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Displaying items by tag: X yachts

X-Yachts is throwing this years biggest sailor party and X-regatta in Aarhus, Denmark from 17-20 August.

And this is your last chance to secure a ticket as registration closes on Tuesday 1 August.

Get ready for three days filled with racing, fun, social activities and, most importantly, some great days together with fellow X-sailors and enthusiasts.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

X-Yachts is sponsoring this year’s ORC World Championships, which will be held from 4-12 August in Kiel, Germany.

Only one month after the opening of the registration portal, 70 yachts from 12 nations registered in January in the three divisions — Classes A, B and C — as well as a non-World Championship Class D.

X-Yachts made an early commitment to the ORC Worlds in Kiel. The Danish performance yacht builder has had close ties to regatta racing for decades, such as being a partner of the ORC World Championship in 2011 and 2014, and is one of the shipyards that also owes its importance and size to the successes their designs have enjoyed on the race course.

Kiel in Germany is renowned for hosting the cream of European sailing each year for the continent’s largest regatta, Kieler Woche | Credit: www.segel-bilder.de/Kieler WocheKiel in Germany is renowned for hosting the cream of European sailing each year for the continent’s largest regatta, Kieler Woche | Credit: www.segel-bilder.de/Kieler Woche

X-Yachts have and continue to excel on the race course. And with the X-79, X-99, X-35 and X-41 designs, the Danish yard has also launched large one-design classes, three of which have even been recognised as such by World Sailing, the governing body of the sport.

“Especially in Northern Europe, we have always provided the largest fleets at major championships. This year I hope for 20 per cent or more X-Yachts among the entries,” said Torsten Bastiansen, who will be racing his Sydbank, an X-35, in ORC Class C.

“I hope that we can continue the successes we had with our previous boats, the X-332 No Limits and an IMX-40 named Veolia. We can’t afford to miss a world championship on our doorstep.”

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Meet the X-Yachts team in Fredericia at Boat Show Denmark which takes place over the weekends of 24-26 February and 2-5 March.

Boat Show Denmark is the largest indoor boat exhibition in Denmark. The show is held every two years in Messe C, Fredericia and attracts boating and water sports enthusiasts from all over the country.

This year, X-Yachts will be attending the fair, presenting the X-Power 33C outboard. The performance yacht specialists will also be showing some of its newly launched X-Living range — an exclusive collection of interior products for the maritime life, inspired by Scandinavian style.

X-Yachts would love to see you in Hall A, Stand 1214 for a coffee and a chat.

Opening hours 24-26 February:

  • Friday & Saturday 10.00-18.00
  • Sunday 10.00-17.00

Opening hours 2-5 March:

  • Thursday 12.00-18.00
  • Friday & Saturday 10.00-18.00
  • Sunday 10.00-17.00
Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

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
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Nick Burnham of YouTube channel AQUAHOLIC has some very positive things to say about X-Yachts — and specifically the new X4³ which was on display at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, the latest version of the X4³ sees the model get a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design, together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

If the X4³ looks like the boat for you, reach out to either Debbie Weldon or Stuart Abernathy at X-Yachts GB & Ireland.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

X-Yachts director of design and engineering Thomas Mielec hosts a guided video tour of the interior mock-up of the premium yachting brand’s newest Xc cruising model.

“It has been clear from the beginning of the project that the deck layout and the interior was gong to interact in a quite unusual way for us, given that we have this semi-deck saloon layout,” he says.

“The mock-up makes it possible, in a much more straightforward way, to communicate the design intentions of the interior concepts.”

The mock-up is also designed to heel at 20 degrees to either side to simulate how the interior works ergonomically under a heel “which is a quite important aspect for a true blue-water cruiser”.

Find out more details about the new Xc when X-Yachts opens the doors of its Haderslev headquarters for a weekend of private tours next month.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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If you missed X-Yachts at the Southampton International Boat Show last month or its Open Week in Hamble last weekend, there’s anther chance to experience the brand up close — this time in its home country.

Join Stuart Abernethy and Debbie Weldon at the X-Yachts facility in Haderslev, Denmark on the weekend of 5-6 November where you can immerse yourself aboard your X-Yacht of choice — from the X4⁰, X4³ (2022 edition), X4⁶X4⁹, X5⁶ and X-Power 33C — within the comfort and safety of the heated indoor showroom.

