New Boats: Fresh Designs on the Yacht Market
Sam Jefferson looks at the latest designs and launches…
Beneteau First 30
The renaissance of Beneteau’s First range was fully realised with the Beneteau First 36; an all new racer with a real emphasis on speed. The First 30 is a continuation of that theme. Designed by Sam Manuard, working with the Seascape team and Lorenzo Argento, this is a racer that can be cruised. The boat weighs in at a modest 3,100kg making it light but not ultra light. The emphasis is on early planing and there are twin rudders for grip and control. The yacht has a deep (1.98m) draft but there will be a shallower draft option. The interior has been kept simple but will work for cruisers who don’t want masses of luxury. To this end, there is a double berth forward, another aft, and a decent sized heads compartment. The boat looks like it will be a lot of fun.
Leopard 46
South African manufacturer Leopard Catamarans hit the big time when it started supplying Charter companies Sunsail and Moorings with the bulk of their multihull charter fleet. This turned the company into one of the biggest producers of cruising catamarans and, as you can imagine, its range is tailored for the charter market – though that is certainly not to say the yachts are not suited to private ownership. The new 46 is roomy and easy to handle. At the same time, options such as an enhanced performance rig, electric motors, and the option of three, four or five cabin layouts point to the versatility of the design.
Visit the Leopard Catamarans website
Ice 62
ICE Yachts is an Italian boatbuilder that specialises in building fast, luxurious cruiser racers boats in carbonfibre. The new ICE 62 is the latest addition to its range and is designed by Umberto Felci. According to her manufacturers, the new boat will ‘redefine the standards of luxury, comfort, and innovation in the world of Fast Cruisers’ quite the claim. Anyway, the boat certainly looks suitably stylish and ICE has a reputation for fine carbonfibre work and high quality fit out, so this promises to be a welcome addition to its range.
Vaan R6
Dutch boatbuilder Vaan has made a name for itself by producing aluminium hulled catamarans that are made from recycled material wherever possible. The R6 is the company’s biggest and most ambitious project so far, measuring in at 58’. This is definitely a cruising catamaran which boasts plenty of space yet at the same time, weight has been kept down to a relatively modest 21,000kg, and the hull form suggest that performance credentials haven’t been neglected. When it comes to going green, the Vaan boasts a hull made from recycled aluminium and cork decks among other features. Electric motors are standard with the option of a diesel generator for back up.
Eagle 46
Eagle Yachts produces somewhat decadent boats that offer weekend sailing in spectacular style. Long flowing classic lines and styling are underpinned by modern keel and rudder forms and lightweight construction to ensure sparkling performance and real elegance on the water. The new 46 is the latest addition to the range and, despite her considerable length, she remains largely a weekend sailer, although the saloon does feature a double berth forward plus heads and a galley. Still, if you’re not too bothered about a spacious interior but are looking for a boat to sail fast in timeless style, then look no further.
Visit the Leonardo Yachts website
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