X-Yachts announces Partnership with renowned yachtsman Jesper Radich for XR 41 Racing Program
by X-Yachts 15 Jul 2024 14:30 BST
Jesper Radich © Per Heegaard
X-Yachts is thrilled to announce its cooperation with renowned yachtsman Jesper Radich. Radich will lead X-Yachts' 2025 racing program as the skipper of their XR 41 yacht.
"We are very excited about partnering with Jesper," says Kræn B. Nielsen, CEO of X-Yachts. "From the very beginning of the XR-project, we have collaborated with some of the brightest minds in the industry. It is only natural to continue this path in both development and in actual racing."
X-Yachts Racing Team
For the 2025 racing season, X-Yachts will field its own team. This initiative not only allows for firsthand learning and observation from racing the XR 41 but also serves as a gateway for young talent into the realm of competitive offshore sailing.
Jesper Radich will lead the team as skipper, bringing a unique approach to team development and performance. "This project touches on many important points of how I like to work with a sailing team," Radich explains. "Our focus will be on team development, stepping stones, and mindset. By separating process and performance from outcome and concentrating on technical improvement and crew skills, results will follow as a consequence."
A Team Built on Talent
The team will consist of a mix of experienced professionals and emerging Danish talents, creating a vibrant crew. The aim is to foster an environment where young sailors can evolve and develop their skills alongside seasoned professionals.
"My role will be to ensure we develop as a team on all positions, and when in full race mode the boat goes fast in the right direction. Yacht racing is largely a concerted team effort. To achieve this, we are looking for a diverse mix of power, trimming skills, courage and analytical minds." Radich elaborates.
A call to follow
X-Yachts is hence calling all interested sailors between 18 and 35 years of age to apply for a spot on the team. The selection trials are scheduled for 9-10th of October, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. The application process for aspiring team members will open soon, featuring a detailed questionnaire to ensure the selection of the best and brightest talents.
A Bold Schedule of Races
The team is set to compete in several prestigious events, including the Mai Offshore Regatta (Maior) in Kiel, Kieler Woche, Gotland Runt, and the ORC World Championship in Tallinn. Additionally, plans to participate in Fyn Rundt with a crew composed of members from X-Yachts ensure a broad and inclusive racing calendar.
X-Yachts will keep the public informed about next steps and the opening of the application process.
Find out more at www.x-yachts.com/en/yachts/xracing/xr
About X-Yachts
X-Yachts is a Danish company specializing in designing and manufacturing high-performance sailing yachts. Founded in 1979 by brothers Niels and Lars Jeppesen along with their partner Birger Hansen, X-Yachts has built a strong reputation for producing yachts that combine racing performance with cruising comfort.
About Jesper Radich
Jesper Radich is a Danish professional sailor and coach with numerous titles under his belt, including the World Match Racing Tour and several European and World Championships in Maxi yacht, One-design and ORC classes.
He participated in the 2005-07 Americas Cup in Valencia as helmsman for the Spanish Desafío Español.
He holds a Master's degree in Social Science/Learning with a minor in Physical Education from the University of Copenhagen.