Volvo Ocean 65

The Volvo Ocean 65 was a purpose-built one-design class developed by Farr Yacht Design for the 2014–15 and 2017–18 Volvo Ocean Race editions. Unlike the Open 70 generation that preceded it, the VO65 put all boats on identical equipment — the same hull, the same rig, the same sails — making crew skill the sole performance differentiator.

Eight boats were built to the class specification by Green Marine (UK), Multiplast (France), and Persico Marine (Italy). The one-design format transformed the race: any team that could afford to enter could be competitive from day one, lowering the barrier to entry and producing an exceptionally tight fleet. The VO65 programme is one of the most successful one-design offshore racing classes ever created.