Stuart and Debbie will conduct your private tour of the production facility, with various X-Yachts at different stages of completion. Learn about our construction process, and importantly why X-Yachts builds the way they do.

You can also relax in the dedicated “X-Lounge” area, with complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day.

To book your tour, get in touch with Stuart or Debbie at [email protected] or call +44 23 8045 3377 or +44 7500 947 896.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Can’t make it the Southampton International Boat Show this year? If so, why not join X-Yachts and ‘Experience the Brand’ at its Open Week in Hamble after the show?

Between next Tuesday 27 September and Sunday 2 October, you’ll have the chance to view the X4⁰, X4³ and X4⁶ at Hamble Point Marina — with the possibility of a test sailing, subject to availability.

Register an appointment with Debbie Weldon, and in the meantime you still have a chance to catch Debbie with Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy at the X-Yachts stand as the Southampton International Boat Show continues till this weekend.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL

There’s only a few days to go until the start of this year’s Southampton International Boat Show on Friday 16 September — and X-Yachts will be there in style.

As previously noted on Afloat.ie, you can see the latest, upgraded version of the X4³ at the X-Yachts stand M455.

The new X4³ has gone through a serious makeover with a completely new hull and deck design together with many other improvements since its successful predecessor.

X-Yachts GB & IRL team of Debbie Weldon, Julien Renault and Stuart Abernathy will be in attendance for the duration of the show, 16-25 September from 10am to 6pm each day.

The team will also be sharing details of the X5⁶ — the new sailing flagship of the Pure X Range — which is available for viewing offsite but strictly by prior appointment only. Contact Debbie to arrange a booking.

And don’t forget you can configure the X4³ and X5⁶ to your own specifications on the X-Yachts website.

Published in X-Yachts GB & IRL
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Irish Olympic Sailing Team

Ireland has a proud representation in sailing at the Olympics dating back to 1948. Today there is a modern governing structure surrounding the selection of sailors the Olympic Regatta

Irish Olympic Sailing FAQs

Ireland’s representation in sailing at the Olympics dates back to 1948, when a team consisting of Jimmy Mooney (Firefly), Alf Delany and Hugh Allen (Swallow) competed in that year’s Summer Games in London (sailing off Torquay). Except for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Ireland has sent at least one sailor to every Summer Games since then.

  • 1948 – London (Torquay) — Firefly: Jimmy Mooney; Swallow: Alf Delany, Hugh Allen
  • 1952 – Helsinki — Finn: Alf Delany * 1956 – Melbourne — Finn: J Somers Payne
  • 1960 – Rome — Flying Dutchman: Johnny Hooper, Peter Gray; Dragon: Jimmy Mooney, David Ryder, Robin Benson; Finn: J Somers Payne
  • 1964 – Tokyo — Dragon: Eddie Kelliher, Harry Maguire, Rob Dalton; Finn: Johnny Hooper 
  • 1972 – Munich (Kiel) — Tempest: David Wilkins, Sean Whitaker; Dragon: Robin Hennessy, Harry Byrne, Owen Delany; Finn: Kevin McLaverty; Flying Dutchman: Harold Cudmore, Richard O’Shea
  • 1976 – Montreal (Kingston) — 470: Robert Dix, Peter Dix; Flying Dutchman: Barry O’Neill, Jamie Wilkinson; Tempest: David Wilkins, Derek Jago
  • 1980 – Moscow (Tallinn) — Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Jamie Wilkinson (Silver medalists) * 1984 – Los Angeles — Finn: Bill O’Hara
  • 1988 – Seoul (Pusan) — Finn: Bill O’Hara; Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Peter Kennedy; 470 (Women): Cathy MacAleavy, Aisling Byrne
  • 1992 – Barcelona — Europe: Denise Lyttle; Flying Dutchman: David Wilkins, Peter Kennedy; Star: Mark Mansfield, Tom McWilliam
  • 1996 – Atlanta (Savannah) — Laser: Mark Lyttle; Europe: Aisling Bowman (Byrne); Finn: John Driscoll; Star: Mark Mansfield, David Burrows; 470 (Women): Denise Lyttle, Louise Cole; Soling: Marshall King, Dan O’Grady, Garrett Connolly
  • 2000 – Sydney — Europe: Maria Coleman; Finn: David Burrows; Star: Mark Mansfield, David O'Brien
  • 2004 – Athens — Europe: Maria Coleman; Finn: David Burrows; Star: Mark Mansfield, Killian Collins; 49er: Tom Fitzpatrick, Fraser Brown; 470: Gerald Owens, Ross Killian; Laser: Rory Fitzpatrick
  • 2008 – Beijing (Qingdao) — Star: Peter O’Leary, Stephen Milne; Finn: Tim Goodbody; Laser Radial: Ciara Peelo; 470: Gerald Owens, Phil Lawton
  • 2012 – London (Weymouth) — Star: Peter O’Leary, David Burrows; 49er: Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern; Laser Radial: Annalise Murphy; Laser: James Espey; 470: Gerald Owens, Scott Flanigan
  • 2016 – Rio — Laser Radial (Women): Annalise Murphy (Silver medalist); 49er: Ryan Seaton, Matt McGovern; 49erFX: Andrea Brewster, Saskia Tidey; Laser: Finn Lynch; Paralympic Sonar: John Twomey, Ian Costello & Austin O’Carroll

