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Xquisite Yachts’ SIXTY SOLAR SAIL Wins SAIL Magazine’s Prestigious ‘Top 10 Best Boats of 2025’ Award

Xquisite Yachts’ SIXTY SOLAR SAIL Wins SAIL Magazine’s
Prestigious ‘Top 10 Best Boats of 2025’ Award

Xquisite Yachts is thrilled to announce that our new flagship sailing model, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL, has been awarded a place in SAIL Magazine’s “Top 10 Best Boats of 2025”.

This highly regarded accolade, featured in their January/February issue, celebrates the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL’s groundbreaking design, sustainable innovations, and luxury features. Having already earned recognition through prestigious nominations, with more expected, this win further solidifies her reputation as a benchmark in futureproof modular yacht design.

A Heroic Journey to Showcase Excellence

The SIXTY SOLAR SAIL made her dramatic debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show following an impressive 8,000-nautical-mile voyage straight from South Africa to Maryland. She braved a storm-laden Atlantic, arriving in excellent condition to a hero’s welcome just two days into the show. This extraordinary journey, combined with her standout design and features, captivated attendees and industry professionals alike.

Features That Won Over SAIL Magazine

SAIL Magazine’s review team – Editor-in-Chief Wendy Mitman Clarke, Managing Editor Lydia Mullan, Charter Editor Zuzana Prochazka, and Technical Editor Adam Cove – highlighted specific features of the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL that earned her a place among the year’s top boats:
  • Revolutionary Carbon Boom Design:

    Featuring extendable shade awnings integrated like wings, this design enhances versatility and comfort on deck.
  • Diving-Focused Storage Solutions:

    Dedicated compartments for a dive compressor and tank storage make filling tanks seamless and convenient for underwater adventures.
  • Comprehensive Onboard Toolkit and Spare Parts:

    Staying true to Xquisite Yachts’ DNA, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL comes equipped with everything needed for maintenance and repairs, ensuring peace of mind for long-term cruising.

A Culture of Innovation and Excellence

“The new flagship – even if it’s still the first hull prototype model – had enough innovation and wow factor to impress the whole review team”
– said Wendy Mitman Clarke
“I love the bold thinking inherent in that juxtaposition.”
“Xquisite inspires an impressive company culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The Solar 60 is a remarkable result of those efforts.”
– added Adam Cove, Technical Editor
Xquisite 54 E-Plus Xquisite 54 E-Plus Xquisite 54 E-Plus

We extend our heartfelt thanks to SAIL Magazine for this honor and their thoughtful evaluation of the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL.
Their recognition underscores our dedication to advancing the sailing industry with bold innovations and uncompromising quality.

A Heroic Journey to Showcase Excellence

The SIXTY SOLAR SAIL made her dramatic debut at the Annapolis Sailboat Show following an impressive 8,000-nautical-mile voyage straight from South Africa to Maryland. She braved a storm-laden Atlantic, arriving in excellent condition to a hero’s welcome just two days into the show. This extraordinary journey, combined with her standout design and features, captivated attendees and industry professionals alike.

Features That Won Over SAIL Magazine

SAIL Magazine’s review team – Editor-in-Chief Wendy Mitman Clarke, Managing Editor Lydia Mullan, Charter Editor Zuzana Prochazka, and Technical Editor Adam Cove – highlighted specific features of the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL that earned her a place among the year’s top boats:
  • Revolutionary Carbon Boom Design:

    Featuring extendable shade awnings integrated like wings, this design enhances versatility and comfort on deck.
  • Diving-Focused Storage Solutions:

    Dedicated compartments for a dive compressor and tank storage make filling tanks seamless and convenient for underwater adventures.
  • Comprehensive Onboard Toolkit and Spare Parts:

    Staying true to Xquisite Yachts’ DNA, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL comes equipped with everything needed for maintenance and repairs, ensuring peace of mind for long-term cruising.

A Culture of Innovation and Excellence

“The new flagship – even if it’s still the first hull prototype model – had enough innovation and wow factor to impress the whole review team”
– said Wendy Mitman Clarke
“I love the bold thinking inherent in that juxtaposition.”
“Xquisite inspires an impressive company culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The Solar 60 is a remarkable result of those efforts.”
– added Adam Cove, Technical Editor

We extend our heartfelt thanks to SAIL Magazine for this honor and their thoughtful evaluation of the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL. Their recognition underscores our dedication to advancing the sailing industry with bold innovations and uncompromising quality.

