One Design 48

John Bertrand spearheaded a bold move to establish a new class of identical, state-of-the art ocean racers. At the time of their launching in 1995 they were the biggest one-designs in the world. Bertrand managed the class and also raced as Sailing Master on the 1D48 Windquest. In the five year period to 1999, the class became a magnet for world class sailors as America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race campaigns raced on the 1D48 circuit from Florida to Hawaii, using the closely-matched high performance boats to develop crew skills and tactics. John Kostecki’s winning illbruck campaign from the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race began its crew training aboard a 1D48.