On Friday 22nd January, before a large crowd, the keel was laid for Rainbow. The original Rainbow, commissioned by Harold Vanderbilt, was built in 1934 to defend the America’s Cup against Endeavour. Rainbow’s defense was successful, but Rainbow was sold for scrap in 1940.

Gerard Dykstra & Partners have been asked to redesign this Dutch flagged J-class boat, based on the original drawings.

Rainbow will be built to win but this does not mean there will be less comfort below decks. As may be expected on a yacht this size, the interior design will be luxurious and comfortable. According to the original plans a Boxboom will be used instead of the “Park Avenue” boom and the design of the rigging will be original too. But the 40 meter yacht will now have an aluminium hull and full carbon mast and rigging.

Rainbow will be fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system. Two generators deliver 350Kw shaft horsepower. The propeller, which has hydraulically adjustable pitch, will be used to charge the batteries on Atlantic crossings. This hybrid engine is smaller and lighter than other engines. This feature makes Rainbow quite unique.

The hull is constructed by Freddie Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw in Makkum, the Netherlands. In spring 2010 the boat will be transported over water to Holland Jachtbouw in Zaandam where she will be finished. By the end of 2011 she will be launched and extensive tests and trainings will commence.

The first J-class event in which Rainbow will compete will be in July 2012 in Cowes.

Rainbow meets Endeavour again!

Rainbow will be fitted out for racing but she can also be chartered for pleasure trips or business incentives. A permanent crew of seven will look after a maximum of eight guests.