The boat builders from Rügen are rounding off the renewal of their model programme with the Vilm 115. The cruising yacht with the characteristic hardtop replaces the successful Vilm 101 and, together with the 37 based on the same hull, will form the basis of the shipyard line in future, Matthias Lenz told YACHT online on the opening weekend of the Hanseboot.
It is a boat made for Nordic waters: at 11.15 metres long and 3.54 metres wide, it is compact enough to fit into smaller municipal harbours, but large enough for a couple of owners, occasionally with guests, to go on a long voyage in comfort.
Vilm used the moulds of the Dehler 36, a relatively new design by Judel/Vrolijk & Co with recognised very good sailing characteristics, as the basis for the new development. The hull now has more freeboard and a bulwark, the deck looks more aft, the draught of 1.65 metres is moderate.
Despite the reduced mast height, the sail area still measures almost 75 square metres - which is impressive for a pure tourer (sail load factor 4.4). If you wish, you can also order a self-tacking jib instead of the standard Genoa 3 - the base for the necessary rail is already laminated into the cabin superstructure.
The cockpit of the Vilm 115 looks very safe and yet spacious. A high coaming conveys a sense of security, as does the deckhouse, which extends far aft. It effectively shields the crew from overflowing water or rain. A red light is already embedded in the roof on the port side, which can be used to illuminate the chart compartment at night. However, this is still missing on the construction number 1 shown at the Hanseboot.
Below deck, visitors are greeted by a cosy mahogany interior, the likes of which are no longer often found on yachts from Scandinavia. For example: the locker and cupboard doors are elaborately crafted from solid wood frames. But there is also no lack of contemporary accents: white vinyl panels provide brightness, the bathroom with separate shower is exceptionally spacious and well ventilated, the companionway is pleasantly shallow.
One of Vilm's special features cannot be seen at the Hanseboot: the customisability of the 115. Storage space and berth dimensions can be changed on request. In the galley there is a choice of induction or gas hob. Even the bulkheads can be moved within limits. This makes the owner a co-constructor. This customisability, which only a small series shipyard can offer, is reflected in the price. The new boat from Lauterbach costs 229,325 euros.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
