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 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.
