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Displaying items by tag: X yachts

X-Yachts is throwing this years biggest sailor party and X-regatta in Aarhus, Denmark from 17-20 August.

And this is your last chance to secure a ticket as registration closes on Tuesday 1 August.

Get ready for three days filled with racing, fun, social activities and, most importantly, some great days together with fellow X-sailors and enthusiasts.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

X-Yachts is sponsoring this year’s ORC World Championships, which will be held from 4-12 August in Kiel, Germany.

Only one month after the opening of the registration portal, 70 yachts from 12 nations registered in January in the three divisions — Classes A, B and C — as well as a non-World Championship Class D.

X-Yachts made an early commitment to the ORC Worlds in Kiel. The Danish performance yacht builder has had close ties to regatta racing for decades, such as being a partner of the ORC World Championship in 2011 and 2014, and is one of the shipyards that also owes its importance and size to the successes their designs have enjoyed on the race course.

Kiel in Germany is renowned for hosting the cream of European sailing each year for the continent’s largest regatta, Kieler Woche | Credit: www.segel-bilder.de/Kieler WocheKiel in Germany is renowned for hosting the cream of European sailing each year for the continent’s largest regatta, Kieler Woche | Credit: www.segel-bilder.de/Kieler Woche

X-Yachts have and continue to excel on the race course. And with the X-79, X-99, X-35 and X-41 designs, the Danish yard has also launched large one-design classes, three of which have even been recognised as such by World Sailing, the governing body of the sport.

“Especially in Northern Europe, we have always provided the largest fleets at major championships. This year I hope for 20 per cent or more X-Yachts among the entries,” said Torsten Bastiansen, who will be racing his Sydbank, an X-35, in ORC Class C.

“I hope that we can continue the successes we had with our previous boats, the X-332 No Limits and an IMX-40 named Veolia. We can’t afford to miss a world championship on our doorstep.”

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Meet the X-Yachts team in Fredericia at Boat Show Denmark which takes place over the weekends of 24-26 February and 2-5 March.

Boat Show Denmark is the largest indoor boat exhibition in Denmark. The show is held every two years in Messe C, Fredericia and attracts boating and water sports enthusiasts from all over the country.

This year, X-Yachts will be attending the fair, presenting the X-Power 33C outboard. The performance yacht specialists will also be showing some of its newly launched X-Living range — an exclusive collection of interior products for the maritime life, inspired by Scandinavian style.

X-Yachts would love to see you in Hall A, Stand 1214 for a coffee and a chat.

Opening hours 24-26 February:

  • Friday & Saturday 10.00-18.00
  • Sunday 10.00-17.00

Opening hours 2-5 March:

  • Thursday 12.00-18.00
  • Friday & Saturday 10.00-18.00
  • Sunday 10.00-17.00
Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

More details have emerged about the remarkable hull and deck design that makes X-Yachtsnew Xc 47 “the ideal bluewater cruiser”.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, the Xc 47 marked a change in the design process for the Danish performance yacht specialists, utilising a full-size mock-up which heels at 20 degrees to either side to simulate how the boat works ergonomically.

That’s made for a cockpit layout that gives the helm the capability of handling all lines.

Four winches, two on each side, are positioned in front of the wheels. All relevant trim lines are led in channels under the deck from the mast to the steering position, with jammers reachable for the helmsman.

The traveller has been repositioned from the cockpit to in front of the sprayhood. Apart from creating an efficient workspace, this arrangement also leaves room for a comfortable living space, with the sail handling concentrated to the area at the helm station.

Another interior view of the Xc 47 showing the galley and dining areaAnother interior view of the Xc 47 showing the galley and dining area | Credit: X-Yachts

Near the transom, a large aft deck accommodates a comfortable full-width seating area behind the wheels, as well as a sunbathing area. As it should be on a true offshore yacht, the cockpit is deep, well protected and with a closed transom.

The hull lines maintain the deep V-shaped bow sections, generous rocker and higher stern overhang from previous Xc models, providing the well-known comfortable seagoing characteristics.

