The test is on the Heeger Meer. Fresh winds with gusts of up to 20 knots initially seem quite a lot for the size of the boat. However, this impression is immediately put into perspective on the water. Upwind, the Falcon immediately proves its stability. Weight on the edge still makes sense, of course. Riding straps would be nice to move the body weight even further to windward. With one foot under the traveller, this is a makeshift solution. Thanks to the ballast, the Falcon is very stable in the water even in gusts.
Only the absence of the backstay is noticeable with luff sag. In addition, the genoa halyard on the mast is only deflected and is passed through a clamp above the furling system on the stay. This makes it difficult to build up a little more tension when travelling. Nevertheless, speed of over 5.5 knots on the wind is possible almost all the time. The rudder generates little pressure. With a tiller extension, it is very comfortable to steer on the edge. The low pressure is both an advantage and a disadvantage of the pre-balanced spade rudder under the stern. With half the wind, the Falcon practically steers straight ahead on its own, only slightly luffing upwind. A little more feedback would almost be desirable here. The gennaker pole is extended and the colourful cloth is set. Here the owner has already attached sail bags behind the mast, as is usual with many dinghies. The simple system works perfectly. The large distance between the furled jib and the gennaker also makes jibing easy. In gusts, 30 square metres of sail area in front of the mast immediately transforms the pressure into speed. Between seven and just under nine knots, the boat travelled quickly at planing speed. The Falcon always remained very easy to control at the helm.
Overall, the sailing characteristics are very good. The easy handling combined with good speed potential is simply great fun. The Falcon's high stability in gusts and during gennaker manoeuvres also qualifies it for beginners or sailing students, but also gives experienced sailors pleasure on the water.
The huge cockpit is 4.14 metres long and 1.31 metres wide, offering space for more than two people. According to the shipyard, it can accommodate up to six people. It is only divided by the full-width traveller. The optional deck covering in a teak rod cover look is attractive. The Easy-Tek decking costs from 3,580 euros extra depending on the version, looks very good and offers good grip. Hull colours (except white) also cost extra (650 euros), as do the rubbing strake (680 euros) and the storage compartments in the cockpit floor (1,250 euros). The wide traveller is also an option (€2,180); a central platform for the sheet block is standard. If you want an auxiliary drive, you can choose between a permanently installed pod drive (from 3,990 euros) or various outboards. The electric outboard with gear lever in the cockpit performed very well on the test boat. This makes harbour manoeuvres and sailing to a sheltered spot to set sail simple and stress-free.
These extras all add up to the basic price of 28,500 euros. This already includes the rig, gennaker pole and sails. However, the furling system for the headsail, tiller extension and gennaker must be ordered separately. The Falcon Race is a successful modern interpretation of the Polyvalk concept. The boat combines proven Dutch sailing tradition with contemporary construction and sporty equipment. Production at Neptun Yachten in Germany guarantees short distances and good service. With a basic price of 28,500 euros, the Falcon is no bargain, but it is still a good offer for a sailing boat built in Germany.
In any case, the concept is right: A compact, trailerable boat for inland and coastal use that is extremely versatile: It offers experienced sailors good speed potential, but the high level of safety provided by the keel and buoyancy chamber also makes it an ideal training or water hiking boat. However, the fixed keel also has disadvantages. For example, the Falcon cannot simply be slipped; a crane is required to launch it. Anyone looking for a modern articulated canoe with classic charm and who values German manufacturing should take a closer look at the Falcon 22 Race.
Technical data and prices:
- Designer: Klaas Goos
- Hull length: 6.56 metres
- Width: 2.07 metres
- Draught: 0.95 metres
- Weight: 525 kilogrammes
- Ballast: 160 kilogrammes
- Mainsail: 18.6 square metres
- Headsail: 9.8 square metres
- Gennaker: 30.2 square metres
- Base price: 28,500 euros
- Easy-Tek rod deck in the cockpit: from 3,580 euros
- Scuff plate: 680 Euro
- Storage space in the cockpit floor: 1,250 euros
- Traveller: 2,180 euros
- Pod drive: from 3,990 euros
- Trailer: 3,890 euros
- Website: https://falconsailing.de/
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
