Surprising the Fleet: The Rapido 60 ‘Ineffable’ at the RORC Caribbean 600
When the Rapido 60 Ineffable lined up for the 2020 RORC Caribbean 600, a 600-nautical-mile course weaving through 11 islands, she was an unfamiliar sight to the local race fleet.
Making her debut in Caribbean waters among a 73-boat fleet featuring large, dedicated racing yachts, few expected an owner-helmed cruising trimaran to steal the spotlight on the start line. But as the fleet postured for position, Stephen Bourne and his crew executed a textbook start under the cliff, away from the clutter.
11 Caribbean Islands
International Competitors
Flawless Start
Blindsided on the Live Commentary
Watching from the commentary box, the race announcers were initially caught off guard by the unknown trimaran smoothly taking the lead of her division, before recognizing the pedigree behind the design:
“I think the boat that had the best start is here underneath the cliff. Ineffable didn’t break a sweat. She didn’t get involved with all the tango between the other boats, and here she is!”
“She has the left side of the course. Okay, she’s not the fastest, but look at her. Great start! I bet they feel really happy with themselves…”
“They’ve outplayed the professionals.”
“She is a, what is it… A Morrelli & Melvin, I think it is! A Morrelli & Melvin… Ineffable. A Rapido 60. A Morrelli & Melvin design.”
“I bet that boat would go reasonably well.”
Design Pedigree Matters
The commentators’ confidence was well-placed.
Designed by naval architects Morrelli & Melvin and built in carbon composite by Triac Composites, the Rapido 60 delivers serious performance without sacrificing the comfort required for long-distance ocean cruising.
By avoiding the congestion and tactical maneuvering of the larger racing yachts at the start, Ineffable demonstrated what clean design and smart seamanship can achieve.
Watch the Moment Unfold (Click below to jump to 41:30)
Explore the Rapido 60
Discover the engineering, layout, and performance capabilities of the Rapido 60 trimaran.