But the aft of the Xc 47 has a modern, wider stern section, incorporating a subtle soft chine that provides extra form and stability, improved performance and more space in the aft cabins.

The Xc 47 is also built from a full vacuum infused epoxy/e-glass sandwich, together with X-Yachts’ signature steel frame. Areas exposed to high loads are reinforced with carbon fibre, a part of making the yacht stronger without adding excess weight.

The first thing most people will notice when looking at the lines is the shape of the superstructure.

Sketch of the Xc 47 with its signature hull design, now with a wider stern for improved comfort and stability | Credit: X-YachtsSketch of the Xc 47 with its signature hull design, now with a wider stern for improved comfort and stability | Credit: X-Yachts

“We have introduced what we like to call a ‘semi-deck saloon’. This solution provides a better view of the surroundings, when under deck with more natural light, and an opportunity for multilevel floors,” says Thomas Mielec, director of design and engineering at X-Yachts.

To make sure the Xc 47 is capable of carrying provisions for long periods of time, the yacht has efficient storage volumes hidden behind the sturdy, yet elegantly crafted surfaces of the interior.

X-Yachts chief executive Kræn Brinck Nielsen adds: “Danish design and architecture are famous for clean and timeless style, and X-Yachts has always been a part of this tradition. X-Yacht owners often talk about a ‘special X feeling’, something that greets you every time you step on board.

“We know this feeling, and for us, it's a constant process to refine and enhance it each time. When looking at the Xc 47, I’m proud of how far we have come.“”

Orders are now open for the new Xc 47 for delivery in spring 2024 at the limited launch price of €750,000 ex VAT. To express your interest, get in touch with Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland at [email protected].

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Earlier this month, a privileged view were treated to the latest on X-Yachts’ new Xc cruiser when the doors of its Haderslev HQ were opened for exclusive tours.

Now the Danish yachting specialists have revealed to the world further details of the Xc 47, which it says marks the beginning of “a completely new generation of X-cruising”.

“In short, Xc 47 is an elegant high-performance cruiser, built for safe and comfortable sailing on the oceans,” says Thomas Mielec, director of design and engineering at X-Yachts. “Immense focus has been placed on the design to make shorthanded sailing safe and easy.

“Many of our customers share a dream of heading off on a long cruise, often around the world. With this yacht, they will be ready and able to achieve this whenever the opportunity arises.”

The differences in the Xc 47 begin with the design process, Mielec adds, referencing the full-size mock-up which heels at 20 degrees to either side to simulate how the interior works ergonomically.

“As far as I know, we are the only yard that has ever done that,” he says of the mock-up. “This has given us a unique test platform, with the opportunity to test different design scenarios in real-life situations.

“Being able to move around in a physical environment, eliminated numerous lengthy discussions, as everyone could feel and sense right away, what the right solution should be. Not only under conditions as they are when the yacht is docked, but also how things work during sailing when the boat is heeled over.”

Orders are now open for the new Xc 47 for delivery in spring 2024 at the limited launch price of €750,000 ex VAT. To express your interest, get in touch with Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland at [email protected].

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Nick Burnham of YouTube channel AQUAHOLIC has some very positive things to say about X-Yachts — and specifically the new X4³ which was on display at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, the latest version of the X4³ sees the model get a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design, together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

If the X4³ looks like the boat for you, reach out to either Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

X-Yachts director of design and engineering Thomas Mielec hosts a guided video tour of the interior mock-up of the premium yachting brand’s newest Xc cruising model.

“It has been clear from the beginning of the project that the deck layout and the interior was gong to interact in a quite unusual way for us, given that we have this semi-deck saloon layout,” he says.

“The mock-up makes it possible, in a much more straightforward way, to communicate the design intentions of the interior concepts.”

The mock-up is also designed to heel at 20 degrees to either side to simulate how the interior works ergonomically under a heel “which is a quite important aspect for a true blue-water cruiser”.

