The project was announced some time ago under the name Skaw Paradise. Now that vision is becoming a reality. The first Skaw A-class boat is nearing completion and is currently being prepared for its grand debut at the Cannes boat show. Behind the project are foiling expert and offshore racing sailor Benoit Marie and naval architect Clement Bercault. Together, they form BercoMarie Design Office, based in Nantes. The idea behind their project is to combine insights from offshore racing with the tried-and-tested concepts of family cruising. The result is intended to be a sporty cruiser that allows you to travel quickly and safely, whilst also ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
And it was to be something truly special: a cruising boat unlike anything that had gone before. With its unusually pronounced scow bow, covered cockpit and the two retractable C-foils on either side, the design is truly in a class of its own. The most striking feature is the flat hull shape with its pronounced scow bow. The design is reminiscent of the latest and most extreme – and similarly almost flounder-like – designs of Class 40 ocean-going yachts.
Furthermore, the Skaw Model A is fitted with C-shaped, retractable foils. The foils generate considerable lift on the leeward side, resulting in minimal heel, more stable sailing characteristics and reduced displacement. The designers expect that the Skaw Model A will easily achieve an average cruising speed of around 15 knots. Sporty sailors should be able to push the boat to speeds of over 20 knots under a gennaker in favourable conditions. The boat is unlikely to lift off the water completely, as the IMOCA-class yachts do. The flexible swivel keel with lead ballast ensures good grip on the seabed – or rather, on the water. Thanks to this, along with the retractable foils and two rudder blades, the draught can be reduced from a maximum of 3.50 metres to a minimum of 1.20 metres.
Skaw Model A: New shapes, new possibilities
The cockpit has an asymmetrical layout. On the port side, a wide bench is designed to serve as a double sun lounger. On the starboard side, however, all sheets, halyards and trim lines are operated. The Skaw Model A is steered from the stern via a double tiller steering system. The cockpit is also very well protected by a hardtop that extends far aft and features extensive glazing. A fairly large bathing platform meets the needs of cruising and family sailors and allows for easy access to the boat whilst in harbour.
The scow’s extreme shape allows the designers to create a very spacious interior layout. The design includes two double cabins in the stern, a large bathroom with a separate shower, and a seating area in the foredeck. The table can be lowered so that the space can also be used as a large sunbathing area. On either side of the boat, there is a long galley with large work surfaces and plenty of storage space on one side, and a generously equipped navigation area on the other. The huge hull windows and the long bands of windows on deck ensure plenty of light and a bright, airy atmosphere inside.
All components of the Skaw Model A are made entirely from carbon fibre. Detailed specifications or a price list are not yet available from the manufacturer. However, an initial price range has already been announced: the boat is expected to cost between 1.0 and 1.4 million euros (net), depending on the options chosen by the buyer.
Technical Specifications: Skaw Paradise
- Designer: BercoMarie Design Office
- Hull length: 11.95 m
- Width: 4.85 m
- Draught with swivel keel: 1.20 m – 3.50 m
- Weight: 5.0 t
- Mast height above the waterline: 19.05
- Mainsail: 64.0 m²
- Jib: 42.0 m²
- Code Zero: 100.0 m²
- Gennaker: 155.0 m²
- Engine: Inboard diesel engine / 38 PS, Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 80 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 150 litres
You might also find this interesting:
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology