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Displaying items by tag: Xc 47

More details have emerged about the remarkable hull and deck design that makes X-Yachtsnew Xc 47 “the ideal bluewater cruiser”.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, the Xc 47 marked a change in the design process for the Danish performance yacht specialists, utilising a full-size mock-up which heels at 20 degrees to either side to simulate how the boat works ergonomically.

That’s made for a cockpit layout that gives the helm the capability of handling all lines.

Four winches, two on each side, are positioned in front of the wheels. All relevant trim lines are led in channels under the deck from the mast to the steering position, with jammers reachable for the helmsman.

The traveller has been repositioned from the cockpit to in front of the sprayhood. Apart from creating an efficient workspace, this arrangement also leaves room for a comfortable living space, with the sail handling concentrated to the area at the helm station.

Another interior view of the Xc 47 showing the galley and dining areaAnother interior view of the Xc 47 showing the galley and dining area | Credit: X-Yachts

Near the transom, a large aft deck accommodates a comfortable full-width seating area behind the wheels, as well as a sunbathing area. As it should be on a true offshore yacht, the cockpit is deep, well protected and with a closed transom.

The hull lines maintain the deep V-shaped bow sections, generous rocker and higher stern overhang from previous Xc models, providing the well-known comfortable seagoing characteristics.

But the aft of the Xc 47 has a modern, wider stern section, incorporating a subtle soft chine that provides extra form and stability, improved performance and more space in the aft cabins.

The Xc 47 is also built from a full vacuum infused epoxy/e-glass sandwich, together with X-Yachts’ signature steel frame. Areas exposed to high loads are reinforced with carbon fibre, a part of making the yacht stronger without adding excess weight.

The first thing most people will notice when looking at the lines is the shape of the superstructure.

Sketch of the Xc 47 with its signature hull design, now with a wider stern for improved comfort and stability | Credit: X-YachtsSketch of the Xc 47 with its signature hull design, now with a wider stern for improved comfort and stability | Credit: X-Yachts

“We have introduced what we like to call a ‘semi-deck saloon’. This solution provides a better view of the surroundings, when under deck with more natural light, and an opportunity for multilevel floors,” says Thomas Mielec, director of design and engineering at X-Yachts.

To make sure the Xc 47 is capable of carrying provisions for long periods of time, the yacht has efficient storage volumes hidden behind the sturdy, yet elegantly crafted surfaces of the interior.

X-Yachts chief executive Kræn Brinck Nielsen adds: “Danish design and architecture are famous for clean and timeless style, and X-Yachts has always been a part of this tradition. X-Yacht owners often talk about a ‘special X feeling’, something that greets you every time you step on board.

“We know this feeling, and for us, it's a constant process to refine and enhance it each time. When looking at the Xc 47, I’m proud of how far we have come.“”

Orders are now open for the new Xc 47 for delivery in spring 2024 at the limited launch price of €750,000 ex VAT. To express your interest, get in touch with Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland at [email protected].

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Earlier this month, a privileged view were treated to the latest on X-Yachts’ new Xc cruiser when the doors of its Haderslev HQ were opened for exclusive tours.

Now the Danish yachting specialists have revealed to the world further details of the Xc 47, which it says marks the beginning of “a completely new generation of X-cruising”.

“In short, Xc 47 is an elegant high-performance cruiser, built for safe and comfortable sailing on the oceans,” says Thomas Mielec, director of design and engineering at X-Yachts. “Immense focus has been placed on the design to make shorthanded sailing safe and easy.

“Many of our customers share a dream of heading off on a long cruise, often around the world. With this yacht, they will be ready and able to achieve this whenever the opportunity arises.”

The differences in the Xc 47 begin with the design process, Mielec adds, referencing the full-size mock-up which heels at 20 degrees to either side to simulate how the interior works ergonomically.

“As far as I know, we are the only yard that has ever done that,” he says of the mock-up. “This has given us a unique test platform, with the opportunity to test different design scenarios in real-life situations.

“Being able to move around in a physical environment, eliminated numerous lengthy discussions, as everyone could feel and sense right away, what the right solution should be. Not only under conditions as they are when the yacht is docked, but also how things work during sailing when the boat is heeled over.”