Find out more details about the new Xc when X-Yachts opens the doors of its Haderslev headquarters for a weekend of private tours next month.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
Tagged under

If you missed X-Yachts at the Southampton International Boat Show last month or its Open Week in Hamble last weekend, there’s anther chance to experience the brand up close — this time in its home country.

Join Stuart Abernethy and Debbie Weldon at the X-Yachts facility in Haderslev, Denmark on the weekend of 5-6 November where you can immerse yourself aboard your X-Yacht of choice — from the X4⁰, X4³ (2022 edition), X4⁶X4⁹, X5⁶ and X-Power 33C — within the comfort and safety of the heated indoor showroom.

Stuart and Debbie will conduct your private tour of the production facility, with various X-Yachts at different stages of completion. Learn about our construction process, and importantly why X-Yachts builds the way they do.

You can also relax in the dedicated “X-Lounge” area, with complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day.

To book your tour, get in touch with Stuart or Debbie at [email protected] or call +44 23 8045 3377 or +44 7500 947 896.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
Tagged under

Can’t make it the Southampton International Boat Show this year? If so, why not join X-Yachts and ‘Experience the Brand’ at its Open Week in Hamble after the show?

Between next Tuesday 27 September and Sunday 2 October, you’ll have the chance to view the X4⁰, X4³ and X4⁶ at Hamble Point Marina — with the possibility of a test sailing, subject to availability.

Register an appointment with Debbie Weldon, and in the meantime you still have a chance to catch Debbie with Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy at the X-Yachts stand as the Southampton International Boat Show continues till this weekend.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

There’s only a few days to go until the start of this year’s Southampton International Boat Show on Friday 16 September — and X-Yachts will be there in style.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, you can see the latest, upgraded version of the X4³ at the X-Yachts stand M455.

The new X4³ has gone through a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

X-Yachts GB & IRL team of Debbie Weldon, Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy will be in attendance for the duration of the show, 16-25 September from 10am to 6pm each day.

The team will also be sharing details of the X5⁶ — the new sailing flagship of the Pure X Range — which is available for viewing offsite but strictly by prior appointment only. Contact Debbie to arrange a booking.

And don’t forget you can configure the X4³ and X5⁶ to your own specifications on the X-Yachts website.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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About The Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney–Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a 'must do' race. The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club co-founded the race in 1968 and 2007 was the 28th Edition. Save for a break between 1984 and 1995 the event has been run annually attracting 25–30 yachts. In recent years, the number of entries has rissen sharply to 68 boats thanks to a new Organising Committee who managed to bring Rolex on board as title sponsor for the Middle Sea Race.

The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the MSR as "the most beautiful race course in the world".

Apart from Turner, famous competitors have included Eric Tabarly, Cino Ricci, Herbert von Karajan, Jim Dolan, Sir Chay Blyth and Sir Francis Chichester (fresh from his round the world adventure). High profile boats from the world's top designers take part, most in pursuit of line honours and the record – competing yachts include the extreme Open 60s, Riviera di Rimini and Shining; the maxis, Mistress Quickly, Zephyrus IV and Sagamore; and the pocket rockets such as the 41-foot J-125 Strait Dealer and the DK46, Fidessa Fastwave.

In 2006, Mike Sanderson and Seb Josse on board ABN Amro, winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, the super Maxis; Alfa Romeo and Maximus and the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race overall winner, Hasso Platner on board his MaxZ86, Morning Glory.

George David on board Rambler (ex-Alfa Romeo) managed a new course record in 2007 and in 2008, Thierry Bouchard on Spirit of Ad Hoc won the Rolex Middle Sea Race on board a Beneteau 40.7

The largest number of entries was 78 established in 2008.

Middle Sea Race History

IN THE BEGINNING

The Middle Sea Race was conceived as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Paul and John Ripard and an Englishman residing in Malta called Jimmy White, all members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. In the early fifties, it was mainly British servicemen stationed in Malta who competitively raced. Even the boats had a military connection, since they were old German training boats captured by the British during the war. At the time, the RMYC only had a few Maltese members, amongst who were Paul and John Ripard.

