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Displaying items by tag: Pure X

The atmosphere was tense when X-Yachts’ new X4³ was hanging razor-sharp in its centre lift at the yard in Haderslev, Denmark last week.

The moment was witnessed and toasted in champagne by X-Yachts dealers from around the globe, well knowing that this new member of the Pure X line will soon become the most popular model of all X-Yachts.

Prior to the launch, key riggers and boat builders worked hard to get the mast stepped and tuned, and to get the most necessary details ready for the first sea trials that were due on the following days.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the new X4.3 has gone through a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

Needless today the whole yard — not least the design and engineering team — has been looking very much forward to the special moment when the beautiful new 4.3 hit the water.

Following the first day of testing design and engineering director Thomas Mielec said: “Our mast supplier John Mast has done a really nice job with the new aluminium mast that is 50cm higher than on the previous version of the X4.3.

“The mast trims to a well distributed prebend curve over the length of the mast and it’s as stiff as we like it – both in transverse and longitudinal direction.

“The new mainsheet traveller system — now upgraded with hardware from Ronstan and a 7:1 purchase — proved a very noticeable improvement on the main sheet trimming. A few points of further improvements with positioning of fittings, etc were identified in the first test and will be re-worked on the final boat.

The new X4³ is sailed out of the Haderslev yard for open water testing earlier this week

“The new hull design with wider transom and lifted soft chines suits the X4³ very well. The additional form stability is quite noticeable, as is the considerably less wake and turbulence of the heeled transom travelling through the water.

“At the helm you have a nice and direct feel. With slight adjustment to the responsiveness of the rudder, that shares the now updated design of the entire Pure X range rudders, helming this yacht will be a fantastic experience for the owners.”

X-Yachts chief executive Kræn Brinck Nielsen is just as happy as Mielec: “The first X4³ model sold more than 100 boats in four years and proved a fantastic success, but the new X4³ has already sold 23 pieces before we were even able to take the first real picture of the boat!

“We can’t wait to get her out in the market in 2022 after a full month of testing and adjusting the final bits of equipment to perfection.”

Contact Stuart Abernethy at X-Yachts GB & IRL to learn more about how to secure the next build slot for 2022 delivery.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Following its launch in November 2020, followed by an extensive test sailing period, X-Yachts celebrated the world premiere of the X5⁶ — the new sailing flagship of the Pure X Range, earlier this year.

Now the Danish luxury performance specialists have shared a new video showcase which goes in-depth on the X5⁶ and its uncompromising combination of speed, comfort and functionality.

Check out the video below:

While the current pandemic restrictions mean you can’t get to Denmark to see the X5⁶ in person, X-Yachts have launched a revamped version of its virtual tour so you can explore its spacious interior from anywhere in the world.

Also, be sure to check out the latest series of Know Your X-Yacht, in which the GB office highlights various aspects of the X-Yachts range and how to make the most of your yacht.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Following her recent launch at X-Yachts headquarters in Denmark, the new X5⁶ performance cruiser was test-sailed for the first time this past weekend.

Among the crew for the coastal jaunt were X-Yachts chief executive Kræn Brinck Nielsen and the company’s director of design and engineering Thomas Mielec, along with chief designer Thorkil Munk-Hansen, project manager Nico Rode and technical manager John Morsing

In spite of cold and greyish weather, the crew’s enthusiasm was unmistakable, with the CEO declaring: “It was fantastic!”

 The first test sail for the new X5⁶ this past weekend off Haderslev in Denmark The first test sail for the new X5⁶ this past weekend off Haderslev in Denmark
Click HERE for more details, including pricing and specs, of the newest addition to X-Yachts’ Pure X range.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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X-Yachts’ new X5⁶ performance cruiser has been launched for the first time.

First revealed at boot Düsseldorf in January, the 56-footer hit the water at X-Yachts’ headquarters in Haderslev, Denmark yesterday evening, Wednesday 25 November.

After rigging, in-water tests and adjustments of technical installations are completed, X-Yachts will conduct a thorough series of sea trials under the close supervision of the design and engineering team.

X-Yachts’ new X56 performance cruiser is launched on Wednesday 25 November

“We feel convinced that the X5⁶ will live fully up to our expectations,” said Thomas Mielec, director of design and engineering.

“But realistically and historically there will always be minor adjustments with a new model, first of its kind in the Pure X range, and we are eager to find all mistakes and points of improvement now, in order to have the corrections implemented as early as possible.”

Following sea trials, the first model X5⁶ will go back to the assembly hall for final fit-out of interiors and more to be ready for the world premiere in X-Yachts’ Haderslev showrooms.

Click HERE for a gallery of images from yesterday’s launch, and stay tuned for more details about the X5⁶.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
Tagged under

Hot on the heels of the European Yacht of the Year award win for the X4⁰, X-Yachts have revealed at boot Düsseldorf that their new X5⁶ is planned launch in November this year ahead of the 2021 show.

