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SAILING YACHT A – World’s Biggest Sailing Yacht – $600 Million

SAILING YACHT A measures 143 meters making her the world’s biggest sailing yacht.

SAILING YACHT A is far more than a luxury vessel. She is a masterpiece of design and innovation combining sleek metal surfaces with futuristic naval architecture that took over two years to complete.

Launched in 2017, both the interior and exterior of this mega sailing yacht were designed by Phillippe Starck, who calls SAILING YACHT A one of his most high-profile projects.

The superyacht has taken on voyages all around the world and was most recently spotted sailing off the coasts of Gibraltar and Cyprus.

SAILING YACHT A interior

Both the interior and exterior of SAILING YACHT A were designed by Philippe Starck , a French architect known for his wide range of design projects.

He famously worked on the impressive MOTOR YACHT A, and the two iconic vessels share a lot of similarities in their layout and specifications.

Both yachts look incredibly futuristic and are sure to attract attention wherever they go.

While no exact details are known about the interior of SAILING YACHT A, it is rumored that she has an underwater observation pod with 30 cm (1 ft) thick glass located in the keel of the vessel.

This is one of the few parts where design mockups are publicly available, and the style of the interior can be examined.

The observation pod appears to have cream upholstery that stretches across the floor and ceiling of the cabin.

Two large symmetrical glass windows allow guests to view the breathtaking underwater world without even having to leave the yacht.

A third window is located at the bottom of the pod, which lets it feel like a true 360-degree experience and is almost comparable to a submarine.

A small floating side table provides guests with a space to place drinks or snacks in the pod and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience in this unusual location.

Since the pod is located at the keel of the yacht, the large propellers are most likely visible from the windows suggesting it is most commonly used at anchor.

The superyacht has ten cabins that can accommodate 20 guests as well as a further 54 crew member.

Paparazzi photos and the work of yacht spotters provide a rare glimpse into the interior of SAILING YACHT A.

No official footage of cabins or salons has been released, although Starck’s past work suggests that the yacht would be furnished with opulent elements that perfectly combine luxury with style.

Silver and metal decorations play a large role and tie the interior design of the yacht together. 

However, SAILING YACHT A was launched much later than her motorized companion suggesting her interior might be more modern with minimalistic elements rather than lavish furnishings.

Occasional photographs shot through open doors, and portholes show expensive art pieces decorating the interior of the yacht and rather absurd design choices like a set of chairs shaped like large human heads.

The yacht appears to feature a large, open salon with an elevated seating area and symmetrical arches on either side.

While details aren’t known to the public, it is rumored that SAILING YACHT A features a luxurious spa area, a sizable gym as well as an owner’s suite with several rooms that is only accessible via fingerprint.

The massive private area is said to feature a 60-inch television that disappears into the floor as well as a rotating bed. 

Considering she is the largest sailing yacht in the world, it is surprising that SAILING YACHT A can only host 20 guests.

This suggests that there are spacious entertainment areas located on board, including several saloons and ample below-deck space for crew members.

Due to her large size and a small number of cabins, it is assumed that SAILING YACHT A can welcome a large number of day guests onboard for special events and celebrations.

Biggest sailing yacht controversy

It has been the topic of debate that SAILING YACHT A is not the largest yacht in the world but instead the ‘largest sail-assisted motor yacht.

Depending on the definition used, that would make BLACK PEARL the biggest sailing yacht in the world.

The most expensive sailing yacht

SAILING YACHT A is the most expensive sailing yacht in the world and cost an estimated price of US $600 million – a relatively “affordable” price considering her large size and tonnage.

A calculated US $48,000 per ton is considered low in the yachting industry, where European yachts are usually priced at US $60,000 per ton and over.

This average price would bring the value of SAILING YACHT A up to nearly US $800 million. However, due to the fact that the official sales price has not been released to the public, these numbers are mere estimates and cannot be validated officially.

Since the yacht is a custom project and one of a kind, it can be assumed that the total value of SAILING YACHT A lies far higher than her initial price.

In addition to any cost for the crew, supplies, and docking fees, she has annual running costs of US $50-75 million.

SAILING YACHT A is currently not available for sale or charter.

Specifications

SAILING YACHT A is incredibly large for a sailing yacht, and even compared to the longest motor yachts in the world, she would rank in the top ten.

Paired with her unusual futuristic design, this mega sailing yacht has a length of 143 meters (469 ft), a beam of 25 meters (82 ft), and a draft of 8 meters (26 ft) making her a more than an impressive vessel.

SAILING YACHT A was built by Nobiskrug , a German superyacht builder at their Kiel shipyard, and launched in 2017 after more than two years of construction.

To date, SAILING YACHT A is the largest yacht ever built by Nobiskrug and remains their flagship.

It is considered the most complicated project to ever be completed in the sailing industry and gained international media attention on its launch date. It has a total volume of 12.558 tons and is powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines. 

SAILING YACHT A is considered the longest sailing yacht in the world and is more than 36 meters (118 ft) longer than BLACK PEARL, which ranks in second place on the list.

Coincidentally her project name was WHITE PEARL which is a reference to her brilliant white exterior, although it couldn’t have referred to BLACK PEARL since she was only launched in 2018, a year after Melnichenko’s masterpiece.  

Her three-carbon masts stand at an impressive 100 meters (328 ft), making them some of the largest in the world and taller than Big Ben in London.

However, her large size is sometimes also limiting as she struggles to fit underneath most bridges and is therefore constrained to certain routes.

She once passed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco with only 20 feet to spare between her masts and the bottom of the famous bridge.

She is rumored to have an electric gimbal crow’s nest, which allows for remote operation and advanced wind measurements. Her sails are all white, and her masts have nearly sickle-like shapes, which add to her striking futuristic appearance.

It is noteworthy that she is commonly photographed with her sails down, which suggests she might be using her support engines more frequently than true wind power.

With a sail area of more than 3.700m^2 (40.000 square ft), she can reach top speeds of up to 21 knots which is supported by her twin 4895 Horsepower MTU engines .

Her average cruise speed lies at 16 knots, and her total range is estimated to lie at 5320 nautical miles. She features a state-of-the-art sail system that is able to raise and lower the sails and anchors at the touch of a button. 

SAILING YACHT A has a steel hull and composite steel superstructure, which is unusual in the superyacht industry as most shipyards choose aluminum to reduce weight and keep the vessel light.

She currently sails under the flag of Bermuda, which is common for prominent sailing yachts.

During construction, SAILING YACHT A was called project WHITE PEARL, a fitting name for this sizable vessel.

