The project was announced some time ago under the name Skaw Paradise. Now the vision is becoming reality. The first Skaw Model A boat is now under construction in France. Behind the project are foiling expert and ocean racing sailor Benoit Marie and naval architect Clement Bercault. Together they are BercoMarie Design Office, based in Nantes. The simple idea behind their project: to combine the knowledge gained from ocean racing with the proven concepts of cruising with the family. The result should be a sporty tourer with which you can travel quickly and safely, but also comfortably and easily.
And it was to be something very special, a cruising boat that had never existed in a similar form before. With the unusually pronounced scow bow, the covered cockpit and the two retractable C-foils on the sides, the concept is truly unrivalled. The most striking feature is the flat hull shape with the pronounced scow bow. The design is reminiscent of the latest and most extreme, almost flounder-like designs of the Class 40 ocean-going yachts.
In addition, the Skaw Model A is equipped with C-shaped, retractable foils. The foils generate considerable lift downwind and thus ensure low heeling, more stable sailing characteristics and less displacement. The designers assume that the Skaw Model A can easily reach an average cruising speed of around 15 knots. Sporty sailors should be able to quickly take the boat to over 20 knots under gennaker in favourable conditions. The Skaw will probably not take off completely like the yachts in the IMOCA class. The flexible swivelling keel with lead ballast ensures that the boat stays afloat. With this and the retractable foils and two rudder blades, the maximum draught of 3.50 metres can be reduced to a minimum of 1.20 metres.
Skaw Model A: New shapes, new possibilities
The cockpit is designed asymmetrically. On the port side, a wide dinghy is planned as a double sunbed. On the starboard side, however, all sheets, halyards and trim lines are operated. The Skaw Model A is steered aft using a double tiller steering system. The cockpit is also very well protected with a large glazed hardtop that is pulled far back. A fairly large bathing platform meets the requirements of touring and family sailors and allows easy access to the boat in the harbour.
The extreme shape of the Scow allows the designers to create a very spacious interior. There are two double cabins in the stern, a large wet room with separate shower and a seating area in the foredeck. The table can be lowered so that the area can also be used as a large sunbathing area. On the sides of the boat there is a long galley with large work surfaces and plenty of storage space, as well as a generously equipped navigation area. The huge hull windows and the long ribbon windows on deck ensure plenty of transparency and a bright living ambience inside.
The first Skaw Model A boat is currently being built at a shipyard in Caen, Normandy. Apparently, the moulds are ready and the laminating of the hull, deck and structures will begin shortly. The components will be made entirely of carbon fibre. According to the ambitious production plan, the first ship should be ready and undergo initial testing in summer 2025. The keel for construction number two will then also be laid.
Detailed specifications or a price list are not yet available from the manufacturer. However, an initial, very rough price classification has already been announced: The boat should ultimately cost between 1.0 and 1.4 million euros (net), depending on which options are selected by the buyer.
Technical data Skaw Paradise
- Designer: BercoMarie Design office
- Hull length: 11.95 m
- Width: 4.85 m
- Draught with swing keel: 1.20 m - 3.50 m
- Weight: 5.0 tonnes
- Mast height above waterline: 19.05
- Mainsail: 64.0 m2
- Jib: 42.0 m2
- Code Zero: 100.0 m2
- Gennaker: 155.0 m2
- Motorisation: built-in diesel engine / 38 hp, Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 80 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 150 litres
