Team ROCKWOOL Racing reveals winning GC32 fan-design ahead of 2021 season

Following a popular fan competition, Team ROCKWOOL Racing has announced the winning design that will inspire the look of its foiling GC32 catamaran for the 2021 season.

The slick submission, created by Junu Kim – a Korean student currently undertaking Automotive and Transportation Design degree at Coventry University, UK – will form the basis for the Danish team’s fresh boat branding as it prepares for a busy racing calendar this summer.

“I’m really happy to hear the news!” says Kim, who hails from Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. “To see a real racing boat inspired by my design will be a dream come true.”

The competition, which ran from 16 December 2020 to 4 January 2021, saw ROCKWOOL receive over 150 entries from all over the world, from fans of all ages and backgrounds.

Below you can view the design in fullscreen mode. The article continues underneath.

The winning design was carefully selected by an expert panel consisting of senior ROCKWOOL executives, plus Team ROCKWOOL Racing’s Nicolai Sehested and Peter Wibroe.

“The number and quality of the designs that we received was extremely impressive, and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their creations with ROCKWOOL,” says Mirella Vitale, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs at ROCKWOOL Group.

“It shows just how many passionate fans will be supporting the team as they go racing in this fantastic-looking boat later this year.”

Kim, who – as well as the opportunity to see his ideas brought to life on the team’s 32-foot catamaran, has won a full set of Team ROCKWOOL Racing gear – admits that applying his artistic talent to sailing was a completely new challenge.

“I don’t have a lot of experience in sailing, but I have a lot of passion and energy for racing sports,” he reveals. “The likes of GC32 Racing Tour, SailGP and Formula 1 really inspire me creatively.”

Explaining the thinking that went into his victorious submission, Kim adds: “I designed the boat with three principles in mind – ‘ROCKWOOL’s identity’, ‘Racing Spirit’ and ‘Danish sustainability’.”

Team ROCKWOOL Racing will race its foiling GC32 catamaran, which has a top speed of around 40 knots, in the 2021 GC32 Racing Tour, taking in venues including Riva Del Garda, Italy; Lagos, Portugal; Sardinia, Italy; and one more as-yet-unconfirmed season finale venue.

“We thank all of the entrants, but particularly Junu Kim for his excellent design, which showcases both ROCKWOOL and the best of Denmark. We can’t wait to see the final look of the boat and get back to racing in 2021,” says Nicolai Sehested.