Like her interior, the exterior of SAILING YACHT A was designed by Philippe Starck, although the Dutch studio Dykstra Naval Architects played a role in the naval architecture of the vessel.

They specialize in sailing yachts of all sizes and have been involved in many prominent projects in the industry over the years.

She features eight teak decks with a large swimming pool located in the center and several elevators spread across the yacht.

She is even said to carry a submarine. The main pool is lowered into the deck allowing for additional privacy for the owners.

Her hull has 24 shell doors, which are used to access equipment and provide additional deck space if needed. She is accompanied by four tenders also designed by Philippe Starck and built by Lloyd Stevenson in New Zealand.

Their sleek and elegant design matches that of the main vessel, and they are used for transporting guests and taking them on excursions.

One of the tenders of SAILING YACHT A is a carbon fiber speedboat especially reserved for the owner who can operate the vessel autonomously whenever required without the aid of crew members.

This allows Melnichenko, who is a fan of driving high-speed cars to be independent when staying aboard his luxury yacht. The tender is small but powerful, reaching speeds of up to 53 knots.

The larger tenders can seat up to eight passengers and feature panoramic windows ideal for sightseeing and exploring but are much slower at only 30 knots. 

The aft features a large garage used for storing jet skis, tenders, and other equipment.

High-profile artists such as Snoop Dogg are rumored to have performed here, although detailed evidence of such concerts remains unknown.

Whenever the aft isn’t used for performances or parties, it can be transformed into a swimming platform designed in the yacht’s iconic futuristic style. 

However, despite her cutting-edge design features, SAILING YACHT A surprisingly also includes classic nautical elements. She has a wooden steering wheel that is reminiscent of a pirate ship, although it is not operational.

The captain of the vessel can instead use modern technologies to operate the massive yacht via a small joystick and touchscreen.

There are symmetric extendable balconies that protrude from the bridge of the yacht and allow the crew to have a better view to be able to gauge the dimensions of the immense vessel.

Of course, SAILING YACHT A has a modern underwater lighting system that illuminates the vessel perfectly at night.

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Home » News » SWD News & Stories » 7 Trends in Sailing Yacht Interior Design

7 Trends in Sailing Yacht Interior Design

Posted on March 14, 2023 and filed under SWD News & Stories

Interior designer Martha Coolidge, working with Stephens Waring Design, fine-tuned the style of the woodwork detail, panel layouts, light fixtures, and other elements of 65-ft ANNA’s appearance. Photo credit: Alison Langley

There’s some irony when it comes to looking at the hottest interior design trends for custom sailing yachts: much of the inspiration for today’s designs draw from the past – combined with modern innovation.

Interior designs that emphasize simplicity, balance, and natural materials are hardly revolutionary.  Quite the opposite.  But there is a new take and balance between old and new, iconic and innovative, that seems to provide the perfect balance for creating incredible interior spaces.

We’re exploring the top 7 trends in custom yacht design for 2023.

Natural Light and Connection Between Interior and Exterior Spaces

The use of larger windows is a trend that has been gaining popularity in yacht design in recent years, as yacht owners increasingly want to maximize their views of the surrounding environment and bring more natural light into their living spaces.

One way that yacht designers are incorporating larger windows is by using high-strength glass materials that can withstand the harsh marine environment. For example, tempered glass or laminated glass with multiple layers can provide the necessary strength and durability to withstand the wind, waves, and impact from flying debris.

In addition to using strong glass materials, yacht designers are also using innovative engineering techniques to maximize the size and placement of windows. Lightweight structural materials such as carbon fiber and titanium in the yacht’s construction, allow for larger windows without compromising the yacht’s structural integrity. In the photo of ANNA, above, the white-painted transverse structural knees are part of a carbon fabrication that strengthens the cabin and carries the mainsheet loads while blending into the classic joinery.

 M ulti Functionality and Flex Spaces

The design for 68-ft CIRRUS comes from blending 40’s & 50’s era style. The large saloon is designed to provide long-term comfort and versatility with innovative vertical storage and a vaulted ceiling that includes panoramic angled glass as well as overhead skylights. Design by Stephens Waring under construction at Jim Betts Enterprises.

Owners are spending more time aboard their vessels and are adding to the list demands and programmatic needs. These include home-office, fitness centers, gourmet kitchens, and gathering places for family and friends to spend longer durations of time together.

Because space is at a premium on a yacht, designers are creating multi-functional spaces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a seating area that can be converted into a bed or a dining table that can be lowered to create additional seating. Clever storage solutions are also being incorporated into yacht design to make the most of available space.

Old World Charm Meets Modern Sensibilities: Spirit of Tradition

44-ft ITALMUS blends a 1940’s vernacular into the stylistic details and overall aesthetic of the yacht. The interior styling and design is aimed to mirror the era with a theme of highly crafted raised paneling and elegant joinery detail of select quarter sawn mahogany and finished in satin varnis.  Design by Stephens Waring, built by Van Dam Classic Boats. Photo credit: Billy Black

Yacht designers have always had a particular reverence for heritage and history.  The notion of heading out to sea conjures images of bygone eras past.  Capturing that essence requires a balance that avoids becoming kitsch or contrived.  While mid-century design may be considered the hot design trend of 2023, as designers steeped in a Spirit of Tradition design philosophy, we feel we’ve never left the genre.

Spirit of Tradition designs embody some historically identifiable link, particularly expressed in the shape and aesthetic exhibited in the design form of the hull and superstructure. Equally important, a Spirit of Tradition vessel must embrace modern development in materials, construction methods, mechanical systems and naval architecture science. Without the Spirit in development, we’re left with only Tradition.

Natural Materials

Douglas fir deck beams, traditional raised and v-groove paneling, bright varnish and white painted surfaces make it a light, airy enclave.  Interior design by Martha Coolidge and Stephens Waring Design.  Boat construction by Lyman-Morse.  Photo credit: Alison Langley

Yacht owners by their very nature are drawn to water and the natural world, so it makes sense to incorporate natural elements such as wood, stone, and other organic materials in design. These materials create a sense of warmth and connect the interior spaces to the natural surroundings.

As experts in wooden boat design, we have long touted the benefits of timber for structural elements.  However, incorporation of hardwoods, as well as a growing trend in sustainable timbers, have become increasingly popular with owners looking to achieve aesthetic, durability, and sustainability objectives in interior design.

