We had long been admiring the technical specifications of the Xquisite X5 and finally got our chance at the conclusion of the Miami boat show to take a test sail. Although the weather conditions were not ideal to show off just how well she can perform, they were adequate to put her through her paces. In light air and a moderate swell, we headed out Fishermen’s Channel and exited Miami’s Government Cut to meet the edge of the Gulfstream, which was close to shore just licking the first set of sea buoys offshore.
The Xquisite X5 catamaran sets herself apart from the field of competitors
with enhanced luxury details, combined with the latest technological advances
Hoisting the large composite fully battened mainsail was easy with the power main halyard winch. Then, it was a simple pull on the sheet of the self tacking jib and we were off sail- ing on port tack close hauled, she came through the wind with a turn of the helm and reached six knots in the blink of the eye. We decided to bear away and unfurl the reacher, which kept her moving at wind
In the many decades of our sailing careers we have found that if a yacht can move in the lightest of air, she will really impress you in a stiff breeze. The Xquisite X5 did just that, she performed flawlessly in the light air and rolling swell with the comfortable motion we had hoped for.
By Jeanne Levine and Jeff Grossman, Multihulls Quarterly
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