A look at the latest launches from around the globe
Reichel/Pugh 56 Vasara
The design house of Reichel/Pugh has produced some memorable yachts over the years and never more so than when it teams up with boatbuilder McConaghy. Yachts such as Wild Oats XI have cut a dash wherever they sail. This is a yacht that enters into the challenging compromise that is the racer/cruiser. No expense has been spared in keeping weight to a minimum while also attaining an excellent feel of quality. There are a number of interesting touches. Most notably, a split backstay and square topped mainsail can be switched out for a single backstay and standard main when cruising. The keel has a substantial 4.1m depth but this can be raised to 2.4m for entering port. The interior is constructed almost exclusively out of carbonfibre but a thin veneer of wood is placed over this to soften things up. The result is a sleek and versatile racer/cruiser.
● reichel-pugh.com
Bihan 5.80
The Bihan 5.8 0 is that rare thing these days; a brand-new trailer-sailer. This lightweight, sporty yacht comes from the design board of Finot/ Conq and is built in France. The boat features a swing keel and decent sized rig, pointing to a fast, versatile yacht. The cockpit is large and open and there is a small cabin forward but this is more a space to store bags and keep them dry. The most notable feature of this otherwise modern yacht is that it is gunter rigged which may compromise pointing ability slightly but will make for easy raising and lowering of the mast.
● marine-composite.fr
Hop 30
Sailing yachts come in all shapes and sizes but in general, manufacturers stick to a tried and tested formula. Occasionally a manufacturer looks to break the mould however, and that is certainly the case with the Hop 30. This is a South African built catamaran that looks to take multihull design in a different direction. The main aim is to produce a boat that can be cruised viably with an electric motor and the result is a 30’ catamaran with a relatively narrow beam and masses of exterior space for solar panels. The boat has twin electric saildrives and an unusual rig with the mast stepped well aft and flying just a single large headsail. The interior features a large double cabin forward and roomy saloon.
● hopyacht.co.za
Maxus 35
Maxus Yachts is a Polish company that made
