Within the world of competitive ocean sailing, IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association) 60 sailing yachts are at the bleeding edge of technology and capability. Made primarily from carbon fiber composites, these 60-foot vessels are the equivalent of Le Mans cars for the open ocean, light, fast, and built for grueling tests of endurance for both the boats and crew alike. IMOCA 60s compete in races that circumnavigate the world, including the solo Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race, as well as the new Ocean Race Atlantic in which six teams compete in a point-to-point transatlantic sprint.
Hoisting the Mainsail on Embrace The Challenge. Photo: Troy Barmore
A peek inside the cockpit of an IMOCA 60 sailing yacht, where all the operation of the rigging is done manually. Photo: Troy Barmore
On the morning of April 28th I was invited for the exclusive opportunity to join the crew of Embrace The Challenge for a morning of sailing around New York Harbor. Based in Gosport, on the southern coast of the UK, Embrace The Challenge is skippered by Swiss-German sailor Oliver Heer. Recently, Swiss watch brand Norqain came aboard (pun intended) and provided him with a watch fit for the task. In Heer's case, the watch is a Wild One Skeleton Turquoise.
A few months back, I was thrilled to finally get my first Norqain, the Wild ONE All Black, which I've had my eyes on since it was first released back in 2023. Despite being absolutely obsessed with this watch, I opted for a different Norqain to accompany me on this oceanic outing, Norqain's new ultra-lightweight, high tech sports watch, the Wild ONE Skeleton X-Lite. After all, what watch could be better to take on one of the most advanced sailing yachts in the world than Norqain's most advanced timepiece?
Limited to just 200 pieces, the Norqain Wild ONE Skeleton X-Lite weighs just 45 grams and can withstand shocks of up to 5,000. Photo: Troy Barmore
After a quick safety briefing and cup of coffee at the Brooklyn Bridge Marina, I made my way towards the dock. At the end of the dock, Embrace The Challenge awaited me, its black, white, and red livery depicting the weather chart isobars seen in the Southern Ocean. Equipped with my airy Swiss accessory, I waited a moment or two for the heavy tidal swells to bring the transom close enough to hop onboard. After a few final preparations, where I mostly just tried to stay out of the way, we cast off and headed to the mouth of the harbor.
Making our way towards New York Harbor, specifically a pre-designated section between Liberty and Governors Island, our initial plan for the day was to compete in speed runs throughout this section. Each boat would set their sails and foils (the slender, curved arms which extend from each side of the boat), with the goal of picking up enough speed for the boat to raise up and "fly" or, skid, along the water on the foils. We were first in line. While we had the weather gauge, none of us, unfortunately, had the weather gods. The winds being insufficient for racing, I went below to get a first-hand look at how these incredible vessels operate.
Sailing across New York Harbor with New York’s iconic skyline as the backdrop. Photo: Troy Barmore
Skipper Oliver Heer wearing his Norqain Wild ONE Skeleton alongside crew member Liz Wardley. Photo: Troy Barmore
IMOCA 60 boats are mandated to operate without automatic assistance, meaning everything is done via manual ropes and pulleys called running rigging. Using a central hand-crank, every component of the ship can be manipulated by a single person if needs be. As I set about turning the crank to adjust the sail, my attention was drawn back to my watch, which had floated to the back of my mind amidst my other more cumbersome equipment, cameras, straps, and inflatable life vest.
At just 45 grams, the X-Lite is Norqain's lightest weight watch to date, featuring the new skeletonized 4K Manufacture Calibre movement, chronometer certified with a 65-hour power reserve. The watch is a combination of the proprietary carbon fiber composites Norteq and X-Lite, the latter used for the shock-absorbing casing ring, as well as titanium, aluminum, and rubber. At 41mm in diameter, 11.95mm thick, and with 100 meters of water resistance, and rated to withstand 5,000 Gs, the X-Lite is so effortless on the wrist that I almost forgot I was wearing it. That is, until I glanced down to check the time, the vibrant yellow/green highlights peeking through the black, skeletonized structure. Like all the best gear, the Wild ONE Skeleton X-Lite is there when you need it, and gets out of your way when you don't. It is a concept piece, limited to 200 and priced at CHF 9,900, about $12,300.