Chief designer Niels Jeppesen said: “Having developed the X4⁰ in 2019, it was an easy decision for X-Yachts to decide to meet the market’s request to fill the gap between the X4⁹ and the X6⁵.”

The 56ft performance cruiser and latest addition to the Pure X range is designed with serious cruising in mind — whether exploring the Mediterranean or crossing the Atlantic.

‘Light, strip and stuff’ is the maxim behind the X5⁶ design philosophy: weight saved via epoxy infusion constriction is used to increase stability for supreme comfort on board.

And the Danish brand’s clean, timeless style is expectedly reflected in its luxury, high-quality interior.

The X5⁶ will be available in a variety of configurations and the first boats are expected to hit the water this year. For more details contact X-Yachts Ireland.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

RORC Fastnet Race

This race is both a blue riband international yachting fixture and a biennial offshore pilgrimage that attracts crews from all walks of life:- from aspiring sailors to professional crews; all ages and all professions. Some are racing for charity, others for a personal challenge.

For the world's top professional sailors, it is a 'must-do' race. For some, it will be their first-ever race, and for others, something they have competed in for over 50 years! The race attracts the most diverse fleet of yachts, from beautiful classic yachts to some of the fastest racing machines on the planet – and everything in between.

The testing course passes eight famous landmarks along the route: The Needles, Portland Bill, Start Point, the Lizard, Land’s End, the Fastnet Rock, Bishop’s Rock off the Scillies and Plymouth breakwater (now Cherbourg for 2021 and 2023). After the start in Cowes, the fleet heads westward down The Solent, before exiting into the English Channel at Hurst Castle. The finish for 2021 is in Cherbourg via the Fastnet Rock, off the southern tip of Ireland.

  • The leg across the Celtic Sea to (and from) the Fastnet Rock is known to be unpredictable and challenging. The competitors are exposed to fast-moving Atlantic weather systems and the fleet often encounter tough conditions
  • Flawless decision-making, determination and total commitment are the essential requirements. Crews have to manage and anticipate the changing tidal and meteorological conditions imposed by the complex course
  • The symbol of the race is the Fastnet Rock, located off the southern coast of Ireland. Also known as the Teardrop of Ireland, the Rock marks an evocative turning point in the challenging race
  • Once sailors reach the Fastnet Rock, they are well over halfway to the finish in Cherbourg.

Fastnet Race - FAQs

The 49th edition of the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, UK on Sunday 8th August 2021.

The next two editions of the race in 2021 and 2023 will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin at the head of the Normandy peninsula, France

Over 300. A record fleet is once again anticipated for the world's largest offshore yacht race.

The international fleet attracts both enthusiastic amateur, the seasoned offshore racer, as well as out-and-out professionals from all corners of the world.

Boats of all shapes, sizes and age take part in this historic race, from 9m-34m (30-110ft) – and everything in between.

The Fastnet Race multihull course record is: 1 day 4 hours 2 minutes and 26 seconds (2019, Ultim Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Franck Cammas / Charles Caudrelier)

The Fastnet Race monohull course record is: 1 day, 18 hours, 39 minutes (2011, Volvo 70, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing).

David and Peter Askew's American VO70 Wizard won the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race, claiming the Fastnet Challenge Cup for 1st in IRC Overall.

Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001.

The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result.

The winner of the first Fastnet Race was the former pilot cutter Jolie Brise, a boat that is still sailing today.

Cork sailor Henry P F Donegan (1870-1940), who gave his total support for the Fastnet Race from its inception in 1925 and competed in the inaugural race in his 43ft cutter Gull from Cork.

Ireland has won the Fastnet Race twice. In 1987 the Dubois 40 Irish Independent won the Fastnet Race overall for the first time and then in 2007 – all of twenty years after Irish Independent’s win – Ireland secured the overall win again this time thanks to Ger O’Rourke’s Cookson 50 Chieftain from the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland in Kilrush.

©Afloat 2020

Fastnet Race 2023 Date

The 2023 50th Rolex Fastnet Race will start on Saturday, 22nd July 2023

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At A Glance – Fastnet Race

  • The world's largest offshore yacht race
  • The biennial race is 695 nautical miles - Cowes, Fastnet Rock, Cherbourg
  • A fleet of over 400 yachts regularly will take part
  • The international fleet is made up of over 26 countries
  • Multihull course record: 1 day, 8 hours, 48 minutes (2011, Banque Populaire V)
  • Monohull course record: 1 day, 18 hours, 39 minutes (2011, Volvo 70, Abu Dhabi)
  • Largest IRC Rated boat is the 100ft (30.48m) Scallywag 100 (HKG)
  • Some of the Smallest boats in the fleet are 30 footers
  • Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001
  • The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result.

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