 crew, offering both functionality and efficiency for extended passages.

In 2024 I was commissioned to perform a technical condition survey on Ericsson 1 for a U.S.-based client planning to use the yacht for offshore races around the world, joined by friends and family. The vessel, however, will be skippered and managed by a team of professional sailors during the most demanding passages.

The survey took place in Loano, Italy, and lasted for two full days. The inspection focused on the hull, built using vacuum infusion techniques to ensure strength and reduced weight, and featuring a canting keel controlled by a hydraulic system—an essential component for optimizing performance and stability in offshore sailing.

We also examined the carbon mast and the PBO rigging (high-performance fiber standing rigging). Some critical areas were identified in the rigging, due to accumulated fatigue from stress cycles typical of ocean racing. These findings led to a series of recommended actions, including further technical inspections and adjustments to the keel mechanism.

In autumn 2024, the yacht competed in Mediterranean regattas, achieving very positive results. The plan is to participate in the ARC rally this winter, followed by a round-the-world voyage via Panama, with a strong focus on keeping the vessel in top technical condition for every leg of the journey.