The new ship is extremely voluminous, unlike the usual fast sailers: 4.18 metres wide and 11.47 metres long. In addition, the largest beam is further aft and the ship does not taper towards the stern.
A measure that stands for good characteristics on rough courses. With a large sail area in relation to the weight (sail load factor 5.2) and the flat stern, the ship is easy to planing. To prevent the flounder from levelling out on stability-relevant curves, it is tamed with two blades. With these basic design features, she is a derivative of French open-class boats.
In the test, the Opium 39 could be steered sensitively and directly on all courses and impressed with its high speeds, even on the cross.
Of course, the large volume also benefits the suitability for travelling. In stark contrast to its hot lines, the interior has a conventional design and offers almost full cruiser comfort with only a few compromises.
The ship is also available as a swivelling keeler.
All in all, a concept worth looking at.
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