Ireland has won two Olympics medals in sailing events, both silver: David Wilkins, Jamie Wilkinson in the Flying Dutchman at Moscow 1980, and Annalise Murphy in the Laser Radial at Rio 2016.

The current team, as of December 2020, consists of Laser sailors Finn Lynch, Liam Glynn and Ewan McMahon, 49er pairs Ryan Seaton and Seafra Guilfoyle, and Sean Waddilove and Robert Dickson, as well as Laser Radial sailors Annalise Murphy and Aoife Hopkins.

Irish Sailing is the National Governing Body for sailing in Ireland.

Irish Sailing’s Performance division is responsible for selecting and nurturing Olympic contenders as part of its Performance Pathway.

The Performance Pathway is Irish Sailing’s Olympic talent pipeline. The Performance Pathway counts over 70 sailors from 11 years up in its programme.The Performance Pathway is made up of Junior, Youth, Academy, Development and Olympic squads. It provides young, talented and ambitious Irish sailors with opportunities to move up through the ranks from an early age. With up to 100 young athletes training with the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway, every aspect of their performance is planned and closely monitored while strong relationships are simultaneously built with the sailors and their families

Rory Fitzpatrick is the head coach of Irish Sailing Performance. He is a graduate of University College Dublin and was an Athens 2004 Olympian in the Laser class.

The Performance Director of Irish Sailing is James O’Callaghan. Since 2006 James has been responsible for the development and delivery of athlete-focused, coach-led, performance-measured programmes across the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway. A Business & Economics graduate of Trinity College Dublin, he is a Level 3 Qualified Coach and Level 2 Coach Tutor. He has coached at five Olympic Games and numerous European and World Championship events across multiple Olympic classes. He is also a member of the Irish Sailing Foundation board.

Annalise Murphy is by far and away the biggest Irish sailing star. Her fourth in London 2012 when she came so agonisingly close to a bronze medal followed by her superb silver medal performance four years later at Rio won the hearts of Ireland. Murphy is aiming to go one better in Tokyo 2021. 

Under head coach Rory Fitzpatrick, the coaching staff consists of Laser Radial Academy coach Sean Evans, Olympic Laser coach Vasilij Zbogar and 49er team coach Matt McGovern.

The Irish Government provides funding to Irish Sailing. These funds are exclusively for the benefit of the Performance Pathway. However, this falls short of the amount required to fund the Performance Pathway in order to allow Ireland compete at the highest level. As a result the Performance Pathway programme currently receives around €850,000 per annum from Sport Ireland and €150,000 from sponsorship. A further €2 million per annum is needed to have a major impact at the highest level. The Irish Sailing Foundation was established to bridge the financial gap through securing philanthropic donations, corporate giving and sponsorship.

