Tulikettu sailed on Friday for the first time since the 2024 Rolex Middle Sea Race, following an intensive off-season of development work and performance refinement.
As racing paused over the winter, the work behind the scenes didn’t slow down – Tulikettu Redkik Racing focused their efforts on pushing performance even further. The team used the off-season to carry out an in-depth, analytical review of the boat’s capabilities, building on the strong racing performances from the previous year. Confident that there was more speed to be unlocked, the race schedule was adapted and the boat was brought back to the UK to prioritise a focused performance improvement project. With significant gains in mind, the team set out to find the final refinements needed to secure their position as one of the fastest 52-footers, also upwind. Having already proven their speed in other wind conditions, their attention turned to optimising balance and efficiency to unlock even greater all-round performance.
A detailed performance study was launched in the wake of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, revealing key areas for development. As the first of its kind off the production line, Tulikettu was always going to go through an early optimisation phase – and the team embraced this natural refinement process. The analysis highlighted untapped performance gains, particularly in light downwind conditions and upwind performance. This narrowed the focus to improving balance, reducing displacement, and protecting the boat’s existing strengths.
Arto Linnervuo, Skipper and Team Principal, commented:
“We approached the refinement of our boat with a clear, analytical mindset, and the detailed computer modelling and engineering work gave us invaluable insights. These upgrades have enabled us to take a significant step forward and compete at the very highest level.”
To maximise the impact of this process, the team enlisted renowned external naval architect Roland Kleiter of KND Marine – a top-tier performance and VPP analysis consultancy working with some of the biggest names in offshore sailing. Using advanced software simulations, KND ran a comprehensive test matrix, modelling a variety of configurations including keel fin changes, rudder positions, and water ballast adjustments to pinpoint the optimal setup for the boat.
A full 3D model of Tulikettu was created, which provided new insights into the yacht’s behaviour across a range of conditions. Notably, the study confirmed excessive leeway upwind at heel angles over 10 degrees, directly impacting performance. Interestingly, data from the study aligned closely with observations from the sensors and onboard computers. The analysis made it clear: with modified appendages, improved weight distribution, and added stability, Tulikettu’s upwind potential could be significantly enhanced. In addition to these structural modifications, new Doyle sails were introduced, with specifications and delivery schedules tailored to match the performance improvements identified in collaboration with Roland Kleiter.
Andy Meiklejohn, Volvo Ocean Race veteran and Tulikettu crew member, summarised:
“The study reinforced some of our initial observations but also revealed a few surprises. By shifting the sail plan aft or moving the foils forward, we can improve our ability to hold a lane, make better use of the wind, and boost overall performance – without compromising downwind speed. In fact, the changes are expected to enhance stability, reduce weight, and improve rudder traction.”
Roland Kleiter, co-founder of KND Marine, added:
“We’re always excited to work on cutting-edge projects like this. The added complexity of the DSS foil requires sophisticated tools to properly understand the boat’s nature – only then can you make the right choices to boost overall performance.”
Following the analysis, the team implemented key upgrades at Marine Rigging Services (MRS) in Gosport, Tulikettu’s UK base.
Will Jackson of MRS commented:
“We know this yacht is fast off the wind and identified some upwind deficiencies. The upgrades we’ve completed were designed to refine those areas, without affecting the rating. Theoretical gains were significant, but we believe the real-world improvements could be even greater. We’re proud to have delivered this work here in Gosport using our full range of on-site resources.”
Building on a new approach introduced last season, Tulikettu Redkik Racing combines the strength of its core original Finnish offshore team, many of whom have been sailing together since 2017, with fresh young Olympic-class talent and international pros. This evolving crew structure, which blends long-standing experience with new perspectives, is being put into practice as the team prepares for the RORC Rolex Fastnet Race. The current line-up includes eight Finnish sailors and four international pros, among them New Zealander Phil Maxwell and offshore veteran Andy Meiklejohn.
With testing complete and major performance upgrades now in place, Tulikettu Redkik Racing is fully focused on the season ahead – kicking off with the Fastnet Race on 26th July. More details on the refinements and their results will be shared soon.
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