Neptune: Visit of the yacht after its thorough refit for the Ocean Globe Race
A veteran of the 1977-78 Whitbread, Neptune is gearing up for the start of the Ocean Globe Race in autumn 2023. We visited her during a technical stopover, just as the crew had finished qualifying. We take a look at the boat as it prepares to sail around the world with an old-fashioned crew.
Neptune out of the water for a technical stopover A cockpit that comes very close to the original, with large additional winches on the coamings that required a few reinforcements Deck layout in cruising configuration The old Barbarossa coffee grinders on each side have been replaced by a single, more modern central winch column The shape of the coachroof is unchanged, and crew protection will remain basic under the small cap. Removed from the charter version, the mast foot tub for halyard and spinnaker operation has been redesigned. A large foredeck and an imposing hatch to access the sail locker. Roller furlers are allowed, making a nice change from the original sail plan Under the cockpit, a watertight compartment is compulsory at the stern. The bulkhead, which had been cut away, has been filled in, leaving only the steering system in the afterpeak. A toilet is located on the starboard aft side The inevitable wax cabinet The saloon, here under construction, features a central folding table and two benches directly in front of the companionway Tilting chart table on starboard side Galley on port side Limited electronics Means of communication in compliance with OGR rules Frame-mounted banners in front of the square The technical area, near the mast bulkhead, houses the engine, with a workbench around it. Imposing chainplate covers The sail locker