Sixty Solar Sail
Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

  • Length Overall
    18.80 m / 61.67’
  • Beam
    8.915 m / 29.2’
  • Draft
    1.65 m / 5.4’
  • Mainsail area
    135 m² / 1453 ft²
  • Sail area – Genoa
    90 m² / 968 ft²
  • Light Displacement
    27.5 t (approx.)
  • Fresh Water
    860 litres / 227.18 gal
  • Diesel Engines
    2 x 110 HP (80,9 kW)
  • Electric Engines
    2 x 15kW
  • Solar Panels
    Up to 6 kW
  • Diesel
    1.440 litres / 380.4 gal
  • Hybrid Propulsion
    (optional)

Production Schedule & Pricing Options

SIXTY SOLAR SAIL: The Future of Luxury Sailing

Technical Specifications

  • Length Overall
    18.80 m
  • Beam
    8.915 m
  • Draft
    1.65 m
  • Mainsail area
    135 m²
  • Sail area – Genoa
    90 m²
  • Light Displacement
    27.5 t (approx.)
  • Fresh Water
    860 litres
  • Diesel Engines
    2x 110 HP (80,9 kW)
  • Electric Engines
    2x 15kW
  • Solar Panels
    Up to 6 kW
  • Diesel
    1.440 litres
  • Hybrid Propulsion
    (optional)

Pricing & Production Schedule

Sixty Solar Sail
Videos

Explore more about the Sixty Solar Sail

Production Schedule & Pricing and Options

Sixty Solar Sail at Xquisite Charters

SIXTY SOLAR SAIL: Video Tour

Xquisite’s Awards

Xquisite’s luxury catamarans have won multiple prestigious awards, including:
The Best Boat, Best System, Most Innovative Sailboat awards

  • Sixty Solar Sail
    Top 10 Best Boats of 2025

  • Boat of the Year 2025
    Nominee

  • 30 SportCat
    Boat of the Year 2024

  • Multihull of the Year 2024
    Sail Performance Nominee

  • X5 Plus
    Boat of the Year 2022

  • X5 Sail
    Boat of the Year 2017

  • X5 Sail
    Best Boat & Best Boat System

  • X5 Sail
    Best Multihull over 30′ 2015

Founded in 2014, Xquisite Yachts specializes in designing and building luxury sailing and power catamarans. Known for their multi-award-winning craftsmanship and innovative design, our yachts are tailored to provide exceptional comfort, safety, and sustainability for discerning adventurers worldwide.
SAIL Magazine is a leading publication for sailing enthusiasts, providing expert reviews, insights, and the latest industry trends. Their annual “Top 10 Best Boats” list is a benchmark for excellence in yacht design and innovation.

Sixty Solar Sail
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    Continue reading

    SIXTY SOLAR SAIL Nominated for Two Prestigious 2025 Awards

    Nominated by both Cruising World and Sail Magazine for the 2025 season

    SIXTY SOLAR SAIL Nominated for Two Prestigious 2025 Awards

    Xquisite Yachts’ latest creation, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL, continues to turn heads across the sailing industry, securing not one but two prestigious nominations for the 2025 season. Recognized by Cruising World as a contender for the “2025 Boat of the Year” and included in Sail Magazine’s “Top 10 Best Boats 2025” nominees, this solar-powered luxury catamaran is redefining sustainable cruising.
    Step aboard in person at its world premiere alongside the multi-award-winning
    X5 PLUS at the Annapolis Boat Show.
    Xquisite Yachts’ latest creation, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL, continues to turn heads across the sailing industry, securing not one but two prestigious nominations for the 2025 season. Recognized by Cruising World as a contender for the “2025 Boat of the Year” and included in Sail Magazine’s “Top 10 Best Boats 2025” nominees, this solar-powered luxury catamaran is redefining sustainable cruising.
    Step aboard in person at its world premiere alongside the multi-award-winning
    X5 PLUS at the Annapolis Boat Show.

    Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year Nomination

    The Boat of the Year award by Cruising World is a highly anticipated event recognizing yachts demonstrating excellence in innovation, performance, and design. The SIXTY SOLAR SAIL has earned its place among the contenders thanks to its advanced solar energy systems, sleek design, and comfortable amenities. With its up to 6 kW solar panels and up to 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, this vessel leads the charge in sustainable sailing, ensuring that cruisers can explore the world with minimal environmental impact.
    Designed with ease of use in mind, she offers single-handed sailing through fully electric sail controls, making it an ideal choice for seasoned sailors and adventurers alike. According to experts involved in the nomination process, “the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL sets a new standard in luxury cruising, combining eco-friendly innovation with world-class design”.

    2025 Featured Nominee: Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail

    Sail Magazine’s Top 10 Best Boats 2025 Nomination

    As one of Sail Magazine’s “Top 10 Best Boats for 2025,” the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL joins an elite group of yachts representing the cutting edge of boat design. This nomination is based on the vessel’s luxurious aesthetics, performance, and sustainable features. The optional hybrid propulsion system offers increased autonomy, combining electric and diesel power for efficient long-range cruising.
    SIXTY SOLAR SAILS’s spacious interior, panoramic views, and electric salon windows provide unmatched comfort for extended voyages. Its ability to merge high-end amenities with environmentally conscious technology makes it a standout in the competition.

    Meet the 2025 Top 10 Best Boats Nominees

    What Makes the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL a Standout in 2025’s Best Boat Competitions

    A pioneering vessel at the forefront of green yachting technology:
    • Advanced Solar Power System:

      Equipped with up to 6 kW of solar panels, 10 kW inverters, and a large lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of up to 60 kWh, it ensures that sailors can run all house loads, including air conditioning for multiday periods without fossil fuels.
    • Hybrid Propulsion:

      An optional hybrid propulsion system allows for efficient fuel use, making it ideal for longer voyages where power conservation is vital.
    • Carbon fiber reinforcements:

      Reinforcements made of carbon fiber are applied in high-load areas to achieve lightweight construction.
    • Single-Handed Sailing:

      Fully electric sail controls mean the yacht can be operated effortlessly by just one person, a massive advantage for solo sailors or small crews.
    • Spacious, smart layout:

      Her spacious king-sized cabins, expansive galley, and a large flybridge with retractable awning, high-end finishes, and panoramic views ensure comfort without sacrificing eco-friendliness.
    Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail
    These features are a testament to Xquisite Yachts’ commitment to leading the industry in sustainability and luxury.

    Cruising World’s 2025 Boat of the Year Nomination

    The Boat of the Year award by Cruising World is a highly anticipated event recognizing yachts demonstrating excellence in innovation, performance, and design. The SIXTY SOLAR SAIL has earned its place among the contenders thanks to its advanced solar energy systems, sleek design, and comfortable amenities. With its up to 7 kW solar panels and up to 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, this vessel leads the charge in sustainable sailing, ensuring that cruisers can explore the world with minimal environmental impact.
    Designed with ease of use in mind, she offers single-handed sailing through fully electric sail controls, making it an ideal choice for seasoned sailors and adventurers alike. According to experts involved in the nomination process, “the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL sets a new standard in luxury cruising, combining eco-friendly innovation with world-class design.”

    2025 Boat of the Year Nominees Announced

    • Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail
    • Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail
    • Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail
    • Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail

    Sail Magazine’s Top 10 Best Boats 2025 Nomination

    As one of Sail Magazine’s “Top 10 Best Boats for 2025,” the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL joins an elite group of yachts representing the cutting edge of boat design. This nomination is based on the vessel’s luxurious aesthetics, performance, and sustainable features. The optional hybrid propulsion system offers increased autonomy, combining electric and diesel power for efficient long-range cruising.
    SIXTY SOLAR SAILS’s spacious interior, panoramic views, and electric salon windows provide unmatched comfort for extended voyages. Its ability to merge high-end amenities with environmentally conscious technology makes it a standout in the competition.

