Yachting World - July 2018

74

NEW YACHTS

alignment, as is the structural grid. The

entire structure is then infused with

epoxy in a process that should lead to

a very stiff yet lightweight structure.

Hinckley has sufficient confidence in the

process to offer a lifetime guarantee on

the hull and deck structure.

While there are more spacious

yachts of this size, few can combine the

Sou’Wester 53’s performance potential

with the comfort and convenience that

a pilothouse offers when on passage.

The two outside helm stations are raised

above the level of the protected forward

part of the cockpit to give a clear view

over the top of the coachroof.

The first boat is currently in build

and is scheduled to launch during the

summer of 2019. Hinckley also now has

a sales director in the UK to help extend

the brand’s reach in Europe.

http://www.hinckleyyachts.com

This pilothouse model is part of an

updated range of Hinckley designs from

the board of Bill Tripp. The aim was to

create a more performance-oriented

boat with contemporary styling, while

retaining the attention to detail, quality

of construction and standard of finish for

which the yard has long been famed.

The pilothouse provides a panoramic

360° view and includes a large dining/

lounging area to port and galley to

starboard. Forward of the latter is an

inside steering position – a feature

rarely found in deck saloon yachts. A

continuation of the coachroof aft gives

protection from sun, spray and rain at the

forward end of the cockpit.

Hinckley hasn’t been tempted to fill the

entire hull volume with accommodation,

but there’s still space for a guest cabin

with a queen-size bed and a spacious

owner’s suite forward. The only aft cabin,

however, is a relatively small one on the

port side accessed from the pilothouse.

Hull construction is bang up to date,

with the combination of an inner carbon

layer and an outer Kevlar skin providing

puncture resistance. The cloth is dry

laid in the mould dry for optimum fibre

Hinckley Sou’Wester 53

LOA 15.96m (52ft 4in)

Beam 4.35m (14ft 3in)

Displacement 13,600kg (30,000lb)

Draught 2.50m (8ft 4in)

Price ex VAT US$2,195,000