One of the fundamental aspects of the design is the sailboat’s lines. The S8 is purposely crafted to be a fast cruiser. So that the navigator feels the speed when sailing. This feeling is enhanced by the materials from which it is built. The raw materials used make it a light sailboat. A combination that made me glide through the waves and convey sensations like few boats I have tried so far.

Everything has been thought of in the manufacturing process. For example, Sarch gives the possibility to choose the S8 with an outboard or inboard engine of up to 20 hp. With an electric start and remote control. If you opt for an inboard engine, it is installed in a compartment in the cockpit, without taking space away from the cabin.

For the sails, the shipyard relies on a classic: North Sails. They generally install a set with a larger Squarehead and a furling genoa jib. But they can be changed for Sport Pentex or 3DI models, depending on the sailor’s preference. Knowing how important safety is for all sailors, the S8 has a composite keel with a lead bulb. This way, the heaviest part of the boat is deeper into the water, and thus the sailboat becomes more stable.

Sarch S8, Onboard Comfort

To design the interior of the Sarch S8 the first thing that was taken into consideration was the owner’s comfort. A comfort that surpasses any boat in our segment, within the possibilities that a cruiser of 8 meters in length has.

The cabin is the perfect height to make getting in and out as simple and effortless as possible. And the spaces are spacious and bright. Although they may seem unimportant details, when you are inside the sailboat you still have the same feeling of freedom that you have on deck.

To make the boat like a house on the sea, on the inside, there is a triangular bed on the bow, a cabin in the stern with 1 double berth, a separate toilet, a kitchen bar, a lounge area, and a large storage space. You also have the possibility to place an electric fridge. And all of this was built with the utmost care.

It is not the most luxurious hotel suite in the world, but on the S8 you have everything you need to spend the summer nights on board as comfortably as possible. One of the things that made us fall in love was the fact that we could anchor practically on the shore of a cave, without the need of an inflatable boat to approach the beach, since it has a fantastic system of a lifting keel.

The experience of sailing with a Sarch S8

Beyond the technical data, there is no better way to know if a sailboat is suitable than talking about the sailing experience. Hear from those who have experienced firsthand the sensations it transmits with changes in wind gusts, how maneuvers are made or the ease of handling to have a more realistic and sincere vision of the cruise.

One of the most striking features of the S8 is its dynamism and speed. A speed that you can control thanks to its ease of movement. When you try it, you’ll feel like you’re flying over the sea. And the scent of the foam from the waves crashing against the hull will make the experience even more captivating.

The composite keel model with lead bulb means that, despite being a light boat, it is not affected by the wind gusts or destabilized by the force of the waves. A single piece that transforms this Sarch sailboat into a safe vessel, making it surprisingly stable, which constitutes one of its great qualities. A soft rocking that makes the experience of sailing a S8 sublime.

It should be noted that the cockpit is protected, so the owner will be able to keep dry during the entire voyage.

Operating this cruiser is quite simple. Maneuvering has been simplified to be easy, centralized over the cabin with 1 main winch and 2 cockpit winches, which are sufficient for the main maneuver and trim controls. This allows for solo sailing. On deck, the helmsman has the necessary space to sit comfortably and make the whole journey pleasant.

Sarch S8 Specs

The post Sarch S8, a Small 8 Meters Sailboat to Cross The Oceans  appeared first on Sail Universe.

“Following Baron D, Nahita and the Wally 144 Full Custom of the last few years, this is the 48th full-carbon sailing superyacht built by Wally, continuing the company’s remarkable contribution to the advancement of sailing design and technology.,” says Stefano de Vivo, Wally Managing Director. “Launching a fully custom 101-footer is a great milestone for us, which demonstrates once again the ability of Wally and Ferretti Group to always place themselves at the forefront, even in the competitive market of sailing superyachts“.

“I’m extremely proud of the results achieved with the wally101 Full Custom. The light ship displacement is just 55 tons, almost 15% less than yachts of similar size and configuration, and with 40% of the total weight placed in the keel”, adds Luca Bassani, Wally Founder and Chief Designer. ”This achievement is accomplished thanks to the latest carbon fiber technology pioneered and developed over the years by Wally, using a high-tech sandwich composite with pre-preg carbon fiber”.

Judel/vrolijk & co. has provided the yacht’s naval architecture alongside exterior and interior design from Wally’s sailing design team led by Luca Bassani and Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi. The new full custom yacht features the Wally Enhanced Hydraulic System comprising multiple hydraulic pumps technology to further speed up sail handling. The lifting keel increases the draft from 4.70m to an extraordinary 6.80m, for unparalleled upwind performance.

The new wally101 Full Custom can easily reach high performance at all speeds and in all configurations.  When not sailing, the 425hp engine will provide a top speed of 11.5 knots.

This cruiser racer combines a high-performance platform with a family-friendly exterior and interior layout. The yacht’s deck plan features an amidships cockpit with a table seating up to eight and an aft sunbathing area for ultimate relaxation. The owner’s cabin has an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Two further ensuite cabins complete the guest accommodation for six, and the saloon includes a living and dining area with seating for up to 10-12. The service area is comprised of a crew mess, laundry, galley and two ensuite cabins for four crew.

The post Wally Launches the New wally101 Full Custom appeared first on Sail Universe.

To incorporate the owner’s wishes, the interior layout has also been extensively customized by YYachts‘ design team. The main salon is a sumptuous area that includes a relaxing lounge plus an exclusive dining area. This space can be used as part of the salon or, by closing the doors, can enlarge the master cabin converting into a fully equipped seagoing office. For this reason, here there are lockers dedicated to galley utensils and cutlery on one side and to office materials and equipment on the other side
The crew quarters are located aft and are separate from the rest of the boat. The crew has two entrances, one connected to the cockpit and one close to the salon.

Thanks to this special configuration, the Y8 Custom’s coachroof is now longer and very sleek, creating a large cockpit for relaxing and enjoying days at sea or when moored.

YYachts’ founder Michael Schmidt concludes: “The Y8 is the perfect size for me and it’s no coincidence that I once owned one myself. With the Y8 Custom, we can now serve almost every customer’s taste and requirements in this size category.”

Every owner can bring in their own preferences – the Y8 Custom interior is very much a blank sheet of paper and the YYachts team is available to offer a more tailored and refined experience.

The delivery of the new Y8 Custom will be in January 2024.

The post YYachts Unveils The New Y8 Custom With Customized Interiors appeared first on Sail Universe.

The performance ketch yacht features naval architecture and exterior design from Dykstra Naval Architects, alongside interior design by Mark Whiteley Design. Godfrey Cray is the owner’s project manager, with this being his third Royal Huisman build after Ngoni and Aquarius.

The yacht will have a lifting fin keel with a draft of 7.6 metres, as well as a main mast of 67.5 metres and mizzen mast of 60 metres, resulting in a total downwind sail area of more than 4,500 square metres. Rondal and Doyle have collaborated with Royal Huisman to ensure optimal performance.

The owners’ brief retains a strong emphasis on performance. Aquarius II will feature a state-of-the-art carbon rig and integrated sail handling from Rondal, structured luff sails, and a retractable keel for optimal stability under racing conditions. Aquarius was first in class at her St. Barths Regatta debut in 2019.

It is equally important for her owners to retain the elegance and family comfort of Aquarius, with her exquisite and timeless exterior styling, classic interior and harmonious layout – all to be enhanced in Aquarius II by significant additional space and volume to optimize a luxurious yet understated lifestyle.

“Aquarius has proved to be an exciting sailboat,” commented her owners, “and she sails gracefully and powerfully. Her layout has exceeded expectations, with ample opportunities for both privacy and socializing. She is a ship for everyone.”

The post Royal Huisman Turns the Hull of 65m sailing yacht Aquarius II appeared first on Sail Universe.

“Although this is the fourth hull in the SW96 series, Nyumba is uniquely special,” begins Massimo Gino, co-founder of Nauta Design in Milan and longtime design partner of Southern Wind. “Not only she is Southern Wind’s first yacht with hybrid electric propulsion engineered with BAE Systems to be compliant with IMO Tier III regulations. The sleek and simple lines of her GT deck configuration represent an important evolution of the GT deck concept we first introduced on the SW105 Taniwha.”