    Meet the 2025 Top 10 Best Boats Nominees

    What Makes the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL a Standout in 2025’s Best Boat Competitions

    A pioneering vessel at the forefront of green yachting technology:
    • Advanced Solar Power System:

      Equipped with up to 7 kW of solar panels, 10 kW inverters, and a large lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of up to 60 kWh, it ensures that sailors can travel long distances without relying on fossil fuels.
    • Hybrid Propulsion:

      An optional hybrid propulsion system allows for efficient fuel use, making it ideal for longer voyages where power conservation is vital.
    • Carbon composite build:

      Lightweight and strong for better performance.
    • Single-Handed Sailing:

      Fully electric sail controls mean the yacht can be operated effortlessly by just one person, a massive advantage for solo sailors or small crews.
    • Spacious, smart layout:

      Her spacious king-sized cabins, expansive galley, and a large flybridge with retractable awning, high-end finishes, and panoramic views ensure comfort without sacrificing eco-friendliness.
    These features are a testament to Xquisite Yachts’ commitment to leading the industry in sustainability and luxury.

    Sixty Solar Sail
    Technical Specifications

    • Length Overall

      18.80 m / 61.67’

    • Length Hull

      18.000 m / 59’

    • Displacement Lightship

      27.5 t / 55000 lbs (approx.)

    • Bridge Deck Clearance

      1.050 m / 3.44’

    • Beam

      8.915 m / 29.2’

    • Draft

      1.65 m / 5.4’

    • Mast height

      27.28 m / 89.5’

    • Mainsail area

      135 m² / 1453 ft²

    • Sail area – Genoa

      90 m² / 968 ft²

    • Sail area – Jib

      38 m² / 409 ft²

    • Sail area – Code 65

      198 m² / 2131 ft²

    • Sail Area – Furling Gennaker

      266 m² / 2863 ft²

    • Fresh Water capacity

      860 litres – 227.18 gal

    • Black Water

      430 litres – 113.59 gal

    • Diesel

      1.440 litres – 380.4 gal

    • Diesel Engines

      2 x 110 HP (80,9 kW)

    • Electric Engines

      2 x 15kW

    • CE Certification

      Category A

    • Solar Panels

      Up to 6 kW

    • Hybrid Propulsion

      (optional)

    • Length Overall

      18.80 m / 61.67’

    • Length Hull

      18.000 m / 59’

    • Displacement Lightship

      27.5 t / 55000 lbs (approx.)

    • Bridge Deck Clearance

      1.050 m / 3.44’

    • Beam

      8.915 m / 29.2’

    • Draft

      1.65 m / 5.4’

    • Mast height

      27.28 m / 89.5’

    • Mainsail area

      135 m² / 1453 ft²

    • Sail area – Genoa

      90 m² / 968 ft²

    • Sail area – Jib

      38 m² / 409 ft²

    • Sail area – Code 65

      198 m² / 2131 ft²

    • Sail Area – Furling Gennaker

      266 m² / 2863 ft²

    • Fresh Water capacity

      860 litres – 227.18 gal

    • Black Water

      430 litres – 113.59 gal

    • Diesel

      1.440 litres – 380.4 gal

    • Diesel Engines

      2 x 110 HP (80,9 kW)

    • Electric Engines

      2 x 15kW

    • Solar Panels

      Up to 6 kW

    • Hybrid Propulsion

      (optional)

    • CE Certification

      Category A

    Detailed Specifications & Extras

    World Premiere
    at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

    Don’t miss the chance to see the Sixty Solar Sail, alongside the multi-award-winning X5 Plus, at their world premiere at the Annapolis Boat Show. Experience first-hand the yacht’s fusion of sustainability and luxury.

    Reserve your October 10-14 spot at Dock B, City Dock, and step aboard the Sixty Solar Sail and multi-award-winning X5 Plus.

    We look forward to seeing you soon!

    Xquisite Sixty Solar Sail yacht on display at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

    Explore more about the Sixty Solar Sail

    On Display at the Annapolis Sailboat Show

    Experience firsthand with Xquisite Charters

    Cruising World magazine is the quintessential guide for sailing enthusiasts around the globe, providing sailboat reviews, expert opinions, in-depth analyses and more…
    Xquisite Yachts is a luxury yacht brand known for its innovative designs, comfort, and sailing performance. The company produces a limited number of multi-award-winning catamarans each year using the latest technology.
    SAIL Magazine is the magazine of record on the sailing way of life. Whether it’s cruising, racing, or lifestyle, our editorial mission is to inspire, educate and entertain sailors of every kind and to celebrate the sport in words and images.