Other natural materials such as leather and wool are also being incorporated to add texture and comfort. These finishes not only look beautiful, but they are also durable to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Renovation and Restomods

The owner of Marilee (built in 1926) had the bold vision to create an interior that reflected the yacht’s century-long provenance while creating an open space below.  The team worked with Paul Waring of Stephens Waring Yacht Design, to create a traditional and properly constructed interior with an updated layout for relaxed, modern day use. Photo credit: Alison Langley

The popularity of restomods has been well established in the world of classic cars, but it has only recently grown in popularity in the world of yachting. Fortunately, this is changing with plenty of success stories to point to.  Restomods are ideal for owners looking for cost-effective transformations that maintain sentimental connections to vessels and deliver stunning customized spaces that can be more cost effective than new custom builds. They are also popular with owners who inherit family boats, but need more utility and comfort for future generations.

Historical interiors often lack the ergonomics and amenities most owners seek today.  Good restoration projects embrace as much of the original charm and character of the original design as possible while improving comfort and livability.  Upgrades to electrical systems, electronics and navigation, plumbing and propulsion systems are low hanging fruit.  The interior design aesthetics requires a careful and complementary approach which honors the original character while updating comfort, utility, and aesthetics.

Flexible Spaces for a Crew Cabin

65-ft ANNA’s design includes a unique pocket door system.  The design provides an easy way to expand square footage when the cabin  is not needed or to private a comfortable extra cabin or crew quarters when extra hands or guests are aboard. Design by Stephens Waring. Construction by Lyman Morse Photo credit: Alison Langley

Owners often struggle with the balance between the desire for a larger vessel with larger interior spaces and the challenge of maintaining a total vessel size (and cost) which is manageable.

As we get older the idea of managing and skippering our own vessel can come at the expense of enjoyment.  Hiring crew alleviates some of the operational challenges and burdens, but it also means sharing interior space with others.

Flexible crew cabins provide a cost effective way to optimize space for when crew is and isn’t aboard. One solution is the installation of pocket doors on sleeping quarters. This converts square footage from private berths (crew quarters) to main salon gathering space when doors are opened and transforms the space to private rooms for guests and crew when needed.

Smart technology

Yacht owners are increasingly interested in incorporating smart technology into their vessels. This includes lighting, climate control, entertainment systems, and security features that can be controlled remotely. Smart technology allows yacht owners to control the environment on board and manage energy consumption more efficiently. It also adds an extra layer of security by allowing the owner to monitor their yacht from afar.

Related Articles:

A Clients Dream Crystalized in Spirit of Tradition Style

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Monaco Yacht Show: 7 Yacht Interiors That Will Steal the Show

Running from September 28 through October 1, the Monaco Yacht Show is the highlight of the global boat show circuit. This year’s edition promises to deliver plenty of buzzy debuts, headline-making yacht news, and high-design highlights. There are several new additions to this year’s event in Port Hercules including a sustainability hub and a gadget- and gizmo-filled adventure area , packed with new water toys and flashy supercars —it is Monaco , after all.

For denizens of design, the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub is returning for a second year, with presentations, galleries, and exhibits by yacht architects and designers. But, of course, the big boats steal the show. With yacht interiors that range from the classically nautical to the budget-blowing bonkers, these are the superyachts to have on your radar at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

An oversized chandelier defines the space in the informal dining room aboard Ahpo . 

Lürssen, Ahpo

All eyes will be on the whopping 377-feet Ahpo , by Lürssen, when it debuts this year at the Monaco Yacht Show as the largest yacht in the port. Venice-based exterior and interior designer Nuvolari Lenard added plenty of personality and luxury to the vessel with oversized crystal light features, a hammam made of mosaics in the massive wellness area, and a grand staircase at the center of the yacht, crafted to resemble an olive tree.

Blue accents channel the traditional nautical aesthetic. 

Feadship, Rock.It

The 198-foot Rock.It is not short on style: Gleaming wood panels with creamy white leather inlays feature throughout; glowing white onyx contrasts with rich black Portoro marble; and the well-dressed owner’s cabin rivals the top suite of an old-world European hotel with a warm wood study and bathroom with a claw-footed tub. The refined design can be attributed to the Netherlands with Dutch shipyard Feadship behind the build and Dutch design studio Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design taking on the interiors.

Modern and laid-back, Come Together is effortlessly cool. 

Amels, Come Together

Built in the Netherlands by Amels with interiors by London-based Winch Design, the 197-foot Come Together has soft and laid-back beach-y vibes with a dose of Southern California cool. Elements like bleached oaks, woven linen fabrics, cabinetry with natural coconut shell, and hair-on-hide leathers all unite to bring the natural world aboard this chic ship.

Crisp and clean, the interiors of Be Cool are to-the-point in a refreshing way. 

Swan 98, Be Cool  

There’s a fleet of around a dozen large sailing yachts on display at this year’s yacht show in the dedicated Sailing Yacht Area. One of the most notable new launches of the bunch is Swan 98 Be Cool  by Finnish shipyard Nautor’s Swan. The clean and crisp interior hull design by Genovese architect Misa Poggi embraces graceful nautical style and Scandinavian practicality with navy linen and cotton fabrics, dark oak, and handsome tobacco-hued leather.

Kokomo ’s interiors will speak to the minimalist. 

Sunreef, Kokomo

Packed with cutting-edge green tech and ultralight solar panels, Sunreef’s newest catamaran  Eco 80 will be making waves at this year’s show. However, it’s the interiors of the 80-foot Kokomo (done in-house by Sunreef) that will impress the design lovers. Outfitted in cool and calm shades of white with rattan finishes and eucalyptus veneers, Kokomo is both on-trend and a complete classic.

The glass-bottom pool is a highlight of the yacht. 

Abeking & Rasmussen, B2

One of the largest vessels currently on the market, the 281-foot B2 by German yard Abeking & Rasmussen, will be showing off an ultra-chic over-$4-million interior refit just completed in July at this year’s show. Sprawling out over five decks, Winch Design has curated a serene floating sanctuary of indoor-outdoor living, the highlight of which is the main deck’s glass-bottom pool, stationed above the light-filled beach club lounge with fold-down balconies that extend the living space right to the water’s edge.

With dark wood, tubular steel accents, and black furnishings, the interiors of State of Grace could be described as a nautical take on the Bauhaus aesthetic. 

Perini Navi, State of Grace

State of Grace by Italy’s Perini Navi is a gorgeous high-performance sailing sloop. It’s picture-perfect with polished teak decks, an ocean-blue hull, and billowing white sails. Inside is a study in midcentury-modern elegance with a split-level saloon and a spacious and full-beam owner’s suite with a hammam shower.

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Dufour 48 sailboat

An innovative luxury yacht of almost 15 metres.

The Dufour 48 yacht offers an unparalleled experience and promotes living in the great outdoors, a return to the ocean. This luxury 15- meter sailing yacht reveals an aft cockpit that guarantees instinctive, safe and convivial sailing. A new feature is a second cockpit with sunbathing areas forward on the yacht, offering unrivalled comfort both under way and at anchor.

