Drum (yacht)


Drum is a maxi yacht owned by Scottish car sales group Arnold Clark Automobiles, formerly co-owned by lead singer of Duran Duran Simon Le Bon who was rescued from the vessel while competing in 1985 Fastnet Race.

Design

Drum was designed by Ireland-based boat-builder Ron Holland and built in Finland. Drum was purpose-designed and built to be sailed in the Whitbread Round the World Race. The vessel was purchased by Simon Le Bon and the Berrow brothers.

Career

Fastnet, 1985

Drum competed in the 1985 Fastnet Race. It was one of the favourites to win the race, but the boat lost its keel because the builder failed to heat treat the structure holding the keel to the yacht as specified by the designer, a necessary step after welding aluminum. When the structure failed, Drum capsized. Its crew were all rescued. Le Bon had not insured the vessel.

1985–86 Whitbread

Drum was re-fitted and competed in the 1985–86 Whitbread Round the World Race.

Current status

Drum is owned by Scottish businessman Arnold Clark, who purchased the yacht in the late 1980s. In 1988 Drum was again accorded media attention when it was involved in a collision with a Royal Navy submarine, around 5 miles off the Mull of Kintyre.
As of 2020, Drum is no longer sailing and her historical relevance could secure her a permanent berth in a museum.