Packed with solar panels and lithium batteries, powered by a hybrid system that incorporates diesel engines and electric drive/power generators, and fitted out with a versatile and powerful sail plan, the Xquisite SIXTY SOLAR SAIL catamaran is intended to be a long-range cruiser that a self-reliant couple can handle on their own and liveaboard for extended periods.
At anchor, the boat’s 7 kilowatts worth of solar panels, 60-kilowatt lithium battery bank and 48-volt electrical system will cover house loads, including air conditioning, eliminating the need for an onboard generator. Under sail, its electric motors, mounted between twin Yanmar 110 hp diesel engines and their saildrives, can run in regeneration mode to replenish the batteries or, when powering, propel the boat for extended periods before the diesels take over to drive both the boat and high-output alternators.
Like earlier 54-foot models, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL reflects the voyaging experience of the company’s founders, Tamas Hamor and Sara Hajdu, who circumnavigated together aboard multihulls before acquiring and finishing construction of a catamaran in South Africa that launched their new company, Xquisite Yachts, and made its American debut with the original Xquisite X5 at the Annapolis boat show in 2016.
Having sailed as a shorthanded crew who maintained their boats themselves, the Xquisite team puts an emphasis on access to critical gear, such as shaft seals, pumps and steering components. Digital manuals, developed in-house, are extensive and cover parts, repairs and maintenance. And as importantly, an emphasis is put on sail handling that’s manageable for a couple, where one partner is often alone on watch.
At the deck-level helm station, protected by a windshield and overhead Bimini, all sail control lines run to a pair of electric winches mounted on each side of the wheel. The square-top, in-boom-furling, full-batten main can be set or reduced in size easily at the touch of a button, and the skipper can match headsail to conditions by choosing to fly a self-tacking jib, genoa or code sail, all set on electric furlers. A carbon-fiber mast and boom also contribute to smooth sailing by reducing weight aloft.
Designed by Bill Dixon of Dixon Yacht Design, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL is a big boat. Seen at the dock, it towers above other similar-size catamarans because in order to present narrow hulls at the waterline for proper sailing performance – and still have interior room to allow for walk-around athwartships king-size berths aft – the cabin soles are elevated to take advantage of increased beam as the hulls flare approaching the bridge deck.
But to be clear, the Sixty Solar is still a cruising catamaran, loaded with creature comforts and plenty of room for belongings, provisions and toys.
Let’s start with the toys. A carbon-fiber crane on the transom takes the work out of launching and retrieving a tender, while an optional hydraulic swim platform between the hulls makes it a snap to lift up to three paddleboards and move them into a dedicated storage locker under a seat that spans the transom. The seat also incorporates a large grill and sink. Under the starboard cockpit stairs, there’s another compartment designed to hold scuba tanks and a compressor.
The cockpit features a table for dining alfresco and plenty of space to lounge in the shade. Just forward, a glass door slides open into the salon. Step inside, and tasteful and practical living spaces await. A large opening centerline electric hatch forward provides a lot of natural ventilation, as do four overhead hatches. A dining table in the forward starboard corner converts to a coffee table or can lower farther to create a large bed – a perfect spot to enjoy movies on the 50-inch smart television. The well-equipped galley includes an island counter, electric cooktop and oven, and a house-size fridge.
In the port hull, the owner’s suite is truly spacious. There’s the aforementioned king-size berth aft, a sitting area with a couch and desk amidships, loads of closet space, and a head and shower forward. Two guest cabins, both with athwartships bunks and en suite heads and showers, are to starboard. During the day, both hulls bathe in light from multiple ports.
Wide side decks, ample handholds, and solid stainless-steel life rails running bow to stern topsides are all additional signs that the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL is built to be a comfortable and safe passagemaker, one that will leave a little less of a carbon trail in its wake.
About Xquisite Yachts
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.
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