The expert owner wanted a fast and efficient cruising yacht to sail around the world with a short crew that could also take part in superyacht regattas. His preference was for a sleek, dynamic profile and uncluttered deck layout with the deck equipment ergonomically positioned for ease of use, as well as guest safety and comfort. This led to several aesthetic and practical innovations.

SW96 Nyumba: Form and function

The low-slung, carbon composite coachroof is key to the yacht’s racy lines and minimalist profile. Subtly integrated into the teak decking, the coamings protecting the guest cockpit are an elegant design feature that also serve as a covered conduit for the sheets from the winches as they pass forward – a stylish detail that also keeps the guest area clear of running rigging (the sheets re-emerge from the forepart of the coachroof). 

“We’re very proud of the purity of the styling and form-meets-function detailing, but there is more,” says Gino. “The owner wanted shorter sunbeds to increase the size of the manoeuvring area aft. We pushed the mainsheet traveller as far aft as we could to the end of the boom, also reducing loads to the minimum; it’s now aft of the crew companionway, which is styled to look like a mini version of the coachroof, while the twin helm positions have been brought further forward for better visibility. The consoles themselves are mounted on custom-designed supports that resemble the hub of a propeller or thruster – another of the client’s bespoke requests.” 

For ease of handling when short-handed the three winches on each side are mounted on the teak coamings that also serve as convenient benches within easy reach of the helm positions (LED lighting under the coamings create a ‘floating’ effect after dark). Importantly for safe operations under sail, the aft deck is completely flush with just one step down into the guest cockpit for added protection. 

The transom folds down to create an 8.5-sqm swimming platform and reveal the garage that has room for a 4.5m tender. A smart design feature created by Southern Wind as all the transom concepts that the platform is composed of two folding sections: the transom and part of the deck. The lower section can be angled upwards to protect the garage from slamming on the waves in rough water or if the tender comes off the plane nearby, but the upper section can still be positioned horizontally.  

SW96 Nyumba: Home away from home

The interior layout follows the tried-and-tested SW96 arrangement with the master stateroom and two ensuite guest cabins amidships. The crew quarters are in the stern. Deck hatches ensure the cabins and bathrooms are extremely light and airy. The main saloon amidships benefits from the sliding glass companionway hatch, large hull windows, and a wide skylight that runs the length of the coachroof.

“Nyumba is a Swahili word for “home” and the owners will be spending a lot of time aboard, so the interior had to be both comfortable and cosy,” says Gino. “The design is based on classic oiled teak veneers and specific pieces of fitted furniture, but the general styling was managed by the owners, choosing from the wide range of options in the Southern Wind palette of materials and colours.”  

“Last but not least, the owner’s choice of dark grey for the hull and coachroof highlights the sophisticated simplicity of the exterior design and titanium deck hardware,” concludes Gino. “There is no cove stripe or waterline stripe and even the anti-fouling paint is the same shade of grey as the hull.” 

The most assertive colour scheme for a pure cruiser-racer (racer-cruiser).

The post Behind the Scenes of the Functional Elegance of SW96 Nyumba appeared first on Sail Universe.

Briand firmly believes that a designer has to be focused on the lifestyle component, especially on a big 60m sailing boat by sharing the sail area between two masts. But also capable of passing beneath the Bridge of the Americas on the Panama Canal.

“There are so many good reasons to choose ketch rig over that of a towering sloop,” said Briand. “While we can design and engineer large sloops to cope with the massive rig loads, they still make unwieldy and intimidating boats to sail. Where’s the pleasure, the joy, the accessibility? If you want a yacht to be comfortable for living and sailing, it makes sense to start from a ketch design, for a 499 GT“.

Briand has observed two main principles in this latest design. The most important is to create the volume for majestically proportioned living spaces, allowing an owner to indulge in all the activities they might desire of a private residence ashore. With its volume of 499 gross tonnage  KAZE will provide amply for an incredible lifestyle.  

“The wider aft beam of the hull not only provides stability, but also allows an exceptional size for the beach club. In fact, it is comparable to many motor yachts, providing a truly luxurious experience on board,” adds Briand. “The bulwarks aft drop-down to form wide terraces, while a huge platform hidden in the transom extends down to the waterline. Steps integrated into the platform’s hydraulic mechanism help to transform these extra spaces into a rich playground at the water’s edge.”

Efficient hull design has been the other key focus. A yacht whose slender hull form enables her to sail well in even light winds will rarely need to motor, greatly reducing the noise and smell of running the engine.

Under sail, KAZE will also be able to generate its own renewable electricity by allowing the water moving past the hull to rotate the propeller. This silently turns an alternator installed in line with the propshaft, and is capable of pumping out dozens of kilowatts day and night. In fact, the boat should be self-sufficient in energy terms under sail. Large battery banks could store excess power during the day to allow the silent operation of hotel systems at anchor.   

Briand explains: “My yacht design philosophy combines innovative engineering, sleek lines, minimalism, and performance-oriented luxury. KAZE will feature the latest in navigation and automation technologies as well as high-end finishes for optimal comfort onboard. It is this combination of modern tech and timeless principles which make a boat beautiful, practical and easy to handle.”

KAZE has already got well beyond the concept stage, with technical input from a range of key experts. Southern Spars has advised on the specifications for the three rig options, which range from classic to high performance. Francesca Muzio of FM architettura has designed a timeless interior that perfectly fits Briand’s external lines. And there is interest from some of the world’s most prestigious shipyards as build partners.

The post Briand’s new 60m Ketch KAZE combines Tech and Comfort Onboard appeared first on Sail Universe.

“Wally’s sailing heritage is legendary, and under Ferretti Group, the brand is redoubling its efforts on the sail side. With the sale of this new carbon fiber sailing superyacht, Wally continues its remarkable contribution to the advancement of sailing design and technology,” states Stefano de Vivo, Wally Managing Director. “When a client comes to Wally, they know they can expect the very highest standards and we are extremely proud for the confidence this experienced and selective owner is giving us once again. The wallywind110 is the head-turning exception in a crowded field of sailing yachts and I am sure it will impress the audience when it will be sailing in the Mediterranean Sea in summer 2024.”

“Wally owners are like family to us and it makes me extremely proud knowing that they continue to choose us to build their dreams on the water. From the very beginning we have been able to listen to their wishes and transform them into unique characteristics of their yachts, always managing to even exceed their expectations thanks to Wally’s experience and know-how.” Adds Luca Bassani, Wally Founder and Chief Designer.

Displaying all the hallmarks of Wally’s timeless style, the wallywind110 is safe and comfortable, yet boasts a high performing pedigree. The project once again unites judel/vrolijk & co naval architecture with interior and exterior lines penned by Wally team and Santa Maria Magnolfi design firm. This collaboration created a yacht showcasing Wally’s characteristics of simplicity and elegance, while offering beguiling pace and stability.

The wallywind110 is a true hybrid offering the volumes and comforts of a deckhouse yacht, but with a flush-deck that features the spirit and the performance of a racing boat. 

The raised saloon configuration and terrace-on-the-sea concept maximise elegant living space, while the seductive lines will deliver fast, comfortable passages and a turn of speed around the buoys.

The huge 80sqm cockpit is on a single level and fills the full beam of the boat, this alone features the same volume that can be found on board the most innovative 150 feet sailing yachts. 

Layout is completely customisable, with seating and dining for up to 15 people. 

The story continues below. With the engine room tucked away below the saloon, the stage is set for a huge open-plan space that combines dining, lounging and even working in style. A skylight runs the full length of the low-profile coachroof, while coachroof windows and hull windows turn this into a sun-soaked living area.

The post Wally announces the sale of the first hull of the new wallywind110 appeared first on Sail Universe.

This 40-footer, available in both the Performance and Race versions, bears once again the signature of Matteo Polli for the naval architecture and Nauta Design responsible for the exterior and interior design. The lines of the hull and the naval architecture of the GS 40 maintain the strong vocation for performance, without sacrificing volumes, maximizing space and improving comfort onboard. This is the result of the synergy between Nauta Design (interior & exterior design) and the Shipyard’s Technical Office, who have brought to the water a sailing boat with clean and functional layouts in both the interior and exterior areas.

“The hull lines: an evolution of the concept studied for the GS 44, with the utmost attention to the balance of volumes”. Matteo Polli, Naval Architect.

