NEW YACHTS
This potent-looking X4^9 is the third model
in X-Yachts’ latest ‘X’ line of contemporary
fast cruisers. First to launch were the X6^5
and the X4³ in 2016, more than 50 of
which sold in the first year.
I tested both these models and found
that the X4³ strikes the ideal balance
between the performance of a cruiser-
racer and the manageability of a cruising
yacht. And whereas the sailing
performance of the X4³ was impressive,
it was the style and attention to detail of
the interior aboard the X6^5 that really
stood out. Hopefully then this new X4^9
will include the best elements of both its
sister models.
“The whole point of the X line is their
dual purpose,” says Stuart Abernethy,
general manager of X-Yachts (GB). “They
have that combination of volume,
comfort, speed and looks, together with
X’s DNA to make it sail properly.”
Owners of the new X line are typically
using their yachts for fast family cruising.
Abernethy also stressed how important it
was to have a dinghy garage at this X4^9
size. For example, the first two UK clients
want to keep their yachts in the Med and
don’t want davits. The garage on the X4^9
is large enough to fit a 2.7m inflatable,
but owners typically ship as large a
Najad describes this N395 as a ‘mini superyacht’, referring to its
high-profile design and styling, the level of comfort it offers and
the long list of choices available for owners to customise. It’s the
result of a design collaboration between Farr Yacht Design and
Ken Freivokh, both highly experienced firms, particularly in the
modern superyacht era.
The N395 is offered in aft cockpit (AC) and centre cockpit
(CC) formats, both available with two or three cabins and one or
two heads. The first N395, which will be shown at Düsseldorf,
is an AC model. This particular boat is due to take part in the
ARC 2018 for which Najad
is looking for an all-female,
mixed nationality crew,
preferably with no previous
sailing experience.
Price ex VAT SEK
2,958,000 (£266,064)
http://www.najad.se
X-Yachts X4
9
Dimensions
LOA 15.00m 49ft 2in
LWL 13.58m 44ft 5in
Beam 4.49m 14ft 7in
Draught (std) 2.40m 2ft 8in
Displacement 12,900kg 28,440lbNajad N395
2.5m benches can fit up to ten people.
The aft deck has a sunbathing platform,
while part of the transom opens to
provide water access.
The Saffier daysailers we have trialled
have been as enjoyable to helm as they
are pleasing on the eye. Could this be the
best yet?
Price ex VAT €185,000.
http://www.saffieryachts.comSaffier SE37 Lounge
Dimensions
LOA 12.00m 39ft 4in
LWL 10.00m 32ft 10in
Beam 3.45m 11ft 4in
Draught 1.70m 5ft 7in
Displacement 4,800kg 10,582The trend with new monohulls in recent
years has been to lead the running
rigging back to winches near twin helms
in the quarters, to make them easy to
operate short-handed and to create a
cockpit that is free of sailing systems.
With its latest and largest model yet,
Saffier has taken a fresh approach to
this: it has chosen to position the twin
wheels at the forward end of the cockpit,
which still allows for that generous guest
cockpit area, but has other benefits.
Those in the cockpit do not hinder the
helmsman’s forward vision, the control
lines have a shorter lead to the helms and
it’s just one step between the helms and
the interior. The rope-free guest cockpit
area that this creates aft on the SE37 is
comparable to a yacht twice its size – thedinghy as possible by deflating its
forward sections.
Options for the X4^9 on deck include a
carbon bowsprit, and the choice between
a self-tacking genoa and optional
longitudinal tracks. In the three-cabin
layout down below there will be the
option to replace the conventional
navsation with a smaller aft-facing
alternative to create room for a separate
shower compartment in the aft heads.
Price ex VAT £436,700.
http://www.x-yachts.comThe latest X model
looks an ideal
size to combine
performance and
comfort for fast
family cruisingDimensions
LOA 11.99m 39ft 3in
LWL 10.98m 36ft 0in
Beam 3.99m 13ft 0in
Draught 11,000kg 24,250lb84 February 2018