Choosing the Right Antifoul for a Racing Yacht: Expert Advice from Absolute Boat Care

When you’re running a race program, the choice of antifoul is about more than just keeping growth at bay, it’s about extracting every last knot of speed, ensuring reliability, and minimising time out of the water. At Absolute Boat Care, we’ve completed over 700 antifoul treatments and know firsthand how the right product and application can make a measurable difference to your yacht’s performance.

Below, we break down the main types of antifouling you might consider for a racing yacht, along with their pros, cons, and top product recommendations.

1. Hard (Scrubbable/Burnishable) Antifouling

Best for:

• Racing yachts and high-speed vessels (30 knots+)

• Boats that need a super-smooth, durable finish

• Yachts that may be scrubbed or burnished between races

How it works:Hard antifoul paints use biocides suspended in a solid resin matrix, releasing them slowly over time. The paint itself doesn’t erode, so it stands up to scrubbing and can be wet-sanded or burnished to a mirror finish before a regatta, reducing drag and maximizing speed.

Popular choices:

• International Ultra 300: Hard, slow-eroding, ideal for fast yachts and can be scrubbed for a smooth finish

• Hempel Hard Racing: Designed for performance and durability, can be cleaned and burnished as needed

• Nautix A4, Flag Performance Extra, Seajet Emperor 034: Other hard racing options recommended for top-level performance

Pros:

• Can be cleaned and polished for peak performance

• Withstands frequent use and high speeds

• Consistent protection throughout the season

Cons:

• Build-up over time may require removal after a few seasons

• Less self-cleaning action compared to ablative types

2. Self-Polishing (Ablative) Antifouling

Best for:

• Racing yachts used regularly, but not at extreme speeds

• Owners seeking a balance between performance and low maintenance

How it works:Ablative (or self-polishing) antifoul wears away gradually as the boat moves, constantly exposing fresh biocide and helping to keep the hull clean. This can be beneficial for boats that are regularly used, as the movement helps the paint do its job

Popular choices:

• Jotun Racing Antifouling: Hard self-polishing, offering a smooth, low-friction surface ideal for racing yachts

• Hempel Tiger Xtra, Seajet 033 Shogun, International Cruiser 250: Well-known self-polishing options for active yachts

Pros:

• Continually renews the active surface, reducing build-up

• Good for boats used frequently

• Easier to reapply each season

Cons:

• Not suitable for very high-speed yachts (over 30 knots), as the paint may erode too quickly

• Can’t be scrubbed or burnished as aggressively as hard antifoul

3. Foul-Release (Silicone-Based) Coatings

Best for:

• Race yachts seeking the lowest possible drag

• Owners willing to invest in advanced technology

How it works:These non-biocidal coatings create an ultra-smooth, slippery surface that fouling struggles to adhere to. They rely on water movement to shed growth and are best for yachts that are used frequently and at speed1.

Pros:

• Minimal drag, potentially the fastest finish

• Environmentally friendly (no biocides)

Cons:

• Require meticulous hull preparation and professional application

• Less effective if the yacht sits idle for extended periods

Expert Application Matters

No matter which antifoul you choose, correct preparation and application are crucial for performance and longevity. At Absolute Boat Care, our experienced team will assess your racing schedule, local water conditions, and hull material to recommend and apply the ideal antifoul for your program-ensuring you get the competitive edge you’re looking for.

Ready to optimise your racing yacht’s performance? Get in touch with Absolute Boat Care for tailored antifoul advice and application.

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