Our latest project at Code Yachts, the Cayman 28 for a Cayman Islands client to enjoy high-performance racing with his mates, was launched on Hungary’s Lake Balaton by the yard just in time for their largest event of the year, the Blue Ribbon. Described by the team after successfully completing the 96-mile race on only its second ever outing as a ‘Gentleman’s Skiff’, designer Mark Mills said after the race “it was debatable whether our shake-down sail should be one of the worlds largest races, but it was beautiful. Racing down scenic Lake Balaton in company with almost 600 starters on a single start, and finishing after a night time battle reaching with 42 footers with Code Zeros… memorable!”
The all-carbon sportsboat features extendable racks that allow the crew to produce far more righting moment than a conventional hiking position, as well as a more comfortable seating position. In daysailing mode with the racks in it becomes a simple sporty daysailer, with the flat cockpit floor running forward to the stem to produce a more secure foredeck. With load-sharing sails by Doyle, the simple no-backstay rig is adjusted with underdeck forestay and jib tack purchases, relying on the pin-adjustable shrouds to make rig setup easy and repeatable.
Code Yachts Ltd. is excited to announce the launch of their latest project, the Cayman28, a high-performance racing yacht designed by the esteemed naval architect, Mark Mills, and engineered by SDK Structures, under the leadership of Steve Koopman. As a fresh wave in the sailing industry, Code Yachts is proud to introduce this state-of-the-art racing yacht that boasts exceptional speed, agility, and design.
At Code Yachts, we are passionate about delivering unparalleled quality and attention to detail in all our projects, and the Cayman28 is no exception. This 28-foot racing yacht is constructed from carbon fiber and features top-of-the-line components, such as the innovative seating racks, which provide optimal stability and a secure platform for the crew even in the toughest sailing conditions.
The engineering partner was SDK in Rhode Island to ensure the necessary light weight of 1100kg, smart detailing, and robust structure. ‘Rooster’ as she is known was launched on schedule by Code Yachts in Hungary in time for their major event of the season, the 600-entrant Blue Riband, and after one short test sail raced the 96 miles around Lake Balaton. Designed to take advantage of Doyle load-sharing sail designs the simple no-backstay rig is adjusted with underdeck forestay and jib tack purchases, relying on pin-adjustable shrouds to make rig setup easy and repeatable. The philosophy for the boat was to keep it simple and light, with coarse and fine adjustment for the main and jib sheets removing the need for winches, while the asymmetric spinnaker sheet benefits from a low profile Harken Snubbair on the rack.
The sliding racks are very successful, providing a more comfortable seating position than a conventional cockpit with a very solid feel even with 5 full size crew, leading to the description ‘Gentleman’s Skiff’. The racks have sockets for carbon stanchions to carry a webbing strap for more comfort when extended or better enclosure when sailing with them retracted. The appendages are all carbon, with a weed knife in the keel and a lifting rudder blade allowing easy weed-clearance in the Caribbean. Three hatches on the floor offer access under the cockpit, revealing a Lombardini 10hp inboard and storage space.