      Continue reading

      Xquisite 30′ Sportcat: Sail Magazine’s In-Depth Review of Best Boats 2024 Nominee

      Xquisite 30′ Sportcat:
      Sail Magazine’s In-Depth Review of Best Boats 2024 Nominee

      A Closer Look at the Xquisite 30′ Sportcat

      Sail Magazine’s recent review of the Xquisite 30′ SportCat highlights its unique features and impressive performance.
      This yacht is a remarkable departure from Xquisite Yachts’ typical offerings of luxurious bluewater cruising cats.
      Designed by Francois Perus, the 30-foot catamaran is crafted for speed and ease of handling, making it a thrilling option for both training and leisure. With a lightweight design that includes carbon beams, a rotating carbon mast, and a sleek profile, the Sportcat delivers an agile and responsive sailing experience.

      Review Highlights from Sail Magazine

      Sail Magazine’s review of the 30 Sportcat underscores its dynamic performance and training potential. The catamaran was described as “enticing”, likened to a drag racer tugging at her dock lines during the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Achieving speeds of 16 to 18 knots in 14 knots of true wind, this performance is powered by advanced North Sails 3Di foils and a design that enables sailing up to one-and-a-half times the wind speed on a beam reach.
      With a focus on simplicity, the Sportcat is designed without the complexities of daggerboards or foils, making it accessible for new sailors while still appealing to experienced hands.
      “The boat is super simple to sail. Everything is small. You have to use your hands, you trim the sails, you feel the rudders. Just with two fingers, you can steer the boat. So this is how you learn sailing”
      – Tamas Hamor, Xquisite’s founder and CEO explained

      Performance Meets Practicality

      While the Xquisite 30 Sportcat boasts impressive sailing capabilities, its interior is deliberately minimalist, focused on essentials rather than luxury. Her construction allows it to be dismantled and transported easily, fitting into a 40-foot shipping container or on a trailer. The catamaran includes basic accommodations suitable for short overnights, including space for a mattress and basic amenities like a chemical toilet, making it perfect for adventurous sailors who want to camp out under the stars.
      The Sportcat’s minimal displacement is achieved through an infusion process using e-glass, vinylester, and carbon reinforcement. This construction, along with the use of netting rather than heavy decking, ensures that the boat remains light without sacrificing strength or durability. Standard features include twin fixed keels with kick-up rudders, a 10-hp outboard option, and essential sailing hardware from Harken.

      30′ SPORTCAT

      TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

      • LOA

        30’4”
      • Beam

        16’11”
      • Draft

        2’6”
      • Air Draft

        43’4”
      • Displacement

        1,872 lbs
      • Sail Area

        462 sq ft upwind
      • Designer

        Francois Perus
      • Builder

        Xquisite Yachts

      Detailed Specifications & Extras

      Xquisite 30′ SportCat Technical Specifications

      • LOA

        30’4”
      • Beam

        16’11”
      • Draft

        2’6”
      • Air Draft

        43’4”
      • Displacement

        1,872 lbs
      • Sail Area

        462 sq ft upwind
      • Designer

        Francois Perus
      • Builder

        Xquisite Yachts

      Detailed Specifications & Extras

      Ready for Adventure

      The Xquisite 30′ Sportcat stands out as a versatile and exciting addition to the catamaran market, offering a blend of high-speed performance and practical features that cater to both novice and experienced sailors. For those ready to take the next step in their sailing journey, this Sportcat offers a dynamic, user-friendly platform that’s as fun as it is functional.
      Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c8fPGyPnlo

      Explore more about the 30′ SportCat

      Sail Magazine’s comprehensive review

      Experience firsthand with Xquisite Charters

      Xquisite Yachts is a luxury yacht brand known for its innovative designs, comfort, and sailing performance. The company produces a limited number of multi-award-winning catamarans each year using the latest technology. Customers can purchase finished yachts or place a custom order, with the option to try before they buy through the company’s charter program.
      SAIL Magazine is the magazine of record on the sailing way of life. Whether it’s cruising, racing, or lifestyle, our editorial mission is to inspire, educate and entertain sailors of every kind and to celebrate the sport in words and images.

