With its 5.50 metre One Design, Preste Yachts has created an interesting mix of racing and cruising elements. On the one hand, the hull is reminiscent of skiffs such as the 49er, which is helped by the laterally flared deck edges that allow the foresailor to stand as far upwind as possible in the trapeze. On the other hand, the boat, which is otherwise geared towards lightweight construction, is equipped with a lifting keel that weighs 80 kilograms and is 1.35 metres deep. Maciej Piasecki from Preste Yachts puts it in a nutshell: "The Preste 18 is a 49er for beginners. Fast, but still safe."
We benefit from the high stability provided by the ballast on the test day. A medium wind of 12 knots is ideal, but occasionally it blows at a strong 18 to 20 knots. With the 29 square metre gennaker, these gusts seem borderline at first, but on the water it becomes clear that the Preste can immediately convert the pressure into speed. And that speed is impressive: 13.4 knots top speed. Even though we almost expected a little more in the gusts, the small wave was more of a hindrance. Not big waves for surfing, but small choppy waves that constantly slow you down.
The Preste 18 is designed to perform equally well in regattas and on family cruises
The prototype was completed in 2020, several boats are already in circulation in Poland and there are now also two dealers in Germany. Preste Yachts would like to further popularise the sporty one-design keel dinghy and conquer the German-speaking market.
This is because the shipyard wants to appeal to an exceptionally broad target group with its design. The Preste 18 should be able to win regattas as well as spend a relaxed and safe day sailing with children or beginners. The all-rounder should also be ready to sail in under an hour - including setting the mast. With a complete weight of around 338 kilograms and thanks to the lifting keel, it can not only be craned, but also slipped. The 5.50 metre long one-design dinghy is therefore also suitable for an after-work trip for all those who do not have a mooring available.
Technical dataPreste 18
- Designer:Wojciech Kasprzak
- Torso length: 5,54 m
- Total length: 5,54 m
- Width:2,16 m
- Depth: 0,35-1,35 m
- Weight: 338 kg
- Ballast: 78 kg
- Mast length: 8 m
- Mainsail:12,5 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 7,5 m²
- Gennaker: 29 m²
- CE design category: C
- Price: from 27,965 euros incl. 19 % VAT
- More info at preste18.eu