With the Dufour 48, the shipyard is continuing to innovate, again and again. The DNA of the Dufour brand has been preserved to offer owners the performance and comfort they deserve. The teams’ extensive know-how and experience promise a robust, efficient yacht for all types of boating.

A LUXURY YACHT DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR LIVING

The Dufour 48 luxury yacht has been designed for enjoying the fresh air on the ocean. Life on board is comfortable at all times, both below deck and outside.

The aft cockpit has been redesigned to offer significant space. When under way, moving around on board is simple and natural. Two tables provide a splendid spot for enjoying meals or simply relaxing at anchor.

What would a Dufour be without its aft platform? Once again equipped with a plancha grill, it comes with a host of new features. It’s a genuine outdoor galley, equipped with all the essentials.

To complete the layout, the Dufour 48 has a second cockpit, this time, forward. Here, a sun lounger can be installed for unforgettable moments of relaxation at anchor or under way.

EVER MORE MODERN LINES

The design of the Dufour 48 sailboat has been redrawn by naval architect Umberto Felci of Felci Yachts Design. The lines are fluid and the boat offers a great amount of volume. The usual coachroof glazing has been redesigned as longitudinal windows with integrated opening hatches.

EXCEPTIONAL LIGHT

Already a focal point aboard previous models of the Dufour 48, light is once again a major feature. The coachroof’s full-length windows provide constant light, which is diffused throughout the interior saloon and galley.

When the mattresses from the sun loungers are removed from the forward cockpit, large windows are revealed, letting in even more light to the yacht’s interior.

OPTIMISED INTERIORS

Depending on which version of the Dufour 48 sailboat you choose, all the furniture has been optimised to ensure unrivalled comfort. If you choose the forward or lateral galley, there is always plenty of storage space provided.

Dedicated interior saloon tables have been created by interior designer Ardizio Design. These are optimised for the three- and four-cabin versions.

In the cabins, blackout blinds are integrated directly into the ceiling. So, despite the brightness of the boat, you won’t be disturbed by the very first rays of daybreak.

Technical specs

Construction

• Architect: Felci Yacht Design
• Interior Designer: Ardizio Design
• Deck construction: Injection

Technical specifications

• Overall length 50.2 ft - 15.29 m
• Waterline length 43.10 ft - 12.23 m
• Hull length 46.12 ft - 14.32 m
• Max beam 15.11 ft - 4.85 m
• Light displacement 28 652 lbs - 13 000 kg
• Draft 5.9 ft - 1.75 m / 7.99 ft - 2.35 m
• Keel weight 8 375 lbs - 3800 kg
• Fuel tank capacity 66 gal - 250 L
• Water tank capacity 140 gal - 530 L
• Engine power 60 cv / 60 hp
• Sail area /

In the Press

The dufour 41, a sailboat already acclaimed with 4 international nominations, cruising world – #dufour470 #dufour61 – march 2022 (english), voile magazine – #dufour470 – march 2022 (french), voile magazine – #dufour32 – january 2022 (french), are you interested in the dufour 48 sailboat.

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90m  /  295'3   royal huisman   2004 / 2024.

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Yacht Interior Design Concepts. Part 1

• October 3rd, 2016
• Cruise Report

As you may have read in one or two of my articles on the refit project of my own King´s Cruiser 33 sailing yacht a lot of effort goes into the refurbishment of the boat´s interior. That´s because my 40 year old ship hasn´t lost any of her undeniable sailing qualities, but therefore a lot of her appeal and appearance. Though most of the works done is cosmetic, I often wonder which way is the best, how to do this and that the right way in order to keep the King´s Cruiser´s character on the one hand and to achieve a modern approach with a yet classic appeal in re-designing her internal fitting. Strolling around the various boat shows is a welcome inspiration. Such as the Interboot Friedirchshafen, where I was able to spend two days.

This article is dedicated to showing some interior design concepts of a handful of boats I visited on the Interboot. Maybe I can draw some inspiration from the solutions done by the big brands like Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dragonfly, Hallberg-Rassy, Dufour or Dehler. Some 90.000 people have been attending Interboot fair this year, situated at the Lake Konstanz, a huge inshore water marking partially the border between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Though the emphasis of the Interboot is on smaller vessels, mostly Daysailers, there have been quite a handful of bigger ships meant for serious offshore sailing: The charter sailing areas of the Adriatic aren´t that far away. Here´s what I´ve noticed: I´ve visited nine different boats, 4 of them in this first article, another 5 in the upcoming Part 2.

The big bold Cruiser: Beneteau Oceanis 45

I was very much interested in seeing this boat as Beneteau is undeniably the market leader and the yard with the highest output of production sailing yachts worldwide. So I bite the bullet and put myself in the queue to get a glimpse of her interior design. The Beneteau Oceanis 45 is some 14 meters in length over all, has a maximum beam of 4.50 meters and a displacement of some 10.5 tons. That´s quite a punch.

By waiting in line I could inspect her outward appearance. Well, she is a big lady. Not very distinctive lines, nothing really exciting for one´s eyes to get a grip on. The huge portholes seem a bit oversized to me, the cabin´s superstructure is round shaped in a convex line which appears unnatural. Lots of plastic and no teak decking whatsoever. All in all her appearance was … well, not very glamorous. Worst about her outward design was the targa bar, hosting the mainsheet traveller as it is costumary on all Oceanis variants right now. It may be perfect for Bimini fixing, but believe me – especially in combination with the huge sprayhood – it looks overdesigned and really awkward. Well, let´s go inside.

Since this 45 feet yacht is a big fellow and no matter if owned by an individual or used by a larger group of people on a charter cruise, 45 feet should be more than spacious. But upon entering her saloon I was instantly disappointed, because I really couldn’t develop a sense of spaciousness at all. I really don´t know if that´s due to the color-scheme of that particular boat (50 shades of coffee-brown) or due to the layout of the whole interior, I couldn´t get a feeling of coziness here.

Entering the saloon from the companionway there´s a galley to port side and a saloon. A U-settee on starboard side with a folding dining table and a 2-person settee to starboard side, of which I´d like to talk later. The L-shaped galley offers more than enough space for cooking and working the plates, a large fridge and a 2-flame stove should be more than enough. Stowage is plenty of available, so that´s a plus for the Beneteau 45. Vis-à-vis a large head with shower can be used by the crew. But let´s go back to the saloon concept as it is the most remarkable – and awkward – detail on that boat.