Orders are now open for the new Xc 47 for delivery in spring 2024 at the limited launch price of €750,000 ex VAT. To express your interest, get in touch with Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland at [email protected].

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
Tagged under

RORC Fastnet Race

This race is both a blue riband international yachting fixture and a biennial offshore pilgrimage that attracts crews from all walks of life:- from aspiring sailors to professional crews; all ages and all professions. Some are racing for charity, others for a personal challenge.

For the world's top professional sailors, it is a 'must-do' race. For some, it will be their first-ever race, and for others, something they have competed in for over 50 years! The race attracts the most diverse fleet of yachts, from beautiful classic yachts to some of the fastest racing machines on the planet – and everything in between.

The testing course passes eight famous landmarks along the route: The Needles, Portland Bill, Start Point, the Lizard, Land’s End, the Fastnet Rock, Bishop’s Rock off the Scillies and Plymouth breakwater (now Cherbourg for 2021 and 2023). After the start in Cowes, the fleet heads westward down The Solent, before exiting into the English Channel at Hurst Castle. The finish for 2021 is in Cherbourg via the Fastnet Rock, off the southern tip of Ireland.

  • The leg across the Celtic Sea to (and from) the Fastnet Rock is known to be unpredictable and challenging. The competitors are exposed to fast-moving Atlantic weather systems and the fleet often encounter tough conditions
  • Flawless decision-making, determination and total commitment are the essential requirements. Crews have to manage and anticipate the changing tidal and meteorological conditions imposed by the complex course
  • The symbol of the race is the Fastnet Rock, located off the southern coast of Ireland. Also known as the Teardrop of Ireland, the Rock marks an evocative turning point in the challenging race
  • Once sailors reach the Fastnet Rock, they are well over halfway to the finish in Cherbourg.

Fastnet Race - FAQs

The 49th edition of the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes, UK on Sunday 8th August 2021.

The next two editions of the race in 2021 and 2023 will finish in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin at the head of the Normandy peninsula, France

Over 300. A record fleet is once again anticipated for the world's largest offshore yacht race.

The international fleet attracts both enthusiastic amateur, the seasoned offshore racer, as well as out-and-out professionals from all corners of the world.

Boats of all shapes, sizes and age take part in this historic race, from 9m-34m (30-110ft) – and everything in between.

The Fastnet Race multihull course record is: 1 day 4 hours 2 minutes and 26 seconds (2019, Ultim Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Franck Cammas / Charles Caudrelier)

The Fastnet Race monohull course record is: 1 day, 18 hours, 39 minutes (2011, Volvo 70, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing).

David and Peter Askew's American VO70 Wizard won the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race, claiming the Fastnet Challenge Cup for 1st in IRC Overall.

Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001.

The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result.

The winner of the first Fastnet Race was the former pilot cutter Jolie Brise, a boat that is still sailing today.

Cork sailor Henry P F Donegan (1870-1940), who gave his total support for the Fastnet Race from its inception in 1925 and competed in the inaugural race in his 43ft cutter Gull from Cork.

Ireland has won the Fastnet Race twice. In 1987 the Dubois 40 Irish Independent won the Fastnet Race overall for the first time and then in 2007 – all of twenty years after Irish Independent’s win – Ireland secured the overall win again this time thanks to Ger O’Rourke’s Cookson 50 Chieftain from the Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland in Kilrush.

©Afloat 2020

Fastnet Race 2023 Date

The 2023 50th Rolex Fastnet Race will start on Saturday, 22nd July 2023

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At A Glance – Fastnet Race

  • The world's largest offshore yacht race
  • The biennial race is 695 nautical miles - Cowes, Fastnet Rock, Cherbourg
  • A fleet of over 400 yachts regularly will take part
  • The international fleet is made up of over 26 countries
  • Multihull course record: 1 day, 8 hours, 48 minutes (2011, Banque Populaire V)
  • Monohull course record: 1 day, 18 hours, 39 minutes (2011, Volvo 70, Abu Dhabi)
  • Largest IRC Rated boat is the 100ft (30.48m) Scallywag 100 (HKG)
  • Some of the Smallest boats in the fleet are 30 footers
  • Rolex SA has been a longstanding sponsor of the race since 2001
  • The first race was in 1925 with 7 boats. The Royal Ocean Racing Club was set up as a result.

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