From ORC to DH: The XR 41 Delivers Again
by X-Yachts 29 Jun 10:07 BST
XR 41 at Sjælland Rundt 2025 by Møns Klint © Mads Tolstrup
All eyes were on the new XR 41 during the Maior Regatta in Kiel, where she convincingly won under ORC. The boat has proven her versatility by taking on Denmark's Fyn Cup — and winning again. Competing under the DH rule for the first time, two XR 41s took 1st and 2nd in class, and placed 5th and 14th overall out of 220 boats.
X-Yachts CEO Kræn Brinck Nielsen shared his excitement:
"Sailing around Fyn on the XR 41 was a fantastic experience — not just because she sails like a dream, but because we were joined by employees and key people from the development team. And most of all, our 81-year-old owner Ib Kunøe skippered the boat for several hours — he's a skilled helmsman, completely unfazed by the rough conditions."
Despite being optimized for ORC, the XR 41 impressed under DH too.
"We didn't know how she would perform in DH, but after this weekend's results — with a class win and top-five overall — I think the answer is clear," Kræn added.
The Fyn Cup also showcased X-Yachts' dominance, with a quarter of the fleet flying the familiar triple-stripe logo. X-Yachts Export Sales Manager Torsten Bastiansen won his class aboard his X-35 Sydbank, finishing 23rd overall.
Reflecting on the race, Kræn described shifting winds, gusts up to 25 knots, and record speeds under gennaker — with Ib Kunøe, Chairman and owner of X-Yachts, setting the Formula X's top speed at 16.4 knots.
"It was tough, fast, and unforgettable. And now we know — the XR 41 can race in both ORC and DH. We're already looking forward to next year!" Kræn ends.
History Repeats Itself
At this year's edition of one of Scandinavia's most prestigious offshore races, two XR 41s entered the fleet. Formula X, sailed by a mixed crew of X-Yachts staff and young talent (including Ib Kunøe earlier in the week), took 1st place overall in the competitive DH class, while sistership Xbox finished an impressive 3rd.
X-Yachts CEO Kræn B. Nielsen, who was aboard Formula X, called the victory "a fantastic experience" and a meaningful milestone echoing the company's roots. He adds:
"To win again at Sjælland Rundt, 46 years after the X-79's debut, is incredibly special. It's proof of how far we've come - and how strong our DNA still is."
The win capped off an exciting Sailing Week in Helsingør and marked another major step in the XR 41's already promising journey.