By taking a closer look to the starboard U-settee I couldn´t help but shake my head: For my taste there´s absolutely nothing at least trying to appeal my eyes: The portholes are far too big, the veneer providing cover for the porthole has an even bigger porthole-outlet creating a feeling of being unfinished. The walls offer no structure at all and I felt battered by the sheer vastness of dull brown and grey colors. I know, well – I hope – that owners could choose other fabrics, colors and hopefully wooden veneers too, but this particular configuration and design didn´t appeal to me at all. Which is a pity. Learning for the design of my own boat: A ship´s internal fittings should at least partially be of wooden materials. In this sense, the new Beneteau 45 is just too modern for me.

But that wasn´t the only awkward thing about the boat. Spending lots of time to think about the perfect navigation station on my own boat and in designing and building the perfect chart table I am always particularly interested in the solutions of contemporary yachts in these terms. The Beneteau 45 was in this case a real runaway: Why would a ship´s designer put the chart table to the farthest place away from the companionway? Why would the same designer put the main electric control panel on a totally different position? As it was done on the Beneteau 45.

I think it´s crazy: Upon taking a look onto the charts, the skipper must reach through all of the length of the saloon to get to his chart table, mounted on the bulkhead to the fore peak, reach back all the way to the companionway. To check for electric status, the panel is mounted farther back in the saloon, so he has to get up again from his navigation station. I just couldn´t grasp it. The only reason why one would design such a thing is – skipper´s chart work isn´t considered important anymore.

Besides, standing in the fore cabin door looking aft I again couldn´t get a sense of being inside a 45 feet ship: The saloon really does not mediate a roomy spacious sensation: More to the contrary, I had a feeling of being somewhat constricted.

The aft cabins of the Beneteau 45 are huge. The berths, or should I say beds, offering more than enough space to find a good night´s sleep. Again, huge portholes allow a wide view to the sides of the freeboard though I would have gone for more (yet apparently smaller) portholes which could be therefore opened for fresh air. Again, some of the practical solutions appeared cheaply done, such as the sheathing of the hull which is simply a thin bent board screwed to the boat. Some of the other fittings such as stowage and cupboards did seem to be made with good quality joinery as well.

At last I found the owner´s cabin in the fore peak emptied of other guests and took my chance. What I really like is the huge, partially foldable forward bulkhead which will open up more than just a narrow door to the fore cabin but a wide passage – thus creating a roomier feeling. This was seen also on the Dufour Grand Large 310 I´ve visited some weeks ago, where this effect can be seen in a very spectacular way . In the Beneteau 45 the fore cabin is really more than appropriate: The master bed is huge, as well as the portholes again. Enough stowage available in two big cabinets as well. All in all, I must rather say, this boats didn´t appeal to me at all. I just couldn´t get warm with her internal layout, the floor plan seemed sometimes crazy (see navigation station), color scheme and some of the practical solution created a cheap sensation.

Cruiser-Racer with Kitchen-Feeling: Elan S4

Elan yachts are known for their sailing characteristics, renowned for speed and synonymous for cruiser-racer with style. Upon entering the stand of the S4 I took some time to admire the lines of her hull: Sleek, aggressive with distinctive chines, a racy bulb keel and twin rudders create a sensation of speed and power. That boat really lives up to the brand value and I was excited to be allowed to inspect her interior. How is an Elan S4 sailing yacht appearing from the inside? Racer-cruising with style – let´s check it out.

Again, I must admit, I was partially disappointed. I instantly got the feeling of being in a kitchen. There are cupboards installed all over the saloon circumferentially, white colored with a decorative band of reflecting mirror-like metal. That created a mixture of kitchen, medical practice and furniture store. I am sorry, but the choice for the saloon´s fabrics, colors and styling elements was a clear overshoot in my eyes: Too much of everything, too much of a medley of too many decorative things competing for the beholder´s eyes. Which is a pity, because the floor plan is a classic. I hope owners can configure their Elan S4 boats in way that the saloon could mediate a cleaner, homogenous and more relaxing atmosphere!

On the other hand, a definite plus on the Elan S4 is the huge galley. Rounded edges, a nice arrangement of different materials and the joinery did satisfy my demand instantly, more so, it made up partially for the jumbo-mumbo of designs of the saloon. The galley offers more than enough space. Compared to the Beneteau 51 I did had the feeling that although being some 10 feet shorter and therefore having less space available, Elan´s designers managed to get out a lot more spaciousness than their French counterparts.

The rear cabin was a bit of a disappointment on the other side. Though wooden veneers have been installed plenty of and made a nice impression, I was puzzled of the Elan S4 offering so much ordinary shelves instead of proper cabinets. I would assume this boat going at a high speed with quite some heeling: Open shelves, especially these really big ones, won´t hold to their contents. It´s frustrating to find one´s stuff spread over the whole cabin after a day of rocky sailing. On the other hand, size of the berths seemed adequate, same as to her opening hatches for fresh air.

All in all I must admit, the interior design solutions seen on the Elan S4 couldn´t really win my enthusiasm. Though the floor plan and overall layout did really appeal to my eyes, there have been too much decorative elements competing with each other, too many lines running through one´s sight creating an unsteady feeling. I don´t think I could calm down and really relax in an Elan saloon. A big minus are the huge useless shelves, I hope that there is an extra package to order proper cabinets.

Nevertheless, I´d love to sail one of these. Standing in the cockpit I suddenly realized that these boats are primarily made for sailing and that was the feeling I instantly got by placing myself at the helm. There is no decking or teak applications to be seen anyhow (though it certainly is part of the extra packages offered), multiple stands for safe and sound foothold whilst sailing and the large mainsheet traveller right across the cockpit floor talks business.

A real Highlight: The new Dehler 34

That was a real hype in all those print magazines and high glossy boating gazettes when Dehler launched its latest model: “A Legend is reborn”, as it was said. And right they are, expectations are high since the old Dehler 34 has been one of the most successful and trend-setting yachts for the your Dehler company back in the good old days. Looking at her from the outside I instantly liked her clean sleek lines. I was very keen on inspecting her interiors.

The same tension I did have upon getting to see the new Dehler 42 cruiser-racer some weeks ago (read that particular article here ): Dehler is part of the large Hanse Group but wants to retain a certain stand-alone character. And the big company is good advised to let them have – Dehler has a reputation of making very well sailing fast yachts with an emphasis on good quality when it comes to internal fittings.

Looking at her stern it seems a bit odd: When all the others, even Beneteau, are springing for “modern” chines and twin rudders, the racy Dehler does not feature any of them. There´s a huge single rudder, a somewhat ordinary keel – though a bit deeper than normal cruising keels – and that´s it. I wonder what sailing this boat might be like. So I climbed the stand and asked for admission to enter the boat, which was granted.