“The design brief for the new Grand Soleil 40 was very similar to that of the GS 44, but with the request to further raise the bar, given the smaller size. The overall length of 40 feet, one of the most common on the market, presents a great challenge in finding a compromise between internal volumes and sporting characteristics. Thanks to the experience gained on the 44 and a well-established team of designers, it was possible to find the perfect combination of performance and comfort. The hull lines are an evolution of the concepts studied for the GS 44, giving maximum attention to the balance of volume as the heel increases. The bow profile remains very fine to maintain good performance in light airs and ensure a smooth passage through the waves. 

As on the GS 44, great importance was placed on the aft positioning of the shaft, enabling Nauta Design to develop an innovative layout and obtaining a benefit on both performance and comfort.  It was also chosen to keep a centreboard with a single rudder blade in a very advanced position, a solution that I believe is ideal for both cruising and racing.”

Relaxation and performance, GS 40: pure Grand Soleil DNA

The winning performance is always at hand on the new GS 40. The deck plan of the Performance version includes 4 winches as standard: two on the coachroof and two next to the helm positions. The self-tacking jib, also as standard, is equipped with a recessed track, while the mainsheet is positioned to a fixed point in the cockpit.

Note the position of the mast which, as on the GS 44, has a retracted arrangement to maximize the “J” and therefore the base of the head sails. Also available in carbon in the Race version, together with an increased sail area compared to the standard version.

“The GS 40 represents the synthesis of the best we have managed to put on the GS 44.” Massimo Gino, Nauta Design co-founder.

“We have found the right proportions to have a large and functional deck for both racing and cruising” – explains Massimo Gino of Nauta Design – “where all the lines and deck gear have been studied with the naval architect Matteo Polli and Cantiere del Pardo to find ergonomic positions and solutions, practical and functional for both uses. In a light and sleek hull, we were able to include all the necessary functions on a 40 foot boat that also offers comfort and functionality in the interior. From the cabin to the owner’s heads, from the galley to the dinette, the volumes, stowage and all functions are precise and well balanced. The rich and classic style is the one that has been well tested and appreciated aboard all Grand Soleil’s”.

Winning in a regatta and sailing in comfort: the same design goal

Wide, practical, efficient interiors both for cruising use and for moving with agility during regattas. Below deck, the GS 40 offers two options: in the standard version there are three cabins and one heads to offer more spacious stowage and a greater walkway area into the owner’s cabin, while the optional layout includes three cabins and two heads. The interior has also been designed to maximize the space between the living and galley areas. Relaxation and comfort for the owner and their guests when cruising can also meet the needs of the regatta sailors. The GS 40 is equipped with a built-in galley with spacious worktop (2.6 meters with white resin top), completed by a generous 75-litre fridge with double top opening. An optional 42-litre fridge with front opening is also available. The beam of the central saloon area is also designed for racing needs: the passage can be used for stowing the sails, for a quick change of equipment.

Race, the legacy of a world championship range

The Race version amplifies the competitive potential of a boat already geared to racing. In this version the deck plan has been adapted to optimize sail performance, including the addition of 2 winches, race bowsprit, a hydraulic backstay, jib tracks in transverse position and a recessed mainsail track.

The standard draft is already designed from a racing point of view (IRC) with a depth of 2.4 meters, cast iron blade and lead torpedo. Also available on the GS 40 are two other keel options: the first 2.1 meters optimized for ORC competitions, the second shallow draft of only 1.85 meters. Both the race and performance versions include a stern platform that can be opened electronically, equipped with a ladder for easy boarding to the swim platform.

“A boat that is easy to use, luxurious and at the same time competitive in it’s performance”. Marco Gugnoni, Cantiere del Pardo Technical Office.

“With the Grand Soleil 40 Performance project we have best expressed the DNA of the historic brand of Cantiere del Pardo. From the early stages, the boat was designed with two distinct souls but with the same quality and style which distinguish all the Grand Soleil hulls. The Performance version is optimized to easily navigate safely, while the Race version is designed to be competitive on the race course.The experience we have acquired in the design of the older sister, the Grand Soleil 44, has allowed us to further refine all the parameters to create a boat that is both easy to sail and performs brilliantly. A concentration of know-how and innovation regarding the deck equipment and large cockpit, which tempts even the most experienced competitor. Going below deck you enter a luxurious and fresh space, always functional in its details. The collaboration with the Nauta Design studio has given life to a layout created to maximise the volume of each cabin. The feeling onboard is what every Grand Soleil has in common: high quality finishes and timeless design“. 

