Gennaker dinghy: Exclusive: Pictures, data and prices of the new Seascape 14

She looks smart, the new one! A flat hull with a shallow freeboard, strongly accentuated chine edges, a slightly negative stem and a deck shape modelled on the tip of an arrow - Seascape is extending its model range downwards from January with these visual and design features.

The fact that a dinghy is in the works already leaked out in the summer. YACHT online first reported on the project at the end of August; at the time, shipyard boss Andraz Mihelin was reluctant to comment on the plans. But now it is official. The Seascape 14, whose build number 1 is currently undergoing final assembly, will celebrate its world premiere in Düsseldorf.

As with all of the brand's previous models, in-house designer Sam Manuard, one of the most successful designers of mini 6.50 and Class 40 racers, drew the lines. They are extremely modern, resembling a skiff in many ways, but offer more stability in the longitudinal and transverse axis than a tippy high-speed dinghy.

The stylists from Gigodesign, who were previously involved in the development of the Seascape 27 and 24, also contributed to the extremely successful appearance and ergonomics.

One of the special features that catches the eye at second glance at the latest are the two hull openings for the centreboard, which are positioned one behind the other. They are an indication of the different rig configurations with which the Seascape 14 appeals to single-handed sailors as well as crews of two, beginners and experienced dinghy sailors.

In the standard configuration (centreboard aft), the boat only has a mainsail, which can also be easily reefed depending on the version - for example in strong winds or when children and teenagers want to practise in medium winds. With a sail area of 8.5 square metres, the Seascape 14 is similar to the Melges 14 (9.1 square metres) or the RS Aero (9 square metres), but has significantly more dimensional stability from its 1.70 metre wide hull (Melges: 1.58 m, Aero 1.40 m).

For an extra charge, she can also be rigged with a jib, retractable carbon fibre bowsprit and gennaker (centreboard position at the front), which makes her interesting for light-winded inland waters and in fresh breezes for real experts. She then has a sail area of 21.5 square metres on the centreboard - only 2.5 square metres less than a 29er sailed with a double harness and 3 square metres more than the RS 200, for example.

However, performance and speed are only part of the Seascape DNA. The brand is also characterised by the simplicity and versatility of its models. That's why, in addition to waterproof storage space under the inspection covers, the 14 will also have additional pockets and a set of attachable wheels, which should make slipping on sand child's play.

Andraz Mihelin characterised the boat to YACHT online as a "crossover between a skiff and a modern touring dinghy". In future, the smallest boat in the programme will also be integrated into the numerous Seascape events - joint class regattas and flotilla trips organised by the brand throughout Europe.

So it's a good thing that it will be suitable for car roof transport. At 4.30 metres long and weighing less than 75 kilograms, it fits on VW Golf, Ford Focus and many other mid-range models - thanks to the extremely light, divisible carbon rig. For SUVs and most luxury-class estate cars with a roof load of usually 100 kilograms, the boat is not a heavy lump anyway.

The launch price is self-confident, but reasonable in view of the high-quality construction process (3D infusion in vinylester, boom and mast in carbon fibre). The Seascape 14 will cost 9760 euros in the standard configuration with mainsail; with bowsprit, jib and gennaker the price is 12,790 euros (including VAT in each case).

Downloads:

Seascape 27 (pdf)

Saphire 27 and Seascape 27 (pdf)

Seascape 27 and Saphire 27 (pdf)

Seascape 24 (pdf)

Seascape 18 (pdf)

Seascape 18 in small cruiser comparison part 3 (pdf)