Wraith II, the MOD70 trimaran formerly known as Beau Geste and Snowflake, made an impressive return to New Zealand by nearly shattering the Balokovic Cup record with a blistering finish. Helmed by Sean Vernon, the trimaran completed the 89-nautical-mile race in 5 hours, 44 minutes, and 22 seconds.
This article has been updated upon confirmation of course records from the race organisers. The current course record continues to stand with TeamVodafoneSailing. In 2016, TeamVodafoneSailing was the first multihull home in just over 5 hours 35 minutes, while the Volvo 70 Giacomo, skippered by Jim Delegat, was the leading monohull in 8 hours 10 minutes.
The Multi One Design 70, or MOD70, was introduced in 2009 to create a tightly controlled, high performance one design offshore trimaran class. In 2023, Sam Goodchild nominated the MOD70 trimaran as the coolest and most innovative yacht of his time.
Built by CDK Technologies and designed by VPLP, the third platform in the series was launched in July 2011 as FONCIA for Michel Desjoyeaux. Over the past decade it has raced under the names Phaedo 3, Beau Geste and Snowflake, amassing an extraordinary record that includes wins and records in the Brisbane to Gladstone Race, the RORC Transatlantic Race and the Rolex China Sea Race. Under Karl Kwok’s ownership as Beau Geste, the boat set a record in the 2019 PIC Coastal Classic.
In early February 2026, Vernon sailed Wraith II solo from Tahiti to New Zealand ahead of a planned refit. The passage was demanding. The boat was missing a J1, the gennaker had delaminated and hydraulic rigging issues required careful management. Vernon also lost onboard weather data and reverted to traditional navigation methods. Despite this, the trimaran regularly sailed between 19 and 24 knots, peaking at 36 knots after passing through Tonga. A brief stop in Vava’u allowed basic repairs before Wraith II resumed the voyage and arrived safely in New Zealand on 14 February.
For more on Wraith II’s journey, visit Part 1 and Part 2 on Ultim Boat News.
Following its record breaking Balokovic Cup win, Wraith II will enter the yard for refit before continuing on to Brittany, adding another chapter to one of the most accomplished MOD70 platforms ever built.
