With a traditional sailing rig, the 1550-tonne ketch project SY300 has been created to outperform other sailing superyachts, while providing a head-turning aesthetic and comfort on board. The SY300 would best suit a passionate sailor who demands speed on the water as well as exceptional design and style.

Unlike the growing number of sailing superyachts that are effectively motor yachts with sails, requiring engines to assist in propelling them through the water, the SY300 has been developed with a similar design approach used in smaller, high-performance racing yachts. The design still includes the hallmarks of Philippe Briand's award-winning design pedigree, including clean, dynamic lines and outstandingly efficient naval architecture.

Being fully wind-propelled, the SY300 would be a true leader in the new wave of green superyachts, in particular its hull-form characteristics and predicted performance. It's hydrodynamic efficiency means more power could be harnessed through underwater turbines to charge the batteries on board. In the best conditions a maximum speed over 20 knots would be reached. Potentially if 50 per cent of the energy is captured it will be the equivalent of that produced by a 500 kW generator, while maintaining a speed around 15 knots.

Briand chose a conventional two-masted sailing rig to complement the contemporary hull with its inverted bow, as this proves to be the most effective. With its foremast towering 95.3 metres above the waterline, the SY300's upwind sail area is 3560 square-metre, while its downwind sail area is 6600 square-metre, including a 3500 square-metre spinnaker.

The design of the carbon fibre masts and rigging is heavily informed by the experience Briand acquired during the development and construction of the landmark 67-metre S/Y Vertigo and 73-metre S/Y Sybaris.

The yacht's length at the waterline is 78 metres, with a maximum beam of 14 metres. Final interior layouts can be tailored to an owner's desires, but initial drawings of the SY300 allow provision for a large full-beam owner's suite with his-and-hers bathrooms, an office and a private terrace on the main deck. A vast, full-beam saloon leads forward to a dining room on the port side or a play room on the starboard side, and a second door to the owner's office.

A further six guest suites are on the lower deck, as well as accommodation for up to 17 crew. A full-beam gym on the lower deck has sliding doors and steps leading up to the aft deck pool, and the adjacent spa features a jacuzzi and massage room.

"I am a purist at heart," Philippe Briand said.

"Every Philippe Briand design is guided by the golden principles of balance, efficiency and performance on the water, from the single-handed ocean sailing boats that I raced to victory in my early career, to some of the world's best-known sailing superyachts."

Australian sailor Matthew Wearn has won gold at the Semaine Olympique Franaise sailing regatta in Hyères. Wearn dominated the Laser class, winning eight races out of 12 to finish 33 points clear.

"I'm really happy. It's nice to get a win under my belt in 2019 and relieves a bit of pressure, you know what it takes to win regattas," Wearn said

Fellow countryman Tom Burton, the Rio 2016 Olympic champion, finished fourth to win bronze by a heart-breaking point. The Australian sailing team selectors will have a few headaches as preparations count down to the 2020 Olympics.

The Boat Works has unveiled of Stage 1 of Australia's newest, and largest superyacht marina and shipyard on the Gold Coast. Private investment of $100 million is shaping a world-class superyacht facility that will be a lifestyle destination and a state-of-the-art shipyard when it opens in early 2020.

Stage 1 is complete and operating, while Stages 2 and 3 are underway, including casual work berths for superyachts adjacent to the 300 tonne Travel Lift, which is due to arrive in July 2019.

"Our vision is to attract more of these high-yielding superyachts to the Gold Coast and 'grow the pie' for everybody at every level of the marine industry, tourism, hospitality and the broader community," owner and CEO Tony Longhurst said.