On the day of the test, there’s a brisk breeze blowing in Heeg. The test run with the Falcon Racing turns out to be a speedy trip. The boat has been on the market for over ten years, yet this is actually the first one ever built. The Falcon is now built by Neptun Yachts in Rheda-Wiedenbrück.
From the Polyvalk to the modern Falcon Racing
However, the history of the design stretches even further back in time. In the Netherlands, the wooden Valk with its bent frames and gaff rig has a firm place in the sailing scene. Even more popular is the plastic version, the Polyvalk. This simpler, more affordable version made from GRP has become the standard boat for sailing schools and boat hire companies. Countless Dutch people have learnt to sail on the Polyvalk. This is where the Falcon comes in: Klaas Goos wanted to create a more modern interpretation of this successful concept. A boat that takes the best features of the Polyvalk but is designed with a more contemporary feel and a sportier character. The name ‘Falcon’ is a deliberate nod to its Dutch predecessor, the Valk.
The Falcon Racing is designed as an all-rounder, combining the simplicity of a dinghy with the safety of a keelboat. The simple single-sail rig by Seldén, without a backstay, carries plenty of sail area. However, this is counterbalanced by a fixed keel weighing just under 160 kilograms. Furthermore, the bent frame provides ample structural stability. The cavity between the hull and the cockpit shell also offers so much buoyancy that the Falcon is unsinkable. In addition, water can simply drain out through the open stern. This high level of safety qualifies the Falcon Racing as a training boat for sailors who are bound to make the odd mistake. In 2025, Pascal Ernst of Neptun Yachts took over the moulds and production of the Falcon from the Netherlands. Only the Falcon Racing is now available.
Falcon Racing put to the test in 20-knot winds
The 20-knot wind we had for the test seems quite strong for a boat of this size at first. However, this impression is immediately put into perspective once out on the water. When sailing close-hauled, the Falcon instantly demonstrates its stability. It is, of course, still advisable to lean into the wind. To this end, outrigger straps would be useful to shift your body weight even further to windward. Placing one foot under the traveller does the job in a pinch. Thanks to its ballast, however, the Falcon remains very stable on the water even in gusts. Only the absence of a backstay becomes noticeable when there is significant slack in the luff. Furthermore, the genoa halyard is merely deflected round the mast and threaded through a cleat above the furling system on the forestay. This makes it difficult to reach whilst sailing to apply a bit more tension.
Nevertheless, speeds of over 5.5 knots close-hauled are achievable almost all the time. The rudder exerts little pressure. With a tiller extension, it steers very comfortably on the edge. The low pressure is both an advantage and a disadvantage of the pre-balanced spade rudder under the stern. On a half-wind course, the Falcon sails straight ahead practically of its own accord; only when sailing close-hauled is it very slightly wind-seeking. Here, just a tiny bit more feedback would be desirable.
Gliding under the gennaker
Once the boat has turned onto a broad reach, the gennaker boom is extended and the colourful sail hoisted. The owner has already fitted sail bags behind the mast, as is common on many dinghies. This simple system works brilliantly. The large gap between the furled jib and the gennaker also makes jibes easy. In gusts, 30 square metres of sail area in front of the mast instantly convert the wind pressure into speed. We made good progress planing along at speeds of between 7 and just under 9 knots. Throughout, the Falcon remained very easy to control at the helm.
Overall, the sailing characteristics are very good. Its ease of handling, combined with good speed potential, simply makes for a fun experience. The Falcon’s high stability in gusts and during gennaker manoeuvres makes it suitable for beginners or sailing students, whilst also providing a enjoyable experience on the water for experienced sailors.
Spacious cockpit and a wide range of options
Measuring 4.14 metres in length and 1.31 metres in width, the spacious cockpit can accommodate more than two people and offers overnight accommodation for water-based trips. According to the shipyard, it can carry up to six people. The cockpit is divided only by the traveller, which spans the entire width. The optional deck covering with a teak plank finish is a lovely feature. The Easy-Tek covering costs from 3,580 euros extra, depending on the specification; it looks very attractive and offers good grip. Hull colours (other than white) also incur an additional charge (€650), as do the rubbing strake (€680) and the storage compartments in the cockpit floor (€1,250). The wide traveller is also an option (€2,180); a central platform for the sheet traveller is fitted as standard.