        Continue reading

        XQUISITE X5 PLUS – A major update makes a past SAIL Best Boat’s winner even better

        XQUISITE X5 PLUS
        A major update makes a past SAIL Best Boat’s winner even better

        XQUISITE X5 PLUS - A major update makes a past SAIL Best Boat’s winner even better

        The Xquisite X5 Plus is a major update of the boat that SAIL awarded Best Large Multihull and Best Systems titles in 2017.

        The changes were not just cosmetic, but genuine improvements to an already fine boat, making it lighter, faster and less dependent on fuel. The builder’s weight loss program dropped the D/L from 144 on the original boat to 126, while modifying the rig increased the sail area and yielded a significant performance boost in light air. An electrical system redesign means the Xquisite X5 Plus is also capable of supporting a luxurious lifestyle with minimal use of a genset to pump out the electrons.

        Lighter and greener: what’s not to like?

        Special thanks to Rudolf Jonker, the designer of the X5 PLUS, and the entire team at Phoenix Marine for their outstanding achievement!

        DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

        Phoenix Marine, the South African builder, went through a meticulous engineering study of the entire boat to shave weight. The hull and deck are now completely vacuum infused and cored with Divinycell both above and below the waterline. Newly redesigned composite bulkheads, different window design and re-engineered mast supports shaved off yet more weight. The combined program brought the weight down to where the boat floats nearly three inches higher than before. This in turn makes it able to carry more equipment provisions without degrading the boat’s sailing ability. This is perfect for the mission of the Xquisite X5 Plus, i.e., long-range cruising. More payload means you can load up more food, water and supplies, not to mention the parts and tools to handle anything you might run into off the grid.

        Design-wise, the bow profile was also reshaped with a finer entry, although that’s scarcely noticeable in the overall appearance of the boat. The X5 lines are about as far from traditional as a vessel can be, but the design is functional. This includes the unique window configuration, which illuminates the cabins, and the curved stern arch, which also contains running rigging. Although an unconventional look, its personality will undoubtedly win you over with time.
        Another big change was to a 24-volt electrical system fed by a solar array nearly triple the size of the original, with 2.3 kW of generating power. Upping the storage capacity with 22 kWh of lithium-ion batteries makes it possible to run the air conditioning and other electrical system components all night without running the generator — a Holy Grail of tropical cruisers.

        Either at the marina or while out on a cruise, each Xquisite X5 Plus reports its condition in detail back to the “Mother Ship” at the company whenever it is within Internet coverage with updates on the systems and any maintenance performed. The builder can then reply with a list of maintenance items due along with directions for doing them. This optional support plan includes worldwide consultation and even help contacting equipment manufacturers as needed, so owners don’t have to do it themselves — perhaps as important a feature as anything on the boat itself.

        As an added benefit, this constant contact also serves to create a cohesive group of owners, which increases pride of ownership and sustains the resale value of the boats.

        LOA 53ft LWL 50ft BEAM 26ft 2in DRAFT 4ft 5in
        DISPLACEMENT 35,274 lb SAIL AREA 1,550 ft ²
        FUEL/WATER (GAL) 208/227 ENGINES 2 x 80hp Yanmar
        SA/D RATIO 23 D/L RATIO 126


        DESIGNER Rudolf Jonker


        BUILDER Xquisite Yachts/Phoenix Marine Manufacturing,
        Cape Town, South Africa
        xquisiteyachts.com


        PRICE $1.7 million (fully equipped)

        Looking forward through the saloon

        ON DECK

        The aforementioned increased sail area with a sprit to carry bigger foresails adds to the motive power side of the new design. The standard boat includes a square-top mainsail, a working jib, a genoa and a Code 0 light-air foresail from North Sails, all on electric furlers. In bad weather, you can reduce sail, fly the self-tacking jib and run the entire vessel from inside.

        The rest of the deck layout is similar to the original. That’s good, because the Xquisite X5 designers got it right the first time. I especially liked the functional helm station with all lines falling to hand in a logical manner near a set of foot-operated electric winches. There are good handholds for safely moving around throughout the boat and even a rain catchment system to back up the watermaker and storage tanks. Experienced cruisers like a belt and suspenders approach to systems, with backups for everything.

