We want our owners to relax on their boats and have a lot of fun under sail - it's as simple as that," says founder and owner Michael Schmidt, summarising the credo of the shipyard he founded nine years ago, adding: "This can only be achieved with simple and intuitive operation of all systems on board." This simple and efficient maxim is based on Schmidt's extensive sailing experience, having trimmed sails and set the course at the helm for well over half a century.
"Calabash" combines modern architecture with a cosy ambience
At the age of 75, he still spends a lot of time on one of his boats - be it on the Dragon at the winter Wednesday regatta in the Bay of Palma, on his classic on a Baltic Sea cruise or on his latest carbon construction "Calabash", which, like many of the first build numbers of his new YYachts models, he had made for himself. "According to my very own ideas", as he reveals with satisfaction. The sales figures of his shipyard, which is located in the Greifswald suburb of Ladebow and just a few metres from the Baltic Sea, prove that he can build boats and make owners happy. YYachts has delivered almost 50 boats between 70 and 90 feet in less than a decade. In addition to the semi-custom models Y7, Y8 and Y9, this also includes the 30-metre "Prevail", which was highly customised to the needs and wishes of a US owner.
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The list of constructors and designers with whom Schmidt has worked intensively in recent years shows that he is rarely satisfied with the status quo of one of his developments and that he is always in search of the optimum. After Luca Brenta and Bill Tripp, Mallorcan Javier Jaudenes has now entered the YYachts stage and designed the current Y8. When it comes to the interior, Schmidt is guided by his own preferences: Scandinavian design paired with elements of modern architecture and a cosy ambience. Over the years, creative offices from outside the industry, such as David Chipperfield, Norm Architects or, on "Calabash", David Thulstrup, have helped him achieve this. Studios with yachting experience such as Design Unlimited have also been involved. Always supported by the in-house YYachts design team based in Palma de Mallorca and headed by Francesca Modica.
On-board visit to the Superyacht Cup
"I love working with architects who have no experience with yachts," says Michael Schmidt. "It's the only way to pitch ideas that are innovative and unusual." The handrails in the style of bus handrails are the perfect example of this open and fresh approach to the design process. These can be found on almost every new YYachts build since build number 1, "Breeze".
"We are sailing the Superyacht Cup. If you want to be part of it, you are cordially invited."
If you want to find out all the details about the models from Ladebow, you have to rely on the walking yacht encyclopaedia Michael Schmidt. Test drives with the mastermind? Almost impossible, the passionate boat builder is simply too busy travelling. But we're in luck. "We're sailing in the Superyacht Cup in mid-June. If you want to sail with us, you're very welcome," suggests the busy shipyard founder. As a long-standing media partner of the successful superyacht regatta, this is a perfect plan for the team from YACHT's sister magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV.
While the three J-Class jewels "Svea", "Velsheda" and "Rainbow" complete their first races in the bay of Palma de Mallorca on Wednesday of the regatta week, the "Calabash" crew will be training! Instead of the usual two people on board, the regatta crew consists of 18 men - mostly experienced maxi sailors, who designer and tactician Javier Jaudenes has brought together for the next three days of racing. "These are my first races on a larger yacht since the Caribbean Heineken Regatta some
15 years ago," says the former Admiral's Cup sailor Schmidt. After an intensive training day with lots of gennaker and code zero manoeuvres, there is time in the evening for a detailed inspection of "Calabash".
The "Calabash" salon is of princely proportions
What is immediately noticeable below deck is the impressive volume thanks to the width of 6.58 metres and the unusual layout for Michael Schmidt. "This time, the crew quarters with the cabin on the port side and the mess room opposite are at the back. My wife wanted the classic owner's cabin in the bow, as you have more peace and quiet here in the harbour," says Schmidt openly. Aft is the saloon, which surprises with its princely dimensions and is divided into just two areas: At the front is the rosewood dining table framed by two sofas, which can be pulled out if required. Behind it is a lounge area, complete with two swivelling armchairs and a sofa opposite. The comfortable pieces of furniture are mounted on rails and can be moved together when the anchor drops.
The galley, which is located in the crew area between the two guest cabins, is completely atypical for a cruising yacht. You won't find a TV on board - if you want entertainment, use your laptop and the Starlink antenna (which has been removed for regatta use). The interior, dominated by smoked oak and mahogany wood, was created by Danish designer and architect David Thulstrup, who succeeded in creating a sophisticated mix of modern and Scandinavian influences. The Copenhagen-based studio focussed on creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere, with a palette of beige, brown and wood tones providing the basis for this. Owners can choose from four different layout options and the large saloon can be divided up in a variety of ways.
Competitive and light-footed sailing
In addition to the revised design and layout solutions, the new Y8 also introduces technical optimisations, such as a standard carbon mast from Axxon and a hydraulic mainsheet system. The cockpit has also been redesigned and all deck winches are now located close to the helm station, which is particularly interesting for small crews. "I really wanted a fathead mainsail for 'Calabash' - it looks better and performs better," says Schmidt. Instead of a backstay, backstays hold the mast in position. The crew stows the tender in a garage in the stern, which, unlike the Y9, can be accessed via the transom, making it much easier to launch the dinghy parked athwartships.
The new Y8 shows how it sails the next day and in the first race of the Superyacht Cup Palma. In 2:40 hours, the carbon construction ploughs light-footedly over the 20 nautical mile coastal course and solidly holds its own against the three 80-foot competitors in Class B in 10 to 16 knots of wind and one and a half metre waves. With a boat speed of up to 13 knots in 15 knots of true wind, "Calabash" rushes across the triangular course with just under 700 square metres of sail area, which Michael Schmidt at the helm also visibly enjoys.
The following two days of the regatta are chalked up to midsummer doldrums for the eleven Cup participants - that's sailing too. What remains is the memory of a good race and enjoyable event evenings in the Real Club Naútico and on the pontoons. It remains to be seen whether Michael Schmidt will sail his boat across a starting line again. In any case, "Calabash" has proven that she can compete and guarantees sailing fun. For now, extensive Mediterranean cruises with a small crew and plenty of rest are on the programme.
Technical data of the Y8 "Calabash"
- Length over everything: 23,99 m
- length (LWL): 22,13 m
- Width: 6,58 m
- Draught (fixed keel): 4,30 m
- Draught (fixed keel optional): 3,70 m
- Displacement (empty): 38,5 t
- Ballast (fixed keel): 12,9 t
- Ballast (fixed keel optional): 13,8 t
- Material: Carbon sandwich
- Rig: Axxon
- Hydraulic furler: Reckmann
- Sail: Doyle Stratis
- Sail area (on the wind): 335 m²
- Sail area (outhaul): 696 m²
- Motors: 1 x Yanmar 4LV195, 143 kW
- Electronics: B&G
- Construction: Javier Jaudenes
- Exterior design: Javier Jaudenes
- Interior design: David Thulstrup, YYachts
- Shipyard: YYachts, 2024
- Starting price: from 3.95 million euros