Classy. That´s what came into my mind when I set foot on her deck. Noble teak decking in the cockpit, a huge mainsheet traveller on the floor right before the notorious double wheel helming station. All seemed right and made by people who know what they are doing. Nice job. This was the first cockpit I really liked on this fair and suddenly a smile shooed over my face. Let´s go inside …

Wow, classy again! Her saloon is just wonderful. There´s lot of wooden fittings, nicely done and I really liked the fabric of the cushion. Colors are in harmony with each other, there´s no frills around and everything is done with an emphasis on creating a real ship-like atmosphere. No time to think back of the overdressed Elan or the wannabe Jeanneau. This is real good interior design!

The saloon is classic: Two settees on either side, a large foldable dining table in the middle. That´s it. The Dehler 34 has a maximum beam of just 3.60 meters. A slim boat. We remember: She was built to sail fast. And that’s why there´s no U-settee or other gadgets in the saloon. I can vividly envision a crew taking a pause down below deck from an exhausting sailing day out offshore.

Upon entering by coming down the companionway the sailor will find a small L-galley to the starboard side, vis-à-vis a head with a separated shower. The saloon features a small navigation station facing aft which I guess is a concession to modern sailing yacht interior design. I took a seat and tried to imagine myself doing chartwork at this chart table, which is possible, but could be a bit tricky since the worktop is rather small for my taste. Again, big enough navigation stations are a thing of the past, I guess, after most of the sailors will stick to their huge multicolored digital displays. What I really liked at the Dehler 34 navigation station was the rounded cover for VHF and electric switch panel. By the way, all the rounded headrests, reminding me of a private jet or something, are folding offering a lot of stowage here.

Aft cabin was huge for a 34 feet boat. I even felt kind of bigger than that of the Beneteau some 10 feet larger, but that might be a fallacy. What is fact is that – also contrary to the Beneteau – the quality of craftsmanship seemed a lot higher in the Dehler. Veneers made of nice material, and a real cabinet with closing doors did appeal to me very much.

Somewhat cheap, I must admit, the owner´s cabin. Not so much due to her size – the fore peak is slim – bit due to the fact that white plastic surfaces dominate this cabin. I would have gone for a wooden panel or kind of veneer for covering the collision bulkhead, maybe added a mirror or something to optically widen the feeling of space in this cabin.

Nevertheless, I loved the Dehler 34. She might be quite a stormy sailing yacht, I just don´t know, but as her bigger sister, the Dehler 42, was already announcing, Dehler´s interior designers have made a wonderful job in creating a very likable saloon, minor drawbacks in the fore cabin put aside.

Space. Ship. The Dufour Grand Large 460

Since I got the chance to inspect the Grand Large 310 (read the article here ) in Germany I got more and more interested in this French brand. Dufour is a widely known name in Germany, but few are to be seen at the jetties and it seems that most sailors I know don´t really have a clue what a Dufour is all about. And yet, Dufour is building sailing yachts since more than 52 years and the boats bear an image of being good responding, fast boats with an emphasis on luxurious travel. Here we go – the Grand Large 460.

Her hull is indeed one of the biggest boats to be presented at the Interboot and as I roamed her rudder below the waterline I noticed her flat bottom and sleek lines. Made for speed? I climbed the stairs and had to wait some minutes to be let inside since Dufour´s stand was funnily enough crowded with people. But when I was granted entry and I once got down below deck, I must admit, I couldn´t barely find words. This is just w-o-w.

First of all, the saloon was that spacious, that I was climbing out of the boat instantly and checked for the boat´s size. Just to be sure: This was a 46 feet yacht, having nearly exactly the size of the Beneteau 45 and yet the feeling of space inside the cabin was so much greater. Is it? The Grand Large has a max beam of 4.50 meters. So that´s exactly the same available space, yet they can squeeze out so much more room. The Dufour greeted me with a dancehall-like space upon arriving in her majestic main saloon. But despite the roomy feeling, it offered a lot more.

Floor plan of the saloon just seems to be classic – a large L-settee on the starboard site faced by a 2-person settee vis-à-vis. But let´s look at the details: The large dining table isn´t foldable. Why? There´s so much space available. A stool that could accommodate 2 people in front of the table. I don´t know if I would like the stool to have a back rest, since without it one could use it for both sitting at the table and just taking a seat “by the way” facing the other settee in a short pause. What really sets the Dufour Grand Large 460 apart from all the other boats I´ve seen so far is the galley. It´s just awesome.

The galley is divided from the “living room” and divided in itself. To the port side all of the main working stuff is situated: Sink, Stove with oven, Worktop and lots of stowage as well as cupboards mounted at eye-level for best reach. By the way: That reminded me of the Elan S4´s cupboards and showed yet how to make it a lot better. The cupboards are perfectly blending in the overall design concept of the boat just neatly. Right in the corner of the galley a large fridge is mounted. But that´s not enough …

… because right on the other side of the galley, starboard, there´s another part of it, featuring no less than two more fridges for beverages, another large worktop and stowage as well. This secondary galley is again separated from the “living area” by a stand, I suppose this is where a retractable TFT could be mounted (which was not in the boat I visited). Okay, that´s a lot of galley stuff here, and one could argue that a retractable TFT as well as all the integrated LED-lighting is a lot of bells and whistles. Well – it is indeed. But you know what? That was the first boat that was living up to its promise of travelling “in style”. Lots of it. Lots of it I was seeking to no avail in the Beneteau.

But the Grand Large appears to be a real sailing ship too. Dufour yachts have the reputation of not just being nice for the mooring party at the Saint Tropez jetty but of being quite capable sailing boats. An indication is the first real practical solution for the navigator: The chart table and navigation station has been done with care. Again, the chart table didn´t had the size I would wish it has, but it is adjustable to heeling, which can be a great plus offshore. Main switch panel and VHF are – of course – within reach. Best thing: If the sailor has no need for the navigation station, it can be moved away completely. The table can be moved aft as it rests on kind of rails, as well as the small navigator´s stool, that will go forward. This way, the settee becomes even longer.

All cabins of the Grand Large 460 offer more than enough space as well as stowage – both cupboards, shelves and cabinets. The bathrooms (and I´d like to call it bathroom, not head) are again huge and seem to be made with great care for craftsmanship and choice of material. The berths, or let´s name it: Beds, are long and wide enough even for tall people, I particularly liked the owner´s cabin of the Dufour. Everything is covered with wooden panels, there are shelves all around for the small stuff, cupboards and cabinets overhead and to both sides of the entry door. A mirror at the collision bulkhead creates visual space. Bravo!

I´d like to see that boat move under sails. Maybe that´s something I am going to do next season, as this boat is really an interesting one. Concerning maneuverability, Dufour seems to be putting forward a new technique called Jet Thruster which basically works by pumping water through a throttle to create thrust for maneuvering. Smaller system, no water intake (and all that stuff floating with it) like with the old thruster systems and a steady stream of water to create constant thrust. Interesting.

All in all, the Grand Large 460 was a very interesting boat and one of the most beautiful in terms of design. I personally would let away all those bling bling LED and other “luxurious” parts but floor plan and the outcome of designing that boat and making the most of the available space is just awesome. Designers have made a marvelous job in designing this sailing yacht, indeed.

More Boats and Interior Designs in the upcoming article

That´s it for now as a single text would be too much for you to read through. Within the next week, Part 2 of my Interboot impressions will feature Jeannaeu, Hallberg-Rassy, Dragonfly and Schöchl Sunbeam. As well as a small boat made by a virtually unknown yard.

Klick here for Part 2.

Interested in sailboat interior design? Here´s a visit on the Hallberg-Rassy 412 and 43 .

Another dream yacht – the Pogo 12.50 : Fast as hell and quite something different.

Design and seaworthiness? Read more about this one here .

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

ClubSwan 43 First Look: A Spicy and Seriously Appealing Cruiser-Racer

• Toby Hodges
• September 11, 2024

The ClubSwan 43, a contemporary multi-mode cruiser-racer is one of 2024’s most exciting launches. Toby Hodges went to the Finnish yard for the first sea trials... sort of...

Product Overview

Clubswan 43, price as reviewed:.

What does a genuine cruiser-racer look like today? Spicy and seriously appealing if we take Swan’s latest model as an example. Granted, the dark brown water surrounding the ClubSwan 43 (CS43) during this first photoshoot doesn’t quite sell it, but believe me, the lines and details of Juan Kouyoumdjian’s latest rocketship really does get the heart rate spiking. This is one slippery weapon, potentially as stunning to sail as her fiery looks promise.

And it’s rare to find a new yacht that properly fulfills a dual-purpose role. Admittedly this design is skewed more towards racing, which will likely be the focus of most owners. But like its predecessor, the CS42, it features a fitted interior for occasional fair weather cruising – the modern shape of the new boat helps provide large volumes below decks (for a race boat) in a three-cabin layout.

Swan markets the ClubSwan 43 as ‘the perfect crossover’ because it targets three briefs: one-design events, handicap regatta ratings, and sports cruising. Some readers will remember it began life on the drawing board a couple of years ago as a 41-footer. But when the ORC band limits changed, Swan changed with it, extending this to a 43 as the Finnish boatbuilders wanted to be in the middle of Cat A for this international rating system.

Sea trials from the yard – but with race sails fitted and a hiking crew this time.

“ORC is getting bigger every year so this was our focus,” Nautor’s CEO Giovanni Pomati explained as we attended the launch and first sea trials from Swan’s Pietersaari yard.

Pomati described how Swan clients love to race in Nautor’s one-design circuit but also want to compete in high-profile regattas such as the Copa del Rey or Admiral’s Cup, and have the option of then cruising with their families. But he admits this is a mighty tall order: “As Juan K says – ‘you want a pig with five legs!’”

ClubSwan 43’s design versatility

“For me the way all these different aspects between performance, interior/cruising ability, and where the boat sits in terms of its performance to rating makes it a successful and beautiful sailboat,” muses Kouyoumdjian.

The visionary Argentinian naval architect has given the ClubSwan range a formidable boost since the CS50 launched in 2016. That was followed by the CS36 , the CS125 Skorpios (both of which have foils), the CS80 My Song, and now the CS28 and this CS43 both launching this season. He says the CS43’s hull is 500-700kg lighter yet 1.5m longer than its typical competitor.

Note the tidy deck layout and angles – top ergonomics

A novel feature, designed to suit those owners optimising their boat for ORC racing, is that the keel has a pocket in the top of the bulb to adjust the ballast without changing the whole keel (see page 84). This L-shaped keel is very thin at the leading edge, a high aspect shape to provide lift going upwind, and the design team calculates this will create much less leeway than a T-keel.

Another clever addition is to be found in the rig. The standard carbon mast is heavily raked with running backstays and a contemporary square-top mainsail for optimum performance in one-design racing. However, the masthead crane can be changed out to use a pinhead mainsail and fixed backstay, which is more practical when cruising. This fitting attaches with two pins, so you don’t need to de-rig the boat and can just hoist someone aloft.

“We spent a lot of time to simplify like this to swap from one configuration to another,” says head of sports activities Federico Michetti, who spearheaded the CS43 project.

Admittedly, I find the lines very cool indeed, with the flared aft sections, reverse sheer, chamfered coachroof and modern deck angles setting off an appealing, aggressive and sporty tone.

Article continues below…

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Good and bad surprises

Why have I harked on about the design and concept before describing what it’s like to sail? Because there’s an anti-climax looming… the first boat hadn’t quite been finished in time to give it a full test during our yard visit in June – we only managed a quick introductory sail, hence why this is only a ‘First Look’.

Ours were the very first sea trials of the first hull to launch. Although Swan had tried to finish as much of the interior as possible, it was certainly not complete (the aft cabins had no doors, the heads were unfinished and the sole boards were yet to be fitted). The bigger issue was that the sails had been held up in customs in Denmark, so our delivery sails comprised a pinhead main and a high-cut storm jib. Although I pleaded to borrow another yacht’s gennaker, the bowsprit still needed tackline fairleads and a bobstay fitting. So white Dacron sails only it was.

A joy to helm: the CS43 should slice to weather with narrow wetted surface and a keel which minimises leeway

Yet despite the equivalent of furnishing a carbon superbike with mountain bike wheels, we still had a delicious taster. We sailed in the tight confines of the channel to try and harness a confused wind as the light sea breeze began to stifle the offshores. This gave us a tricky yet fun mix of angles with winds gusting up from 8 to 17 knots.

And what a feeling this yacht gives you on the wheel – super direct and smooth! The Jefa steering linkage has a short run aft to a carbon stock and vinylester rudder, a deep, high aspect blade (to match the keel fin), which felt beautifully light and responsive.

Appetite whetter

The ClubSwan 43 proved noticeably quick to accelerate. We averaged 7+ knots upwind at 40° true in 12 knots (another half knot if you bear off 5-8°). Of course, the numbers are somewhat irrelevant with the sails we had and with no offwind options (indeed the polars suggest it should clock 8 knots in such conditions in one-design mode), but the feel and spark were very evident and pointed to genuinely potent capabilities.

