McKeon says that Red Dragon has finer forward sections and a broader aft beam than the others, which improves her reaching ability. Like all Dubois boats, she was tank-tested to confirm engine power and sailing performance, and to optimize keel and rudder design. While new boats that are truly geared toward sailing performance often are made of carbon-fiber composite, she is constructed from aluminum, which proved good enough for Tiara and Drumbeat (ex-Salperton) to win their classes on corrected time in last year’s transatlantic race.

"We think the boat has all of the comforts with a good turn of performance," McKeon explains.

Racing has changed the way luxury boats are designed, he says. "Ten years ago, these boats didn’t do regattas, but now their owners want to win, so they are investing in high-tech sails and carbon rigging and putting more and more sail area onto the boat, features that don’t compromise comfort. There is no downside to it, and Dubois has always done this successfully."

Like the boat, the rig and sails are also New Zealand-made. The rig is a carbon-fiber five-spreader mast with a furling boom from Marten Spars. The sails, with a total area of approximately 2,500 square meters, are Stratis by Doyle Sailmakers.

"Only half a dozen yards can build this type of sailing boat to this level," McKeon says of Alloy Yachts and Dubois’ preference for New Zealand workmanship. "Even though the exchange rate doesn’t make coming to New Zealand cheaper anymore, the product is excellent."

Of the owner’s decision to create an interior that is a world apart from tradition, McKeon predicts a new trend emerging: "We’ll be seeing more and more of this. It’s always nice to have fresh ideas, and boat design is increasingly about the architectural experience, whereas in the old days it was about the sailing of the yacht."

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