The Nissen design impresses with its lines and performance. Uncomplicated in handling, the Biehl 8.8 is a delight even in light winds. This makes it ideal for coastal waters as well as inland waters.
Knut Biehl is a sailor who knows what he wants. That was already the case when he imported the Czech-made models from Café Yachts. All of them are racy performance cruisers that the wider market rarely offers in this form. Biehl has now realised his first self-designed concept. And in many ways, it is reminiscent of the qualities that are important to him personally: Performance and lines.
The 8.8, designed by Georg Nissen, is laminated as a hull in Eastern Europe and is completed in Flensburg in the newly established Robbe & Berking Classics shipyard.
It is available in a very sober basic version below deck from just 59,800 euros. However, if you choose an inboard diesel or electric drive, teak deck and the most cosy equipment, you can also spend 90,000 euros on this gem. That's a lot of money. But in YACHT's exclusive test, the Nordic beauty showed that she is worth every cent in terms of sailing.
At only 3 Beaufort, the Biehl 8.8 almost reached her hull speed of 6.5 knots at the cross. However, at 1.65 tonnes, the yacht, which is quite light and easy to trailer, is really fun under gennaker. Provided there is enough wind, she quickly starts planing.
Up to four people can spend the night on it. However, a longer trip is only comfortable for two people. This is because the boat, which has been nominated for European Yacht of the Year 2009, is actually designed as a daysailer.
All about the concept, its strengths and weaknesses in YACHT 25/26-2008, on newsstands from Wednesday 10 December.
Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
