italian innovative vessel: Metis 45 for streamlining challenging offshore foiling contests
In the world of offshore racing, a new Italian-designed contender is set to make waves. The Metis 45, a foiling offshore racer, is poised to fill the gap between the Class 40 and IMOCA 60 categories, offering a modern, performance-oriented platform for sailors seeking a competitive edge.
The Metis 45, born from the Italian yard Sangiorgio Marine, boasts impeccable credentials, having previously built the Guelfi D'Angeli-designed Musa 40 scow bow Class 40. The Musa 40, under the helm of Ambrogio Beccaria, claimed victory in the 2022 Normandy Channel Race, Transat Jacques Vabre, and last year's Transat CIC single-handed race from Lorient to New York.
The Metis 45's key specifications include a hull length of 13.7 meters (45 ft 0 in), a beam of 4.5 meters (14 ft 8 in), a draught of 3.5 meters (11 ft 6 in), and a displacement of 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds). These figures place the boat between the Class 40 (typically around 12.19 meters/40 ft) and the larger IMOCA 60 (18.28 m/60 ft), aligning with its intended market position.
While the search results confirm these essential specifications, detailed information about the foiling system, construction, or interior features is not explicitly provided in the available sources. However, the Metis 45 is designed to achieve full foiling on offshore courses without complex and expensive active control systems. The deck layout follows a similar pattern to recent IMOCAs and Class 40s, featuring a fully enclosed cockpit with large transparent panels for maximum visibility.
The Metis 45 is intended to accommodate crews of two to five people, plus an onboard reporter. Adjustable foils on each side of the keel bulb are used to control flight. As of July 2025, comprehensive technical details—especially regarding its foiling technology and construction—are not yet publicly available in the sources examined. For the most current and in-depth information, direct contact with the design team or builder is recommended.
The Metis 45 is set to be a game-changer in the offshore racing scene, offering an accessible and manageable alternative to an IMOCA 60, yet potentially faster than a Class 40. This new yacht is currently in development and is sure to attract both professional campaigns with budget constraints and ambitious amateur programs.
This article was published in the world's leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors, offering practical features and inspirational adventures to help readers realize their sailing dreams. Interested parties can find contact details for Sangiorgio Marine on their website: sangiorgiomarine.com.
The Metis 45, a foiling offshore racer, is set to offer an exciting challenge in sports, positioned between the Class 40 and IMOCA 60 categories. Boasting impeccable credentials, its foiling system is designed to achieve full foiling on offshore courses without complex, expensive active control systems, making it an accessible option in sports for both professional and amateur sailors.
