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The CG30 Vento is part of a hotly contested category of 9-meter racing yachts capable of alternating offshore and inshore racing. This project, developed by Cossutti Ganz Yacht Design with Northern Light Composites, raises a number of technical and practical questions.
Striking a balance between stiffness and racing versatility
The first issue concerns the stability-performance compromise. With a displacement announced at 2950 kg and a keel weighing 1350 kg, the CG30 Vento is looking for sufficient stiffness to sail efficiently double-handed or with a reduced crew offshore, without penalizing performance when stability comes largely from human recall in full-crew configuration.
The hull was designed based on an analysis of conditions encountered in the Mediterranean and the main European basins. The choice of non-extreme shapes aims to limit wetted surfaces in light airs, while maintaining regular average speeds in choppy and unstable winds. This approach is clearly aimed at regatta sailors who mainly sail inshore and semi-offshore, rather than committed ocean racers.
Simplify transport and logistics without penalizing the sports program
The question of transport becomes central to this size of boat. From the outset, the CG30 Vento has incorporated devices to facilitate keel and rudder removal. The cassette-type keel system allows rapid installation and removal, a key point for crews frequently moving from one stretch of water to another.
The rudder is available in a single transom-mounted version, with a double rudder option. This alternative allows the boat to be adapted to different programs, from pure coastal cruising to more demanding downwind sailing with controlled trim.
A deck layout designed for a reduced crew
The deck layout responds to a clear challenge: to enable efficient manoeuvring, whether solo or double-handed, without sacrificing ergonomics for a full crew. All maneuvers are performed in the cockpit, with an organization centered around 10 blockers on the coachroof.
The presence of 2 cockpit winches and 2 additional winches on the roof, combined with a three-dimensional genoa track system, offers a trimming range suitable for ORC and IRC gauges. The cockpit, protected by long profiled coamings, aims to limit water ingress in heavy seas, a point rarely overlooked in offshore racing on boats of this size.
Modular rigging to suit the race program
The 9/10 fractional rig offers two main configurations. Owners can opt for a horn mainsail with double backstay, or a semi-square version with a long bowsprit and single backstay.
Upwind sail area reaches 56 m2, while downwind sail area exceeds 130 m2. The choice of aluminum mast and boom as standard, with carbon options, reflects a desire to control costs while leaving room for evolution for the most committed teams. The retractable carbon bowsprit, integrated into the deck, allows the gennaker and Code Zero to be hoisted at the head, without complicating maneuvers.
Sandwich construction and controlled industrial approach
Construction is based on a sandwich laminate of glass, PVC core and PET, vacuum-laminated with vinylester resin. CNC-cut internal structures are glued and then laminated, while marine plywood partitions contribute to the overall rigidity of the whole.
This choice of materials and methods aims for industrial repeatability compatible with series production, while maintaining a level of finish appropriate to a CE A category offshore racing yacht.
A functional interior for offshore sailing
The interior layout focuses on functionality. 4 fixed berths provide rest for the crew, complemented by structural seating around the mast foot and keel. The navigation station, the possibility of a table module and the presence of a compact galley area meet the requirements of multi-day races.
Flexible fuel tanks, a 12-volt electrical system with separate batteries and basic equipment ensure reasonable autonomy without unnecessary overloading. The package is clearly aimed at sailors who see the interior primarily as a racing tool.
Built in Monfalcone by Northern Light Composites, the CG30 Vento is due to be delivered for the first time in autumn 2026. It remains to be seen how this new 30-footer will stack up against the competition, both on the water and in the ORC and IRC rankings.