So it was in the early sixties that Paul and Jimmy, together with a mutual friend, Alan Green (later to become the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club), set out to map a course designed to offer an exciting race in different conditions to those prevailing in Maltese coastal waters. They also decided the course would be slightly longer than the RORC's longest race, the Fastnet. The resulting course is the same as used today.

Ted Turner, CEO of Turner Communications (CNN) has written that the Middle Sea Race "must be the most beautiful race course in the world. What other event has an active volcano as a mark of the course?"

In all of its editions since it was first run in 1968 – won by Paul Ripard's brother John, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has attracted many prestigious names in yachting. Some of these have gone on to greater things in life and have actually left their imprint on the world at large. Amongst these one finds the late Raul Gardini who won line honours in 1979 on Rumegal, and who spearheaded the 1992 Italian Challenge for the America's Cup with Moro di Venezia.

Another former line honours winner (1971) who has passed away since was Frenchman Eric Tabarly winner of round the world and transatlantic races on Penduik. Before his death, he was in Malta again for the novel Around Europe Open UAP Race involving monohulls, catamarans and trimarans. The guest list for the Middle Sea Race has included VIP's of the likes of Sir Francis Chichester, who in 1966 was the first man to sail around the world single-handedly, making only one stop.

The list of top yachting names includes many Italians. It is, after all a premier race around their largest island. These include Navy Admiral Tino Straulino, Olympic gold medallist in the star class and Cino Ricci, well known yachting TV commentator. And it is also an Italian who in 1999 finally beat the course record set by Mistress Quickly in 1978. Top racing skipper Andrea Scarabelli beat it so resoundingly, he knocked off over six hours from the time that had stood unbeaten for 20 years.

World famous round the world race winners with a Middle Sea Race connection include yachting journalist Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Les Williams, both from the UK.

The Maxi Class has long had a long and loving relationship with the Middle Sea Race. Right from the early days personalities such as Germany's Herbert Von Karajan, famous orchestra conductor and artistic director of the Berliner Philarmoniker, competing with his maxi Helisara IV. Later came Marvin Greene Jr, CEO of Reeves Communications Corporation and owner of the well known Nirvana (line honours in 1982) and Jim Dolan, CEO of Cablevision, whose Sagamore was back in 1999 to try and emulate the line honours she won in 1997.

THE COURSE RECORD

The course record was held by the San Francisco based, Robert McNeil on board his Maxi Turbo Sled Zephyrus IV when in 2000, he smashed the Course record which now stands at 64 hrs 49 mins 57 secs. Zephyrus IV is a Rechiel-Pugh design. In recent years, various maxis such as Alfa Romeo, Nokia, Maximus and Morning Glory have all tried to break this course record, but the wind Gods have never played along. Even the VOR winner, ABN AMro tried, but all failed in 2006.

However, George David came along on board Rambler in 2007 and demolished the course record established by Zephyrus IV in 2000. This now stands at 1 day, 23 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds.

At A Glance - Middle Sea Race 2024

First held: 1968

Organising Authority: Royal Malta Yacht Club

Start

The 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

Grand Harbour, Valletta: seven separate starts, at 10-minute intervals, from 11:00 CEST Saturday, 21 October 2024

Start Line: between the Saluting Battery, Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) and Fort St Angelo (Birgu)

Various vantage points all around the Grand Harbour, high up on the bastions or at water level. Harbour access for spectator boats is restricted during the period of the start.

Course

Set in the heart of the Mediterranean and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It starts and finishes in Malta, passes two active volcanoes and takes in the deep azure waters surrounding Sicily, and the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as lonelier outposts of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both closer to the African continent than Europe.

Length: 606 nautical miles (1,122km)

Outright Race Record: 33h 29m 28s, Argo, United States, Jason Carroll

Monohull Race Record: 40h 17m 50s, Comanche, Cayman Is, Mitch Booth

Main Trophies

Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy – overall race winner under IRC Time Correction

Boccale de Mediterraneo – winner of ORC category

RLR Trophy – winner of monohull line honours

Captain Morgan Trophy – winner of multihull division on corrected time (MOCRA)

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