With the new RM 1080 model, the yacht builders in La Rochelle are taking bold steps with the deck layout. The coaming of the new boat, a design by Marc Lombard Yacht Design, is now completely pulled outwards directly to the freeboard. As a result, the dents in the cockpit are particularly wide and can be used in a variety of ways, for example as sun loungers with additional cushions. When sailing, attachable backrests offer the crew a safe and comfortable seating position. The thwarts can also be reached directly from the helm stations via a step. RM Yachts has thus taken up the interesting idea of the walkaround cockpit and reinterpreted it. All in all, the innovative cockpit layout is an exciting novelty that proved to be outstanding in the test.
Otherwise, the typical RM concept remains on deck. This means: halyards, mainsheet and the trim lines run back over the cabin superstructure to the two winches on the companionway. There are two further winches for the genoa and gennaker sheets, which are mounted further aft and lower down. These are located on separate platforms and are easy to operate at a good height. As standard, the RM 1080 is equipped with a short overlapping genoa and hoisting points on deck. However, a self-tacking jib is not provided.
Wooden hull and GRP deck - a rare mix of materials
As with all RM boats, the hull of the new model is made of plywood in a multi-buckling construction. The hull is then covered with a layer of GRP laminate to reinforce the structure. The deck, on the other hand, is a GRP construction manufactured using the vacuum infusion process. As standard, the RM 1080 is built with two bilge keels and either one or two rudder blades, which allows the boat to dry out easily. A fixed keel with a lead ballast bomb can also be selected as an option, also with double rudder blades.
The layout below deck does not provide for any variants. The owners have a spacious cabin in the foredeck with an island bed. Aft, next to the companionway, there is a spacious wet room. The toilet room also serves as a passageway to the walk-in locker on the starboard side. The galley is also very spacious, with a large work surface and plenty of storage space. Another double cabin is located aft on the port side.
The detailed test report on the RM 1080 will be published in YACHT issue 03/2025, which will appear in mid-January. Until then, you can view the first photos from the YACHT test in Marseille in the extensive picture gallery above.
Technical data RM 1080
- Designer: Marc Lombard Yacht Design
- Hull length: 10.80 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 11.47 m
- Width: 4.00 m
- Draught with fixed keel: 2.04 m
- Draught with twin keels: 1.72 m
- Weight: 5.5 tonnes
- Mast height above waterline: 17.20 m
- Mainsail: 39.0 m2
- Genoa 106%: 39.0 m2
- Stagfock: 21.0 m2
- Code Zero: 58.0 m2
- Gennaker: 120.0 m2
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Volvo Penta 30 hp / Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 80 litres (130 litres optional)
- Fresh water capacity: 2 x 100 litres (2 x 150 litres optional)
- Base price ex shipyard: 297,500 euros (gross incl. 19% VAT, incl. sails)
- CE design category: A (deep sea)