Toby on the helm (with Dacron high cut jib).

While it has generous beam carried aft, look at the flare to the aft quarters: it leaves only a narrow wetted surface. It’s a slippery shape that should start planing when reaching in around 12 knots true wind. It will want a full hiking crew to establish how lethal the CS43 is upwind, but my impression is that intelligent use of crew weight, both lateral and fore and aft, could make a telling difference.

The wheel pedestals are twisted, which forces a double take at first, but proved effective as they’re at the ideal angle to grip when heeled and gain the helmsman space. The mainsheet trimmer has a comfortable space between the wheel and German-led mainsheet winch. Traveller control lines are led here to hand via camcleats on the central footbrace, although the endless line joining them can cause a tripping hazard.

The deck design and ergonomics are superb. The angles help to both give the CS43 a modern feel and work in a practical sense. For example, the chamfers on the coachroof make for a comfortable boat to sit up on the side deck or to walk on at heel, while a hiking crew will be grateful for the angled toerail join.

A compact galley but plenty of saloon and accomodation space in a smartly designed interior. Many of the panels are removable

Michetti is particularly happy with these ergonomics, especially those that help crew to feel safe at heel. The SeaDek foam decking in the cockpit is comfortable and grippy underfoot, the moulded-in non-slip decks effective, and there is a sturdy central longitudinal footbrace for crewmembers in the cockpit.

The winch layout is also well considered, particularly for racing. The coachroof winches have free spinning bases for cross-sheeting, and the runner winches are neatly set into the decks, again on an angle. The runners blocks are quite far inboard on the transom, but Michetti explains that the boom will never be eased too far with the apparent wind angles it will race at. The jib sheets lead through transverse tracks to give a very tight sheeting angle, while the running rigging runs through slanted grooves in the coachroof.

A lot of experience and forethought has gone into these details.

Keel pocket allows simple change of ballast weight

More clues to its raceboat focus include having the main and jib halyards on locks, which helps reduce mast compression, and the numbered gauges on the foam decking for the traveller. Making full use of the reverse sheer, the foredeck ramps down into a well to make the forestay attachment as low as possible.

The spacious cockpit has low backrests and short benches. In cruising mode there’s the option for a removable table and box seats to join the cockpit benches. A windlass can be fitted in the anchor locker and the bowsprit can be swapped with two bolts for a shorter version that includes twin anchor rollers.

Reverse sheer and flared aft quarters give an aggressive look

Clean styling

Below decks has a light, open feel, with good volumes and large aft cabins. Lucio Micheletti has done a good job with the minimalist interior styling and it is more cruising yacht than stripped-back raceboat. That said, the yard has gone to painstaking lengths to ensure it can be stripped without ruining the boat. Cork panels are used on the hull sides, for example, for noise insulation but they’re Velcroed-on so can be removed for racing.

There will be an option to close off the forward berth

In fact, pretty much anything that can be removable is, including the saloon table, the aft bed boards, the water tank bladders, even the headlining. This amounts to over 200kg in furniture and fittings.

The concept of stripping a luxury yacht may seem baffling but Michetti explains how competitive boats racing in ORC today all do this and are ‘bastardised’ with fake interiors and furniture. Hence it makes sense to design-in as many removable fittings as possible. For Swan’s one-design racing programme, yachts will have to have their interiors fitted. So this is a truly transformable model.

It’s also a practical wash down, wipe clean type interior, so should be able to handle spinnaker drops without ruining the finish. A string drop system can be fitted, led back to a block in the aft cabin so you can suck a kite in through the forward hatch. All deck hatch drainage is outside via neat wells on deck and it’s a deck-stepped mast, so the interior should stay dry.

Photo: Eva-Stina Kjellman

The hatch on the forward watertight bulkhead opens to access the forepeak and chain locker. There will be an option to close off the forward berth with sliding doors, and Swan was still deciding whether to add headlinings in the aft cabins (which will also have fabric wardrobes). The CS43 is built using vacuum-infused vinylester with carbon reinforcements, a high modulus carbon Axxon rig, and a carbon bowsprit.

If you enjoyed this….

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The ClubSwan 43 costs a whopping €820,000, yet the first three were signed before this first hull launched (the larger sister CS50 is €600,000 more and costs more to run, yet has sold nearly 30). So while this just might be one of the coolest new yachts I’ve sailed, for that exotic price it needs to be near perfect. And I can’t tell you if it is... yet. I can only say it’s got huge potential. Its pricing will render it a product for the lucky few, but that’s buying into the exclusive, unrivalled world of Swan’s regatta and one-design circuits. The Nautor badge will also carry a lot of weight in terms of aftersales value. Our sail was a mere amuse-bouche, when I’d have loved to try the full taster menu. While it was frustrating for Swan and us not to be able to sail it to its potential, I can say that there are very, very few yachts that feel this good on the wheel without even being set up properly! I eagerly await a re-run.

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Setting sail with city's model boat lovers

For more than 100 years, people have been racing yachts and model boats around a lake in Birmingham.

Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club was established in 1923 and the Cadbury chocolate family, who created the Bournville Estate, paid for a lake to be built in the village 10 years later.

On Saturday, the club is staging an open day as part of Birmingham Heritage Week with the chance for visitors to try their hand at navigating the vessels.

A film by John Bray

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Passengers scream as superyacht worth £95m crashes into smaller boat

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This is the shocking moment a £95 million superyacht crashed into a smaller boat with at least six people on board.

Footage shows the 232 ft boat named Ice gliding through the water as it heads towards another boat off the coast of Yalıkavak, Turkey on Saturday.

Passengers on the smaller boat can be heard screaming as the superyacht sails towards them.

The vessel’s bow then crashed into the stern of a 101ft motor yacht carrying at least half a dozen people.

It is unclear why the collision occurred, but has been reported that at least half a dozen people were on the smaller boat at the time.

The boat suffered major damage at the stern but no onboard was injured.

The superyacht is part of the Lürssen shipbuilding company and can hold 14 guests and 27 crew members.

Features include a large helipad, beauty salon and bathtubs carved out of solid limestone.

There is also a state-of-the-art gym, jacuzzi and countless lounge and relaxation areas, both in- and outdoors.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

In June two boats were involved in a devastating crash and a sailor was thrown overboard during a yacht race.

A man was flung from a boat as competitors battled rough seas during the Round the Island Race in the Isle of Wight today.

He then desperately clung onto his life jacket before being rescued.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rushed to his aid to pull him from the water despite the extreme conditions.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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