Back 2 Black, a Reichel/Pugh-designed GP42 skippered by renowned yachtsman Sean Langman, is set to make waves on the international stage as part of Australia’s two-boat challenge for the prestigious 2025 Admiral’s Cup.
Representing the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) and powered by Doyle Sails’ cutting-edge sailmaking technology, Back 2 Black is primed for peak offshore performance.
The boat has undergone an extensive optimization program; including a new keel and bulb configuration, a lifting propeller, and a revised rig setup ensuring it meets the demands of top-tier international competition.
Alongside these changes is Sean Langman’s long-standing partnership with Doyle Sails. The synergy between Langman’s high-performance mindset and Doyle’s technology has unlocked a new level of performance and reliability.
“Doyle’s sails are a game-changer for this boat,” said Langman. “The GP42 platform demands precision and power, and Doyle’s Structured Luff technology has crossovers of sail choices working well on the water. The collaborative design approach has brought a noticeable step up in performance. It’s not just about speed—it’s about confidence in our sail choices for every condition.”
Langman’s worked with Doyle Sails in a series of successful campaigns, most notably with the maxi yacht Moneypenny and his high-performance 18ft skiffs, where Structured Luff and Stratis technologies delivered exceptional results.
The Back 2 Black campaign brings together a formidable sailing team, blending elite experience with technical expertise. Langman is joined by Keryn McMaster (NZL), a seasoned Volvo Ocean Race sailor, and Gordon Maguire (AUS), a veteran of four Volvo/Whitbread Round the World Races. The team also includes Josh Alexander, the boat captain and Langman’s long-time Special Projects Manager, who brings Volvo Ocean Race credentials to the program. Navigator Matt Humphries, who competed in five Volvo campaigns and was, at 18, the youngest sailor ever to compete in the Whitbread Race, adds world-class tactical depth. Rounding out the lineup is Lincoln Dews, a core member of the L’Occitane Sailing Team, whose combined technical and on-deck experience strengthens both development and execution.
Doyle’s global design expertise has played a central role in shaping the boat’s offshore inventory. The Sydney Doyle loft, led by Shane Guanaria, worked in close coordination with New Zealand-based designer Justin Ferris to deliver a race-optimized sail plan featuring Stratis construction and Cableless Code sails.
“Sean and his team are a perfect example of how our technology and on-the-water collaboration can push boundaries,” said Ferris. “This is a shared passion for innovation and results.”
Doyle Sails Sydney has been instrumental in Australia’s Admiral’s Cup return, providing sails for both Back to Black and Zen, the TP52 skippered by Gordon Ketelbey. These campaigns reinforce Doyle’s reputation as the sailmaker of choice for Grand Prix teams—locally and globally.
Australia’s entry into the Admiral’s Cup signals a bold ambition to re-establish dominance on the offshore stage, with Back 2 Black and Zen leading the charge for the CYCA.
The name Back 2 Black carries personal significance for Langman. The idea struck him on a flight home after purchasing the yacht, while watching Back 2 Black, a documentary on Amy Winehouse. Moved by the emotional depth of her story, Langman named the yacht in her honour. The boat’s logo, inspired by one of Winehouse’s tattoos, pays tribute with a unique, personal twist.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.