World premiere at the Palma International Boat Show: YYachts presents the 24 metre long Y8

Shipyard founder Michael Schmidt: "The idea is completely different to that of the previous models - together with Mallorcan yacht designer Javier Jaudenes, we reworked the flat superstructure and the cockpit, and the customer of build number one was also heavily involved in the project. He knows our boats very well, as he has been sailing a Y7 for years. The interior layout is also new, and the space below deck is larger than on some 90-foot yachts."

Jaudenes, who is known for his award-winning designs such as "Win Win" and "Pink Gin Verde" once again created a design that combines elegance with high sailing performance. The interior was created by Danish designer and architect David Thulstrup, who succeeded in bringing a sophisticated mix of modern and Scandinavian influences on board. The Copenhagen-based studio focussed on creating a warm and pleasant feeling of space with plenty of comfort, based on a palette of beige, brown and wood tones. Owners can choose from four different layout options, and the unusually large saloon can also be divided up in a variety of ways.

Easy sailing with comfort on the Y8

The owner's suite with separate saloon can be accommodated either in the bow or in the stern with direct access to the cockpit. The galley can be ordered open or closed, and owners can choose between three or four cabins.

At its core, the Y8 remains true to the YYachts philosophy of "keep it simple", with options that simplify sailing without sacrificing comfort. "For me, this new Y8 is a very special design," enthuses Michael Schmidt. "After all, I founded the shipyard with the first Y8. There were a lot of orders in between. But sailing and the needs of customers are constantly evolving, with new building materials, more modern rigs and also the regatta scene. This change spurs us on to keep developing new products."

In addition to the revised design and layout solutions, the new Y8 introduces technical optimisations such as a standard carbon mast and a hydraulic mainsheet system. In addition, all deck winches are now close to the helm station. These features, together with the self-tacking jib and the absence of a backstay, are designed to improve the performance and ease of handling of the 38-tonner and ensure a relaxed sailing experience - even shorthanded.

The first Y8 was the foundation stone for YYachts

YYachts was founded in 2015 when Michael Schmidt wanted to build his own 24-metre sloop. Michael Schmidt Yachtbau became a shipyard that has managed to deliver 41 yachts with lengths between 70 and 90 feet in nine years. Figures that competitors from Finland, Italy and South Africa grudgingly take note of.

YYachts now has around 40 employees and, in addition to its headquarters in Greifswald, there is also a branch office in Mallorca. "Our design office is located in Palma and is managed by Francesca Modica," says Michael Schmidt.

Anyone wishing to experience the freshly launched Y8 live has until Sunday 28 April, when the Jaudenes design will be moored in the port of Palma de Mallorca as part of the Palma International Boat Show, which is taking place for the 40th time this year.

Technical data Y8

• Length over all (LOA): approx. 23.99 m
• Length including bowsprit: 25,99 m
• Length of waterline (LWL): approx. 22.40 m
• Width: approx. 6.58 m
• Displacement (empty): approx. 38.8 tonnes
• Draught (fixed keel): approx. 4.30 m (optional 3.70 m)
• Draught (lift keel)approx. 2.80 - 4.30 m
• Ballast (fixed keel): approx. 13.30 tonnes
• Ballast (lift keel): approx. 12.50 tonnes
• Fuel tankapprox. 1300 l
• Fresh water: approx. 1300 litres
• Blackwater: approx. 320 litres
• Exterior Design & Naval Architecture: Surge projects / Javier Jaudenes
• Interior design: David Thulstrup
• Classification: CE category "A"
• Shipyard: YYachts GmbH

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• Shipyard report: Visit to Michael Schmidt and his shipyard YYachts
• YBreeze 75: A superlative daysailer from Greifswald
• The special boat: Y7: Great things from Greifswald
• "Bella": The first Y9 from YYachts in Greifswald
• Y9: Small series flagship from YYachts with easy handling
• Portrait Baltic 68 "Pink Gin Verde": It doesn't get any greener than this