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The yachting world's two newest, sleekest and most exciting vessels -- Comanche and Rambler 88 -- competed against each other for the first time in the breathtaking setting of the Les Voiles de St. Barth regatta in April.
Rambler 88, created by Juan Yacht Design and launched in December 2014, is a maxi monohull designed to compete in the world's major offshore classics. She is, as the name suggests, 88 feet in length, with the designers having tried to create the lightest vessel they could in order to maximize speed potential. Christophe Jouany
Comanche, a 100-foot Supermaxi yacht designed by Verdier and VPLP and built in Maine, was designed with breaking records in mind. To the designers, speed "is king" for this elegant craft and the aim is simple -- to go from point A to point B very, very fast. Christophe Jouanny
Argentine designer Juan Kouyoumdjian -- responsible for multiple Volvo Ocean Race winners -- was commissioned to create Rambler 88 by George David, former chairman and CEO of U.S. multinational United Technologies Corporation, a large military contractor. Christophe Jouany
Comanche has its 150-foot mast further back than any other monohull craft -- its designers found that this aids balance. Michael Gramm
Crew members get a drenching as Rambler 88 cuts a path through the water during one of the four Maxi 1 class races off the coast of the Caribbean island of Saint-Barthelemy. Christophe Jouany
Rambler 88 and Comanche steer towards the shore during one of their compelling race tussles. Christophe Jouany
A plume of spray rises from the bows of Rambler 88 as she sets course. "This boat is wicked quick, and I think we'll do even better in the future," owner David told the regatta website. "I don't count us out for records, including the one for the Transatlantic Race 2015." Christophe Jouany
Comanche, commissioned by Texan billionaire Jim Clark and completed last year, set a speed record of two hours, 33 minutes and four seconds and took line honors in all four races. Christophe Jouanny
However, Rambler 88 claimed overall victory on corrected time, a handicap system calculated according to boat type and size. Christophe Jouany
Comanche, which has a 21-strong crew, was fourth of the four Maxi entries on a tiebreak after finishing level on points with Bella Mente and Lucky. Its skipper Ken Read told reporters the state-of-the-art vessels were "changing how we look at sailing." Christophe Jouany
Comanche and Rambler 88 do battle under blue Caribbean skies. Christophe Jouanny
Yachts -- and clouds -- gather as racing draws to a close. Michael Gramm
An overview of the stunning setting of one of yacht racing's most glamorous events. Michael Gramm
