How Long Is A Super Maxi Yacht?

The term “maxi” originated from the International Offshore Rule (IOR) rating system, which measured offshore racing yachts in the 1970s and 1980s. A maxi yacht is typically over 21 or 22 meters in length (68-71 feet), and many are converted into tour boats after their racing. The new world sailing speed record for the greatest distance covered by a monohull in a single 24 hour period is now 620nm.

A maxi yacht is usually around 70 feet long, with larger racing yachts at 90 to 100 feet in length. Super maxis are increasingly popular and are raced in all large worldwide yacht events, from the Fastnet to the Sydney to Hobart to the Middle Seas race. The sleek, 30-meter (100ft) long ocean racing thoroughbred is undisputedly the most successful yacht in the events’ 76-year history.

There are currently over 10,800 yachts afloat, with the longest yacht in the world being Azzam, measuring 180.61m. The world’s newest super maxi yacht, Sydney-based New Zealander Neville Crichtons 30-meter (98 feet) Alfa Romeo, hit the water in Sydney. The fleet will be a varied one, ranging from cruising yachts to pure racers, all with a minimum length of 60 feet (18.3 meters).

The Comanche, a 100ft super-maxi yacht, created such a stir at the last Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. The Andoo Comanche is the latest high-performance sailing team to carry the Andoo moniker, with the Andoo 18ft Skiff Racing Team winning the JJ Giltinan World Title earlier this year.