Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, the spectacular sailing yacht Dorade was originally launched in 1930 and influenced nearly all developments in yacht design for the next three decades. The Dorade yacht is well-known as “the mother of modern ocean racing yachts”, winning countless races.

Sailing yacht Dorade wins class at Heineken Regatta Credit: Tim Wright

The luxury yacht Dorade was a hugely successful racer, winning the 1930 and 1932 Bermuda races, 1931 Transatlantic race – both line honors and overall – and the 1931 and 1933 Fastnet races overall. Dorade is the only yacht to win the triple crown of ocean racing: the Transatlantic Race, Fastnet Race and the TransPac Race, a record that stands unbroken to this day.

Dorade is now racing in the Caribbean regattas in preparation for the Newport-Bermuda Race, starting with the St Maarten Heineken Regatta – in which she won her class in fresh conditions.

Owner Matt Brooks says: “Our team feels honored to be sailing aboard the S&S flagship and, after the fun Caribbean season tuning-up Dorade, we want to show what an 80-year-old lady in top form can really do. Our goal is to attempt all of the races Dorade won in her prime, beginning with this year’s Newport-Bermuda Race.”

S&S President & Chief Designer Bruce Johnson says: “We have been delighted to see Dorade, an icon of S&S, restored to such a high standard in preparation for an intensive regatta and ocean race program. As our newly appointed flagship we wish her a successful campaign.”