Diamond Yachts is expanding its portfolio with the Eagle Daysailer from Leonardo Yachts. The small luxury shipyard from Sneek in Friesland, the Netherlands, has been producing exclusive yachts that combine classic design with modern sail management since 2011. The narrow hulls with long overhangs are reminiscent of the legendary J-Class racing yachts from the 1930s. The current range includes the Eagle 38, Eagle 44, Eagle 46 and Eagle 54 models, as well as the Eagle 70 project. The larger models can be ordered in either fibreglass or carbon fibre. All designs except the Eagle 44 were created by André Hoek, a specialist in classic yacht design. His well-known projects include the J-Class replicas "Lionheart" and "Topaz" as well as the Spirit of Tradition Class yacht "Firefly" and numerous Truly Classic and Pilot Classic yachts.
Daysailer between tradition and modernity
The Eagle daysailers combine traditional design with contemporary sailing technology. The slender hulls with their pronounced overhangs represent an era in which volume and cost optimisation were not yet dominant factors in boat building. The ergonomic cockpit layout routes all lines, outhauls and trimming equipment aft. This arrangement enables single-handed operation of the yachts. Optionally, sailing can be simplified with electric winches, an electric captive winch for the mainsheet or an electric headsail furling system. Built-in Volvo Penta diesels provide propulsion for harbour manoeuvres and calm periods. The high, powerful rigs with modern, efficient appendages ensure sporty sailing characteristics.
Interior for weekend cruises
Below deck, the Eagle Daysailers offer an elaborately crafted weekender interior. The interior is available in either traditional mahogany or light-coloured oak. The room concept is suitable for occasional trips lasting several days and combines classic boat building with practical functionality. The workmanship meets the standards of a luxury shipyard that caters to individual customer wishes. The interior also emphasises the character of the yachts as a reminiscence of the golden age of sailing.
Portfolio and availability
Leonardo Yachts currently produces four series models. The Eagle 38 is the entry-level model in the series. The Eagle 44 is distinguished by its design by Dykstra Naval Architects. The Eagle 46 and Eagle 54 represent the larger variants in the series. All daysailers except the Eagle 44 bear the signature of André Hoek. The larger versions can be ordered in carbon fibre, which saves weight and increases performance. The standard version uses glass fibre as the construction material. Diamond Yachts will be announcing detailed information about the shipyard and the individual Eagle Daysailers in the near future. The multi-brand dealer from Laboe also represents the Italian shipyard Grand Soleil/Cantiere del Pardo.
The current Eagle 46 has just been tested by YACHT, the report will soon be available on YACHT Online, in the printed YACHT and in the digital edition.
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Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
