The contestants in the category "Performance Cruiser" for the 2020 European Yacht of the Year Award are set:
● First Yacht 53
● Italia 11.98
● RM 1180
● X 4.0
One word says it all: Performance. This is by far the most important criteria here. So for a boat to succeed in this category it first and foremost needs to sail fast. Speed is not the only differentiator, though. Equally important is how easily a candidate can be operated at maximum pressure, how ergonomically the cockpit is organized, how sensitive and responsive the rudder works, how well the sailplan can be adapted to changing conditions. And since cruising is part of the definition of a performance cruiser as well the Jury also judges the live-aboard comforts of the candidates. So don't expect one-trick ponies here.
The announcement of this year’s winners, will take place during the Flagship-Night on the first evening of the Boot Düsseldorf (18.-26.01.2020).
First Yacht 53
This is not just a new model for Beneteau. The First Yacht 53 is nothing less than an effort to continue and in fact rejuvenate a legacy. While the sporty First range was once a benchmark for many a performance cruiser it was neglected and eventually retired in the past few years. But not for good. Now the French want to get back into the market and reclaim what they have given away. After taking over Seascape last year whose boats now represent the entry level First line the 53 is defining the new concept from the top. Lorenzo Argento and Roberto Biscontini, two highly acclaimed Italian designers, have conceived a modern luxury sports cruiser that looks set to tick all boxes. With standard carbon rigg and ample sailplan it should have a performance edge over most competitors. Down below the First Yacht 53 promises to deliver a similarly eclectic experience while at anchor or in the marina. A big boat, a bold statement. Certainly one of the most interesting newcomers of the year!
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the manufacturer.
Technical information:
Length (LOA): 15.98 m ● Beam: 5.00 m ● Draught: 2.50 m (optional: 3.00 m) ● Displacement: 15.5 to ● Sail area: 165.9 sqm
Italia 11.98
Italia Yachts was founded on a line-up of more luxurious performance cruisers. But the still rather young brand is now investing in a second, decidedly sportier range. Fueled by two ORC-World Championships for the 9.98 the 11.98 is the latest model, an even more pronounced design. It's available in a race-oriented version or as a fast cruiser and it can even be ordered with water-ballast to facilitate shorthanded racing. While her smaller predecessor looked rather frugal down below the 11.98 sports a light yet visually pleasing interior. Her hull lines are extraordinary, too. So in many ways this is a real head-turner. And have we mentioned that she won the ORC worlds in Class C upon arrival?
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the yard.
Technical information:
Length: 11.65 m ● Beam: 3.98 m ● Draft: 2.10 m ● Displacement: 6.2 to ● Sail area: 90 sqm
RM 1180
RM Yachts have pushed the performance of their models continually over the last decade or so. Originally designed as rigid offshore cruisers the latest offering jumped the category and is the first to be presented here. And not by coincidence. Naval architect Marc Lombard, designer of many race boats, is known for his drive to improve; so is the yard, now under new ownership. With the RM 11.80 they even modified the build method. While hulls so far were always made of plywood this time they went for a GRP/plywood hybrid in order to safe weight. Powerful lines, coupled with a complete cruising interior. Exciting!
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the manufacturer.
Technical information:
Length: 11.80 m ● Beam: 4.37 m ● Draft: 1.95 (optional 2.25 or lift keel 1.30 - 3.20 m) ● Displacement: 7.0 t ● Sail area: 92 sqm
X 4.0
X-Yachts is a regular sight among European Yacht of the Year nominees. This summer the Danish yard turned 40, and fittingly it presented a new 40-footer during their Gold Cup. The model belongs to the "Pure-X" range, sitting smack in the middle between the Xc (for cruising) and Xp (for performance) offerings. With a high-volume hull the X 4.0 offers all the space a family expects to spend a weekend or extended travels aboard. The boat is available as a 2- or 3-cabin version, sleeping 4 to 6 crew. In early tests she also proved to be a true X with light yet responsive twin-wheel steering and agile acceleration.
For further information, please feel free to visit the webpage of the manufacturer.
Technical information:
Length: 11.50 m ● Beam: 3.81 m ● Draft: 2.10 (optional 2.40m) ● Displacement: 8.1 t ● Sail area: 78 sqm