Electric drive and base price
Anyone wishing to have an auxiliary drive can choose between a permanently installed Pod drive (from 3,990 euros) and a choice of various outboard engines. The electric windlass with a control lever in the cockpit performed very well on the test boat. It makes manoeuvring in harbour and sailing to a sheltered spot to hoist the sails easy and stress-free.
These extras are all added to the base price of 28,500 euros. This already includes the rig, gennaker boom and sails. However, the furling system for the headsail, tiller extension and gennaker must be ordered separately.
Versatile, towable and reliant on a crane
The Falcon Racing is a successful modern interpretation of the Polyvalk concept. The boat combines time-honoured Dutch sailing tradition with contemporary construction methods and sporty features. Production at Neptun Yachts in Germany ensures short supply chains and excellent service. With a base price of 28,500 euros, the Falcon is no bargain, but it is nonetheless good value for a sailing boat built in this country.
- Base price ex-shipyard: €28,500
- Price, ready to sail: €34,738
- Trailer: €3,890
- Warranty/against osmosis: 2–5 years
As of 2026, you can read about how the prices shown are defined here.
In any case, the concept is spot on: a compact, trailerable boat for inland waters and coastal sailing that is extremely versatile. It offers experienced sailors good speed potential, whilst the high level of safety provided by the keel and buoyancy chambers also makes it an ideal training or cruising boat. However, the fixed keel with a draught of 0.95 metres does have its drawbacks. For instance, the Falcon cannot simply be slipped into the water – unfortunately, a crane is required to launch it.
Anyone looking for a modern, well-sailing and trailerable knick-spanter with classic charm, and who values German craftsmanship, should take a closer look at the Falcon Racing.
YACHT review of the Falcon Racing
The Falcon Racing is a further development of the Dutch Polyvalk. The large fin keel, the spade rudder and the knuckle-keel may look retro at first glance, but its sailing performance is impressive. The boat also offers a high level of safety.
Design and Concept
Easy to use
High stability
Unsinkable
Sailing performance and trim
Large sail area
Simple rig without backstay
A lot of forestay slack
Equipment and Technology
Retractable gennaker boom
Wide traveller
Video of the test
Falcon Racing in detail
Technical specifications of the Falcon Racing
- CE design category: D
- Fuselage length: 6.56 m
- Width: 2.07 m
- Draught: 0.95 m
- Weight: 525 kg
- Ballast/proportion: 160 kg/30 per cent
- Mainsail: 18.6 m²
- Fore-sail: 9.8 m²
- Gennaker: 30.2 m²
- Number of people (max.): 6
Hull and deck construction
Hand-laid laminate with ISO/NPG resin. This special resin is designed to protect against osmosis.
Shipyard
Neptun Yachten GmbH, Dieselstraße 8, 33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück. https://falconsailing.de/
ADVERTISEMENT
Falcon Racing offers insurance from 267.74 euros a year* – third-party and comprehensive cover. A wide range of options available. Of particular interest to recreational boat owners: include your trailer in the cover. Get a quote and take out a policy easily online: yachting24.de
* Offer from Yachting24 valid for a sum insured of 28,500 euros (at current market value), excess: 600 euros, third-party liability cover: 8 million euros.
Book recommendations
Perfect sailing covers dinghy sailing, sail trim and how to use the gennaker. Step-by-step photos, illustrations and checklists help you to understand the manoeuvres and improve your sailing in a targeted way. It also covers trapeze sailing and what to do after a capsize.
Buying a boat shifts the focus from sailing to the purchase itself. This guide takes you through the process of buying a new or second-hand boat and covers not only choosing the right boat but also costs, contract negotiations, payment and handover.
Would you be willing to sacrifice straightforward launching for greater stability and safety? Join us in discussing the Falcon Racing concept.
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik