Ragtime nears refit completion: Iconic racing yacht set for mast installation with modern upgrades

Tina Roberts - Ragtime © Steve Jost

The legendary racing yacht Ragtime, known for reshaping racing yacht design in the 1970s, is approaching a new milestone in her current refit with a modern carbon mast set for installation this November. Celebrated for her groundbreaking speed and daring design, Ragtime now combines her iconic form with key modern upgrades that enhance her competitive edge for a new era of racing.

New Chapter for a Legendary Racing Sailboat That Changed Boat Design

Since her creation in 1963, Ragtime (originally named Infidel) has defied conventional wisdom in yacht design. Designed in New Zealand by John Spencer, her radical lightweight structure features a hard chine plywood hull and a bulb keel, enabling speeds over 25 knots downwind. As the first ultralight displacement boat (ULDB), Ragtime revolutionized yacht racing. By challenging the dominance of heavier, full-keel boats that once ruled ocean racing, Ragtime redefined what a racing yacht could be—setting new standards for innovation, speed, and agility.

From her controversial beginnings to groundbreaking victories, Ragtime has become a symbol of daring and innovation. She's more than just a boat—she represents the courage to face challenges, break from tradition, and redefine what's possible in the world of sailing. Now, after a thorough modernization led by a team of renowned experts, Ragtime is faster, sharper, and stronger—ready to continue her legacy with a new set of challenges and adventures.

"Ragtime is not just a sailboat; she's an icon - pushing boundaries," says Tina Roberts, Ragtime's current steward. "This refit is about preserving history while embracing new innovations that will inspire the next wave of adventurers."

Tina Roberts - Ragtime - photo © Steve Jost

Significant Upgrades with a Focus on Performance

A significant milestone in Ragtime's refit is the upcoming installation of a new 75-foot carbon mast, scheduled for installation in November. This modern mast, sourced from TP52 Silver Surfer and modified for new EC3 rigging, will enhance Ragtime's sailing efficiency and power, providing a significant edge over her original configuration.

The refit has been a collaborative effort involving some of the most respected names in the sailing industry:

• Dennis Choate, renowned boat builder and owner of Diversified Composites, has been instrumental in overseeing the structural enhancements and meticulous craftsmanship involved in the refit.
• Alan Andrews, a leading naval architect, has provided expert guidance on the yacht's performance upgrades, ensuring Ragtime remains at the forefront of competitive sailing.
• Jimmy Slaughter, Performance Yacht Rigging, professional sailor and expert rigger, has provided racing intelligence and consultation, overseeing all upgrades in the build and testing process.
• Diversified Composites, specialists in advanced composite materials, contributed significantly to the composite work during Ragtime's refit, enhancing her strength and durability.

Key upgrades include:

• 75-Foot Carbon Mast: A taller and modern lightweight mast sourced from TP52 Silver Surfer, designed to enhance Ragtime's sailing efficiency and power. Rigorously tested, it's modified for EC3 rigging to provide a competitive edge.
• Expanded Mainsail: Now 1,029 square feet (up from 720), the larger sail area supports performance across varied wind conditions, with mast spreaders modified to fit a square-top mainsail.
• Larger Spinnaker: At 2,594 square feet, the new spinnaker adds downwind speed and power—ideal for the ocean stretches that built Ragtime's fame.
• Lighter Engine: At 250 pounds, the marinized Mercedes Smart Car CDI OM660 turbo diesel engine provides 80 horsepower, uses only 7 liters per hour, and revolutionizes power to weight on a sailboat.
• Redesigned Deck Elements: Significant deck changes include a new, wider cockpit, a relocated mainsheet track for better control, and a carbon steering pedestal.
• Grand Prix Harken Carbon Winch Package: Eight new Harken winches replace the prior twelve Barient winches, mixing 3-speed and 2-speed models for primary sails, mainsheet, halyards, and backstay management.
• Hull and Topside Enhancements: Ragtime's original plywood hull has been carefully preserved, with all paint and epoxy removed, then reinforced with two layers of carbon fiber. The New Zealand Kauri wood features are intact from the original build.
• Electronics Upgrade: The new B&G Hercules H5000 navigation system, with multiple chartplotters and mast displays, provides advanced navigation and race performance. Additional lighting and communication systems enhance safety and coordination.

Despite these technological advances, Ragtime remains true to her original spirit. Her iconic plywood hull, New Zealand Kauri wood features, and the famous Ragtime girl painting have all been carefully preserved, ensuring that while she's faster and stronger, she's still the Ragtime the world fell in love with.

For all the details about the current upgrades, visit www.ragtimesailing.com/re-fit

"One of the most accomplished racing yachts of all time. She's drop-dead gorgeous, too." - Jim Gale, Rolex Sydney Hobart media team

Invitation to Witness the Mast Installation

Sailing enthusiasts and media are invited to Cabrillo Way Marina this November to witness the stepping of Ragtime's new mast—a symbolic moment that blends her storied past with her bold future. Stay updated on Ragtime's journey by signing up for our newsletter, telling us your favorite Ragtime stories (www.ragtimesailing.com/contact), or following her on social media @RagtimeSailing).

To learn more about her legacy, meet the crew, and get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes preparations, visit www.RagtimeSailing.com and see Ragtime’s complete history.