        ACCOMMODATIONS

        Our test boat was equipped with the three-cabin layout, with the entire starboard hull dedicated to an owner’s suite and the port hull divided between another pair of staterooms. All these spaces are bright and inviting, with comfortable berths, plenty of stowage and ensuite heads with showers.

        The bridgedeck offers a comfortable expanse with areas dedicated to food preparation, dining, socializing and navigation. The galley is wonderfully apportioned, with all the appliances, spaces and storage a cruising family might need.

        In typical catamaran fashion, the outdoor spaces are large and comfortable. Unlike charter cats, the emphasis is on easy living aboard for extended times, not just a week of lounging among the islands.

        UNDER SAIL

        Our test sail showed that the weight reduction and rig changes worked. On a gorgeous autumn day at Annapolis with 8 to 12- knot winds, the X5 Plus returned more than 60 percent of the breeze as boat speed. While there is no helm feedback, typical of a catamaran with a hydraulic steering system, the boat tacked easily under any sail combination and accelerated rapidly in the puffs.

        Especially impressive was the fact the boat sailed this well with no less than 10 people aboard, plus a large German Shepherd. The boat was also chock full of stores for cruising, due to the owners and a delivery skipper having just provisioned and sailed it offshore to Annapolis from Fort Lauderdale. Apparently, they’d had to press on close-hauled in gale conditions much of the time and had barely met their docking deadline for the recent boat show. Nonetheless, the crew (and dog) had all still managed to arrive safe and happy.

        It will take some practice to become accustomed to all the controls aboard the Xquisite X5 Plus, but the lines are arranged in a logical manner at the helm station to minimize wrapping and unwrapping the winches, and it will be worth the effort doing so. The company’s standard two-week training session for all new owners should shorten the learning curve and produce an able crew with confidence in its ability to go offshore.

        UNDER POWER

        The motoring performance is the same as in the original boat and that’s just fine. Twin 80hp Yanmars drive the Xquisite X5 Plus to 9.8 knots at an 2,500 rpm or a standard cruise pace of 8.5 knots at 1,900 rpm. The sound level at cruise was the same as normal conversation, 56dBA. Maneuvering is typical of a modern cat: simple and precise. The turning circle is about 1.5 boatlengths if you don’t use differential power to the two engines to spin about in your own length. The boat stops and backs predictably.

        CONCLUSION

        It may seem strange to consider a $1.7 million yacht with a $14,000 annual maintenance fee a good deal, but the Xquisite X5 Plus seems to be just that. For the money, you get a luxurious, well-built, extensively equipped voyager with full factory support anywhere. A house of similar price can easily cost that in upkeep, and it won’t take you around the world!

        X5 PLUS Production Schedule

        Download in PDF format  

        The X5 Plus Reviews will be featured in full in a special report in the Summer 2022 of MultiHull Sailor.
        For further information, visit www.sailmagazine.com

        Continue reading

        Xquisite X5 in SAIL magazine 2019 Buyer’s Guide

        Xquisite Yachts has teamed up with the South African builder, Phoenix Marine Manufacturing to develop and build a new line of luxury sailing and power catamarans. As a boutique boatyard the company limits its production to be able to focus on

        Delivering the highest build quality and finish, while offering an after sales service unmatched in the industry

        Their first model, the X5 SAIL is a 50’ sailing catamaran designed and built for serious blue water cruising with maximum comfort in mind. All vessels are equipped for single handed sailing with two head sails and electric winches. All X5 SAILs also come fully loaded for living aboard in luxury, with generator, air conditioning, water maker, washing machine, electric winches and davits, solar panels, entertainment and digital switching systems as part of the very extensive list of standard equipment.

        As the company limits it’s production to five X5 SAIL hulls per year, there is already a waiting list to purchase one of these fine catamarans. To offer the best after sales service, XQUISITE YACHTS is setting up a network of factory authorized repair facilities around the world and the yacht’s maintenance will be scheduled via a unique ipad application, which comes standard on each boat.

        Xquisite Yachts is currently developing their new model, the 56’ power catamaran, and the first hull will be in production in 2019.

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