High-Tech Luxury Meets
Offshore Capability

The Xquisite SIXTY SOLAR SAIL represents a significant step forward in the large luxury cruising catamaran market. Born from over a decade of experience and incorporating extensive customer feedback alongside the lessons learned from the successful X5 and X5 Plus models, this 60-footer, designed by Bill Dixon, aims to blend cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and exceptional comfort into an ideal long-range cruising platform.

Departing from the heavier profiles of its predecessors, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL boasts a more dynamic and modern aesthetic, characterized by sleek lines, a single long hull porthole, and a refined rear arch supporting a significant solar array. The design prioritizes not just looks but also practicality and weight management, utilizing a longer platform to optimize comfort and load-carrying capacity. Built in South Africa, the yacht reflects a high standard of construction and finish, even on the first hull tested, with an emphasis on features genuinely conceived by experienced sailors for practical life aboard.

The catamaran offers truly impressive living space. The cockpit feels exceptionally large, comparable to that of a 70-footer, featuring an aft outdoor galley, clever seating arrangements (including a reversible bench and convertible table), immense storage lockers, and thoughtful details like an integrated shower. The main saloon follows an open-plan concept, seamlessly integrating the well-equipped port-side galley with a central island, a comfortable starboard saloon area, and a generously sized forward navigation station that doubles as an onboard office. Large windows and opening hatches ensure abundant natural light and ventilation.

Despite its luxurious appointments, performance is a key aspect. The SIXTY SOLAR SAIL features a well-dimensioned rig with options including a self-tacking jib, genoa, Code 65, and a large gennaker. During the test in light winds (7-9 knots), the boat showed promising speeds, easily exceeding 9 knots with the Code 65 unfurled. Polars suggest potential speeds well into the mid-teens in stronger breezes. A standout feature is the focus on ease of handling, arguably enabling single-handed sailing thanks to extensive automation. Electric winches, electric furlers (including in-boom furling for the mainsail), and a comprehensive camera system allow critical operations and sail trim to be monitored and controlled directly from the protected helm station.

Tested in the three-cabin Owner’s Version, the SIXTY SOLAR SAIL provides luxurious accommodation. The entire port hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite, offering remarkable volume with a king-size bed, sofa, desk area, a true walk-in closet (a rarity in this class), and a spacious head with a separate XXL shower that cleverly provides access to the washer/dryer. The starboard hull houses a comfortable forward queen cabin and an aft VIP cabin, both with ample storage, panoramic views, and well-appointed en-suite or adjacent head facilities. Attention to detail, like numerous opening portholes for ventilation, enhances onboard comfort.

Living up to its name, the catamaran incorporates a powerful renewable energy system. A substantial solar array (up to 7kW) feeds a large 60kW lithium-ion battery bank via a 10kW inverter, aiming for significant energy self-sufficiency. While the tested boat featured traditional Yanmar diesels, an optional hybrid propulsion system with hydrogeneration capabilities is available, potentially eliminating the need for a separate generator.