The changes are manageable, but nevertheless significant. The new RM 1370 comes as a replacement for the 1360 (test in YACHT 3/14), in particular with a completely redesigned hull. The freeboard is higher and the hull is more voluminous at the front. This should help the boat to get its nose up more easily and quickly, especially on fast downwind courses. In addition, the bow stem now has a slightly negative drop, which not only looks good and sporty, but also significantly lengthens the waterline. This will improve the boat's performance on upwind courses. Marc Lombard, RM Fora Marine's in-house architect, also drew up the plans for the 1370.
Another new feature is the now permanently attached bowsprit for the gennaker or the Code Zero. The trunk also serves as an anchor holder and as a step for boarding and disembarking via the bow. The deck layout remains largely unchanged compared to the previous 1360 model. The arrangement with the two genoa sheet winches mounted directly and raised on the companionway is particularly well-tested and typical of RM yachts.
Even more variance is also offered for the hull appendages. The choice between the standard T-shaped fixed keel and the option of bi-keels, with which the boat can easily fall dry, was already standard. As an additional alternative, the RM 1370 can now also be ordered with a swivelling keel. This allows the maximum draught of 3.20 metres to be continuously reduced to 1.30 metres. However, there is a steep surcharge of almost 30,000 euros for the flexible annex. The option of a carbon fibre rig is also cost-intensive, with a price tag of 31,000 euros. The standard is the conventional two-aluminium rig. For long offshore passages, a cutter stay can be fitted as an option.
In terms of the interior design and in comparison to its predecessor, the 1360, there are largely no visual adjustments and minor changes to the details. Only for the aft cabin on the starboard side will the shipyard now offer conversion options with a large double berth or two single berths one above the other. For blue water sailors, a walk-in workshop can also be added. The double berth in the foredeck is no longer designed as an island bed, but extends across the entire available width. This means that the sleeping area will be even more generous.
RM Fora Marine is known for its exclusive construction method. The hulls are manufactured with plywood panels in a buckling frame and covered with fibreglass or Kevlar on request. The deck, on the other hand, is made entirely of GRP sandwich construction using the vacuum infusion process. The first RM 1370 is now under construction at the shipyard in La Rochelle and is expected to sail in spring 2017. The standard version with a fixed keel and the conventional aluminium rig will cost 351,150 euros, including 19 percent VAT, but still without the sails.
RM Yachts will be at the boat show in Düsseldorf be represented inHall 15, stand D31. Interested parties will of course also be able to find out about the new RM 1370 there.
The little sister RM 1270 tested by YACHT-TV
New plywood yacht from RM in France: RM 1270 on test
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