The post Grand Soleil 40, Italian Heart, Double Soul appeared first on Sail Universe.

The owners of the yacht are both passionate sailors and excited about the prospect of undergoing long passages aboard. They will be accompanied by their teenage children, so creating a harmonious and spacious living area was a vital part of the interior design process and one that they thoroughly enjoyed. As they reported: “The process was so much more than just choosing the fabrics, colors and some features. We had particularly big ambitions for the design and quality of the interiors and Massimo Gino and Patrick Pigoni at Nauta developed a completely new design for us that is light and airy and will showcase the workmanship that Southern Wind is capable of.”

From the first renderings, the result is an elegant and refined interior aesthetic, utilising a neutral palette with warm undertones that are reflected in the wooden paneling. As Massimo Gino from Nauta Design explains: “The clients pushed for a new design, with a different quantity of wood compared with bright panels and have been very involved with the interior styling.”

One of SW108 Hybrid special features is her sophisticated lighting system, as explained by Christophe Harvey, the project manager of the yacht: “On the request of the owners and with the close supervision of Nauta Yachts, the SW108#01 Hybrid features a unique lighting design conceived by PSLab. Barbara Cenni and Matteo Cacciari of PSlab have proposed a beautiful concept that will create both a bright and lively ambiance during the day and a very warm and cosy atmosphere when the evening comes. Out of the traditional lighting solutions in boat building, they have proposed design and technical solutions where the light is sometimes brushing a surface, or sometimes focused on an outstanding detail of the interior furniture. The lighting system has been conceived with the aim of offering the highest possible quality of light installed in a way where the source is less visible to the eye.”

The construction of the interior is under way at Southern Wind shipyard in Cape Town and we are looking forward to seeing the yacht on the water next summer!

The post Southern Wind SW108 Hybrid: New Interior Style Unveiled appeared first on Sail Universe.

1. Do your research

When considering the prospect of buying a new boat, you need to decide its true purpose. We recommend immersing yourself in as much boat and sailing content as possible. In this instance, knowledge is power. To make a sensible decision, you should read as many articles as possible on the pros and cons of specific boats and watch plenty of videos for advice and insiders top tips. The more you know, the better.  

Once you’ve researched and narrowed down your search, you can look into chartering a boat or discover local demo days. During this part of your research, you can get an authentic feel for what you like and don’t. This is also the time to reach out and speak to boat owners, whom you can find through official boat clubs and resources like Sail-World.com. Being able to pick a boat owner’s brain can give you essential insider knowledge. 

2. Stick to your budget 

With a brand new 20-foot boat costing anywhere between $40,000-$70,000, the second-hand boat market is a fantastic place to look for your first boat. Although you may not find exactly what you were looking for, you could come across a hidden gem. 

Also, when browsing the new and latest model boats, it’s easy to be tempted by an advanced boat with all the (expensive) bells and whistles that, as a first-time boat owner, you really don’t need. 

One important point to remember in your budget is don’t forget about mooring costs. The mooring price will depend on your boat’s size and where you want to dock it. This cost can vary dramatically—research where you want to moor and factor that into your budget. 

3. Consider chartering your boat 

If you don’t plan on using your new boat all year round, then chartering it could be a brilliant and financially savvy idea. Thanks to the pandemic, the popularity of staycations has gone through the roof, with many people still enjoying the thought of being socially distanced and escaping the masses on land. 

If this idea floats your boat, find yourself an agency and they will do all the hard work for you, like finding you clients and a skipper. The agency typically takes a 10-20% cut, so why not make your boat earn its keep?   

With so many options on the market, you mustn’t rush into a decision; nobody wants to be left with an expensive mistake. By making some wise choices and maybe with a bit of bartering, you’ll soon be cruising the waterways in your very own vessel. 

The post Three Top Tips for Buying a Boat on a Budget appeared first on Sail Universe.