Cookson 50

Upgrades and Optimisation 2022/2023                              Photo credit Bow Caddy Media

New Mast & Boom, Electronics/Instruments, Fin/Bulb upgrade, PLC system and lots more.

Overview: 
Porco Rosso is one of Farr Yacht Designs classic creations, expertly constructed in carbon fibre by Cookson Boats. The Cookson 50 series has consistently excelled on the World Grand Prix racing stage, and Porco Rosso is no exception. 
Racing Pedigree: 
2013 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Winner as Victoire, this yacht secured the overall victory in the 2013 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race under the ownership of Dr. Darryl Hodgkinson.

2023 Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race winner, in Porco Rosso's first offshore race after her extensive refit she claimed an outright victory with a comprehensive line honour’s, IRC, ORCi and PHS performance to win on all handicaps by a considerable margin. 
Since this Porco Rosso has continued to show her winning potential and performance with multiple club and harbour race wins in Hobart. 
Recent Refit and Upgrades: 
Porco Rosso has undergone a comprehensive refit, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance performance. 
Keel, Hull and Rudder: 
Both have been redesigned to Farr Yacht Design office standards, utilizing newer technology than at launch and built to the highest standards. New pillow blocks and bearings to house the keel pins with 4-degree Cant axis to create lift. The bulb has been fully re-shaped by Williamsons Engineering in Sydney with 120kg removed in the process. The Hull was media blasted to remove old antifouling and re-faired for a race finish. 
Rigging and Mast: 
Upgraded to EC6 carbon rigging accompanied by a new carbon mast and boom, which is both taller and lighter than the previous setup. Featuring halyard locks for both Mast Head halyards, Fractional halyard, Jib halyard and 3 reef Main halyard with boom locks. New diverse load cell for forestay tension. 2 sets of halyards with lock bullets, 1 set brand new. New sheets and running rigging. New reaching strut. 
Hydraulics and Winches: 
The yacht now features a new keel cylinder ram with a full hydraulic system upgrade. Existing primary powered winches are now paired with new 3 speed Carbon Ceramic powered main sheet winches and a new Lewmar 60 3 speed powered pit winch. In addition to this, Hydraulic rams have been added for performance and the ease of control for forestay tension, deflector tensioning, and jib luff tension as well as a Harken Flatwinder for powered traveller control. 
Electronics: 
During the refit Porco Rosso was completely re wired and an all-new electronics package was added by 33 south marine, this includes 5 Garmin mast race displays, 2 Garmin data screens at the runner winches, Starlink and 4G modem, new Garmin VHF radio, New Toughbook with expedition and Mesa deck screen. All control systems run through a new PLC designed and built by Olectric Systems with touch screen to adjust winch, keel speeds and functions. On deck, the winches and the keel are controlled by new foot buttons and additional Can-bus control panels. 
Sails: 
Equipped with a full near new set of North Sails, J1.5, J2.5, J4, J5 (all structured luff) Main (2 reef) MH0, BR0, GS, SS, A1.5, A2, A4, A5 along with new Doyle 3 reef mainsail, A2, Storm jib GS and J2. Additionally, delivery sails and a training A2 are included. 
Interior: The boat has recently been refurbished internally, achieving an overall weight saving of 175 kilograms with the removal of unnecessary weight. Lewmar hatches replaced with carbon for weight saving. Galley modifications.  
Exterior: New helm pods to house data screens and keel control panels. Transom box added to house liferaft below deck and to create easy access in any emergency. Bow sprit extended 800mm and strengthened with diverse load cell for 2:1 tack load readout. Full deck respray winter 2024.