X-Yachting - X-Yachts

Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Then and now – the first ever
cruiser-racer from X-Yachts,
the X-79 was a huge success
over 30 years ago. This year
sees the fourth generation Xp
line launched, with the Xp 44
already set to become another
world-leading design.
Not just
another year
It is now 32 years since the first X-Yachts hit the water, and
for us 2011 was a particularly special year as it heralded the
first launches from our fourth generation of cruiser-racers
in the Xperformance range (following the huge success of
our Xcruising range over the past three years, and our wellestablished
Xracing one-designs).
The new Xp 44 and Xp 38 designs clearly show that they
derive from the very same DNA as our first X-79 all those
years ago, namely a passionate striving to create the best
possible combination of a comfortable cruising yacht and a
superior performer.
The need to accommodate the conflicting needs many sailors
have – namely the importance of making a family feel safe and
comfortable whilst enjoying a cruise, and the desire to provide
our passionate yachtsmen and women with a really fascinating
sailing experience, no matter whether on a blue-sea voyage or
a short-course race – that is the challenge that inspires our team
today, just as it did then.
Thirty-two years ago, it wasn’t quite so hard – we introduced
a dinghy-inspired hull shape with a relatively sharp bow, modest
beam, powerful and beamy stern and the key distinction of a
light sandwich construction, without too many heavy cruising
features. The early generations of X-Yachts won an enormous
number of prestigious races, including the world’s biggest
Sjaelland Rundt with 2,200 participating yachts, the Sardinia
Cup and the American S.O.R.C. series. X-Yachts also won the
official O.R.C. World Championships for 3/4 Tonners and One
Ton Class yachts no fewer than a total of nine times and were
runners-up in the famous Admiral’s Cup.
Having successfully broadened our sphere of influence away
from the cruiser/racer market, while developing and introducing
our market-leading Xcruising range over the past three years –
twice winning the European Yacht of the Year, with the Xc 38
taking the title in 2011 – it was time to return to our roots with
a new generation of Xperformance yachts. But we knew this
would mean that we would have to once again raise the bar.
A stable approach
Having developed the Xcruising range we knew how vital high
stability was to creating a feeling of safety for family sailors,
whilst our racing roots demonstrated that it was also of key
importance for sailing performance as soon as the windspeed
exceeds 8-10 knots. This high stability can come from a variety
of parameters – many down-market modern cruising yachts
create it by utilising a high hull beam and very reduced sail area,
while more expensive designs achieve it with a heavier keel
combined with a relatively reduced displacement.
So X-Yachts decided to implement real raceboat build
technology in the construction of the hull/deck and interior.
Vacuum-infused and carbon-reinforced epoxy hulls and hull
liners, combined with very modern and light weight techniques
for building the interior, are key to allow for a relatively heavy
deep bulb keel. The most advanced 3D modelling tools were
also employed to design innovative solutions such as the Xp
models’ trademark removable carbon bowsprit. New opening
coachroof portlights enhance the look of the whole deck design
as well as ensuring a sense of light and space in the interior,
while all models in the range are equipped with the highest
quality fittings throughout.
Just as the world was more than ready for our very first X-79,
so the new Xp models have had a fantastic reception. More
than 70 new Xp yachts have been sold as this magazine went to
press, whilst we can also take the opportunity of unveiling the
latest model in the range, the all-new Xp 50 – find out more on
page 40. The bar is about to be raised once again...
Niels Jeppesen Birger Hansen Lars Jeppesen
02 X-YACHTING 2012 X-YACHTING 2012 03