The iconic Volvo Ocean Race winner, Ericsson 4, is now available for sale, marking a significant moment in the world of offshore racing. This announcement comes after a remarkable 12-year absence from the market, during which the yacht has continued to dominate the sport. Ericsson 4, now known as L4, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Volvo Open 70 design, which has left an indelible mark on modern offshore monohull racing.
What makes L4 truly remarkable is its combination of proven design, competitive history, and ongoing optimisation. The yacht was launched in 2008 as the culmination of an extensive research and development effort, building upon the lessons learned from the 2004/05 Volvo Ocean Race winner, ABN Amro. Designed by Juan-K and built at Ericsson's custom facility in Stockholm, L4 is the last of its kind, with two others sold to new owners in recent months.
The Volvo Open 70 design, as a whole, has proven its versatility and longevity. These yachts can transition from round-the-world racers to dominating classic ocean races, thanks to their ability to tolerate rig refits without structural changes. This adaptability, coupled with their potential for line honours and race records, makes them highly sought-after in the offshore racing community.
One of the key advantages of the VO70 is its ability to benefit from gradual IRC optimisation, particularly in its sail plan. This optimisation process can transform the yacht into a "ratings bandit," enhancing its performance and competitiveness. L4, in its current configuration, has already demonstrated its prowess, finishing second in the 2022 RORC Transatlantic Race and claiming line honours in the 2025 Sandberg Palma Vela.
The extensive 2020-2021 refit played a pivotal role in L4's continued success. During this period, the team lengthened the bowsprit and added retractable lateral foils, repurposing a set originally built for Emirates Team New Zealand's foiling catamaran. These modifications, overseen by the yacht's original designer, Juan Kouyoumdjian, have significantly contributed to L4's speed and performance.
L4's racing pedigree is further solidified by its skippering under the leadership of five-time Olympic medallist Torben Grael. Ericsson 4's victory in the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race, with a leg to spare, and the setting of a monohull 24-hour distance record, have solidified its reputation as one of the standout Volvo 70s ever built.
The yacht's history is equally impressive, having been purchased by the French Groupama team as a training boat after the 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race. Groupama 70, as it was then known, played a crucial role in the team's success in the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race, winning with Franck Cammas and his crew. The current owner acquired Groupama 70 in 2014 and renamed it L4.
For prospective buyers, L4 presents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a race-proven 70-footer that remains highly relevant in modern offshore competition. Its combination of pedigree, pace, and proven competitiveness makes it a sought-after asset for private owners, syndicates, or sponsored campaigns. The yacht's design, built to the VO70 Class Rule, ensures its compliance with the necessary specifications for elite performance.
In summary, the sale of L4 represents a rare chance to own a piece of offshore racing history. Its combination of historic pedigree, current pace, and strong brand recognition makes it a valuable asset for any enthusiast or team looking to make a significant impact in the world of offshore racing.
