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Test Biga 242Small boat, big performance

Fridtjof Gunkel

 · 12.11.2012

Test Biga 242: Small boat, big performancePhoto: YACHT / C. Sorenti
The new Biga 242 tested in gusty wind conditions
Everything on, everything in, beautifully finished, plus a wooden superstructure - you don't often find that. The new Biga is a luxury small cruiser

From the fittings to the sail set, everything on the new Biga is classy, expensive and good, plus the very finest woodwork. This makes Juliane Hempel's new design an eye-catcher of the highest quality, which is now almost unheard of in the small cruiser segment. It is perhaps comparable to the Västbris 27 (test in YACHT 3/2008), which is not only larger but also equipped with a long keel.

The Biga 242, on the other hand, was designed with a modern fin keel and is also available with a flat keel. However, the latter led to compromises in the sailing characteristics, as became apparent during the test. Although the boat has a good top speed, it requires a lot of work on the mainsheet in gusty winds.

Otherwise, the boat presents itself as a decent tourer with excellent fittings, plenty of storage space and it even offers extension options. Rare now: The Biga 242 has been equipped with a dinette to allow for a fully-fledged kitchenette below deck.

Closed stern, long dents, narrow cockpit coamingPhoto: YACHT / C. Sorenti Closed stern, long dents, narrow cockpit coaming Elegant wooden fittings, the finest finish and a dinette seating areaPhoto: YACHT / C. Sorenti Elegant wooden fittings, the finest finish and a dinette seating area
Sunbeam 24.2
Photo: YACHT

Downloads:

Small cruiser comparison, part 3 (Sailart 18, Seascape 18, Varianta 18, Deltania 20.5) (pdf)

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Fridtjof Gunkel

Fridtjof Gunkel

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT

Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.

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