At the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf, the bosses of X-Yacht announced the further expansion of the exclusive Pure X programme. This comes after the X 4.0 was honoured with the European Yacht of the Year 2020 award on Saturday. The current line currently comprises five models between 11.50 metres (X 4.0) and over 19 metres (X 6.5) in hull length. However, there is still a large gap between the large flagship and the X 4.9 (YACHT 14/2018 test), which the Danes now want to fill with two new, large boats. Initially, detailed information was only available on the X 5.6, which is currently being laid at the shipyard in Haderslev and has been announced as a world premiere for the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January 2021. A second new model, the X 6.0, will follow. However, details have not yet been released.
The plans for the new models continue to be drawn up in the in-house design office. The development department is now back in Haderslev at the shipyard. The new head of the X-Yachts design team is Thomas Mielec. He presented the new 5.6 in Düsseldorf on Monday and explained the most important innovations in the design. For example, the new ship will be even wider at the stern and will also feature soft chines. And; the ship will be built with two rudder blades - a first for X-Yachts.
The hull and the structural bulkheads are built as GRP sandwich constructions using a vacuum infusion process with epoxy resin. The deck is built by hand, also as a sandwich with a foam core for good insulation against cold and heat and as a noise absorber. Highly stressed areas are also reinforced with carbon fibre structures. In addition, a steel frame is fitted in the hull from which the keel is suspended in a T-shape. The annex can be ordered in three different versions, with a draught of 2.90 metres (standard), 3.30 or 2.50 metres
The high and powerful aluminium rig is through-rigged and stands on the steel frame. Rod shrouds are included as standard, as are the furling systems for the headsail, which are guided below deck. A self-tacking rail is fitted to the boat ex shipyard. If you want to sail more sportily or in less windy areas, you can also order additional hoisting points on the cabin roof for a short overlapping genoa. A carbon fibre mast is on the list of options that can be ordered.
All lines, sheets and halyards are routed in channels within the deck structure directly in front of the steering columns. This leaves the actual cockpit free and the helmsman retains the most important functions for trimming the sails and for manoeuvres within his reach. Large stowage spaces are available for the loose parts of the sheets inside the thwarts. As standard, the mainsheet is guided to a central stop on the cockpit floor. On request, X-Yachts can install a recessed traveller that can be operated electrically at the touch of a button. The teak covers in the cockpit, on the thwarts and on the bathing platform are included in the scope of delivery.
Many large windows in the cabin superstructure and in the hull will provide plenty of light and optimum ventilation below deck. The X 5.6 is finished in light-coloured oak, with white varnished oak or teak variants also available on request. Customers can also choose whether they would like the galley to be realised in a closed U-shape or as an open-plan version with a free-standing kitchen island.
There are no alternatives to the two double cabins aft. The single berths as shown in the layouts can be converted into a large double bed in queen-size format with little effort. Variants are planned for the foredeck, where a double berth could be added to the side instead of the large, central island bed and the living space in the cabin could be supplemented with a sofa. In this case, the wet room with separate shower area is moved to the front. If desired, the sailing cabin in the forepeak can also be a separate cabin for the skipper with his own toilet.
X-Yachts has also already issued a price list at the trade fair in Düsseldorf. The X 5.6 is expected to cost 1.06 million euros ex shipyard, including 19 per cent VAT. The sails have to be added to this. A simple set of crusing sails made of Dacron (main and self-tacking jib) is estimated to cost around 60,000 euros gross.
X-Yachts will be reporting in detail on the new X 5.6 at the boot trade fair and will also be showing plans and renderings. The yacht builders from Denmark are in theHall 16 at stand D21 to find.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
