This isn’t Klink’s first foray into offshore racing under the name Caro. His previous Caro, a Botin 65, made its debut in Australia in 2014. With a vision of winning the Rolex Sydney Hobart that year, the team, then skippered by Mark Bartlett, aimed high. Despite their ambitious goals, the first Caro finished 57th overall. However, the lessons learned from that experience laid the foundation for Klink’s future success in the world of competitive offshore racing.
The current Caro is a formidable vessel with a proven track record. Launched in 2021, the Botin 52 boasts a Length Overall (LOA) of 15.9 metres, a beam of 4.4 metres, and a draft of 3.6 metres. It is a yacht built for performance, with sleek lines and a design that maximises both speed and handling, particularly in offshore conditions. Under the flag of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), the yacht has already demonstrated its ability to compete at the highest levels.
Caro’s impressive racing history speaks volumes about its capabilities. In 2022, the yacht placed third overall in the challenging RORC Transatlantic Race, a significant achievement for any offshore yacht. This success was followed by a dominant performance at the Les Voiles de St. Barth Regatta, where Caro claimed overall honours in CS1. But perhaps most notably, Caro cleaned up in the 2022 Australian Yachting Championships at Hamilton Island, decisively defeating other TP52s, including the renowned Ichi Ban, to win overall IRC 1 honours.
In 2023, Caro continued its stellar performance with a string of notable wins. It claimed victory in the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race, one of the most prestigious events in offshore racing, and topped its division in the Rolex Middle Sea Race later that year. These victories firmly established Caro as one of the most successful offshore yachts in recent history.
Returning for its second consecutive Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 2023, Caro entered as one of the favourites. With its impressive track record, including its triumph in the Rolex Fastnet and the Rolex Middle Sea Race, Caro was a yacht to watch, and it did not disappoint. The team, led by Max Klink, has proven time and again that it is capable of competing at the highest level in some of the most challenging conditions the sport has to offer.
As Caro sets its sights on the 2024 Sydney to Hobart, Klink and his team are ready to continue their winning streak. Alongside Klink, the team includes seasoned offshore racers such as Scott Beavis, Justin Ferris, Ryan Godfrey, Cian Guilfoyle, Harry Hall, Wade Morgan, William Parker, James Paterson, Jules Salter, Adrian Stead, and Jono Swain. This group of skilled sailors has been instrumental in Caro‘s success, and they are poised to continue their legacy in the 2024 race.
Max Klink’s journey with Caro reflects the dedication, vision, and expertise needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of offshore racing. From his first yacht Caro to the current Botin 52, Klink’s ability to recognise potential, both in his vessels and his teams, has meant he has been able to succeed as he has. With the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race just around the corner, all eyes will be on Caro and its experienced crew, as they continue their pursuit of glory on the water.
The Botin 52
The Botin 52 is a high-performance racing yacht designed by Botin Partners, one of the world’s leading naval architecture firms specialising in cutting-edge yacht design. Built primarily for grand prix racing and optimised for the TP52 class rules, the Botin 52 is revered for its combination of speed, efficiency, and precision handling. Its design reflects Botin Partners’ extensive experience in creating competitive yachts, blending innovative technology with sleek, purposeful aesthetics.
The Botin 52 was developed to dominate offshore and inshore regattas under IRC and ORC rating systems.
Key aspects of the design include:
Specifications
The Botin 52 has a Length Overall (LOA) ranging from 15.85 to 15.90-metres, with a beam of 4.4-metres and a draft of 3.6-metres. Its displacement is approximately 7,200 kg, providing a solid yet lightweight structure. The rig is made from carbon fibre, featuring a mast and boom that enhance performance. The sail area is approximately 150 square metres when sailing upwind, with the added benefit of expansive downwind sail options for greater versatility in varying conditions.
Hull design
The hull of the Botin 52 is a product of advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and wind tunnel testing, resulting in a design that is both efficient and high-performing. It features a narrow beam to reduce drag, complemented by a flat aft section that maximises planing capabilities. The fine bow entry is crafted to slice through waves with minimal resistance, enhancing performance in upwind conditions. Additionally, the hard chine aft contributes to stability while generating lift at higher speeds, ensuring optimal handling and speed under various racing conditions.
Keel and draft
The Botin 52 is equipped with a deep keel and a high-aspect ratio bulb, designed to lower the centre of gravity and enhance both stability and the righting moment. With a typical draft of 3.6 metres, the yacht benefits from excellent windward performance, making it highly competitive in challenging racing conditions.
Construction
The boat is built using advanced carbon fibre and composite materials, which contribute to a lightweight yet exceptionally strong structure. Its vacuum-infused epoxy resin construction ensures both consistency and durability, making it reliable under various conditions. Additionally, rigorous weight distribution testing has been conducted to optimize balance and agility, ensuring superior performance on the water.
Deck layout
The boat is optimised for efficiency in sail handling during high-pressure race situations. It features ergonomic winch placements, a flush deck, and custom hardware, all designed to streamline crew operations. The open cockpit design allows for easy movement, ensuring that crew members can swiftly navigate during tacks, gybes, and sail changes. This thoughtful layout enhances performance and supports the crew’s agility in demanding race environments.
Sail plan
The boat features a powerful rig setup, including a carbon mast and boom, paired with high-tech sails made from advanced materials such as 3Di or Dyneema. A generous sail area maximises power, while adjustable controls, including a bowsprit, enhance downwind performance. The rig’s balanced proportions provide flexibility, allowing the boat to adapt seamlessly to varying wind and sea conditions, ensuring optimal performance in a range of environments.
Performance characteristics
The Botin 52 is designed to excel in a variety of conditions, offering impressive speed and acceleration, particularly in light winds and downwind situations, while maintaining competitive speeds upwind thanks to its lightweight build and optimised hull. Its handling is exceptional, with precise steering and excellent balance, making it highly responsive and efficient in tactical racing situations. Reinforced for offshore racing, the Botin 52 combines speed with reliability, enabling it to withstand the rigours of long-distance events like the Rolex Fastnet Race or the Sydney to Hobart, ensuring both performance and durability in challenging conditions.
The Botin 52 represents the pinnacle of modern race yacht design, embodying speed, agility, and precision. Its dominance in the TP52 class and versatility in offshore regattas affirm its reputation as one of the most sought-after racing yachts in the world.