The vision of the Irish Sailing Foundation is to generate the required financial resources for Ireland to scale-up and execute its world-class sailing programme. Irish Sailing works tirelessly to promote sailing in Ireland and abroad and has been successful in securing funding of 1 million euro from Sport Ireland. However, to compete on a par with other nations, a further €2 million is required annually to realise the ambitions of our talented sailors. For this reason, the Irish Sailing Foundation was formed to seek philanthropic donations. Led by a Board of Directors and Head of Development Kathryn Grace, the foundation lads a campaign to bridge the financial gap to provide the Performance Pathway with the funds necessary to increase coaching hours, upgrade equipment and provide world class sport science support to a greater number of high-potential Irish sailors.

The Senior and Academy teams of the Performance Pathway are supported with the provision of a coach, vehicle, coach boat and boats. Even with this level of subsidy there is still a large financial burden on individual families due to travel costs, entry fees and accommodation. There are often compromises made on the amount of days a coach can be hired for and on many occasions it is necessary to opt out of major competitions outside Europe due to cost. Money raised by the Irish Sailing Foundation will go towards increased quality coaching time, world-class equipment, and subsiding entry fees and travel-related costs. It also goes towards broadening the base of talented sailors that can consider campaigning by removing financial hurdles, and the Performance HQ in Dublin to increase efficiency and reduce logistical issues.

The ethos of the Performance Pathway is progression. At each stage international performance benchmarks are utilised to ensure the sailors are meeting expectations set. The size of a sailor will generally dictate which boat they sail. The classes selected on the pathway have been identified as the best feeder classes for progression. Currently the Irish Sailing Performance Pathway consists of the following groups: * Pathway (U15) Optimist and Topper * Youth Academy (U19) Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and 420 * Development Academy (U23) Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49erFX * Team IRL (direct-funded athletes) Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49erFX

The Irish Sailing performance director produces a detailed annual budget for the programme which is presented to Sport Ireland, Irish Sailing and the Foundation for detailed discussion and analysis of the programme, where each item of expenditure is reviewed and approved. Each year, the performance director drafts a Performance Plan and Budget designed to meet the objectives of Irish Performance Sailing based on an annual review of the Pathway Programmes from Junior to Olympic level. The plan is then presented to the Olympic Steering Group (OSG) where it is independently assessed and the budget is agreed. The OSG closely monitors the delivery of the plan ensuring it meets the agreed strategy, is within budget and in line with operational plans. The performance director communicates on an ongoing basis with the OSG throughout the year, reporting formally on a quarterly basis.

Due to the specialised nature of Performance Sport, Irish Sailing established an expert sub-committee which is referred to as the Olympic Steering Group (OSG). The OSG is chaired by Patrick Coveney and its objective is centred around winning Olympic medals so it oversees the delivery of the Irish Sailing’s Performance plan.

At Junior level (U15) sailors learn not only to be a sailor but also an athlete. They develop the discipline required to keep a training log while undertaking fitness programmes, attending coaching sessions and travelling to competitions. During the winter Regional Squads take place and then in spring the National Squads are selected for Summer Competitions. As sailors move into Youth level (U19) there is an exhaustive selection matrix used when considering a sailor for entry into the Performance Academy. Completion of club training programmes, attendance at the performance seminars, physical suitability and also progress at Junior and Youth competitions are assessed and reviewed. Once invited in to the Performance Academy, sailors are given a six-month trial before a final decision is made on their selection. Sailors in the Academy are very closely monitored and engage in a very well planned out sailing, training and competition programme. There are also defined international benchmarks which these sailors are required to meet by a certain age. Biannual reviews are conducted transparently with the sailors so they know exactly where they are performing well and they are made aware of where they may need to improve before the next review.

©Afloat 2020

Irish Sailing Performance Head Quarters

Irish Sailing's base for the exclusive use of its own teams are located on the grounds of the Commissioners of Irish Lights in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

The Irish Sailing Performance HQ houses the senior Irish sailing teams such as Olympic Silver Medalist Annalise Murphy

The HQ plans were announced in May 2018 and opened in March 2019.

The HQ comprises a number of three converted shipping containers and a floating slipway and pontoon

The HQ aim is to improve both training and educational opportunities for them, thereby creating systematic medal potential.

The Performance HQ is entirely mobile and has space for briefings and athlete education, a gym, gear storage and a boat maintenance area.

The athlete briefing room can then be shipped directly to international competitions such as the Olympics Regatta and provide a base for athletes overseas.