Michael Schmidt's YYachts shipyard presents the Y6, the smallest model in the series to date, which also includes the Y7, the Y8 and the Y9. Like its big sisters, the new construction by Bill Tripp is made of carbon epoxy sandwich. This is intended to enable low weight with high strength and thus improve the light wind properties in particular. In terms of design, the Y6 with its striking structure and convex stem fits in well with the rest of the range, but also stands out somewhat thanks to its pronounced chine.
Suitable for one-handed use despite its size
YYachts describes the boat as a stylish world cruiser. The cockpit is designed for single-handed operation. Michael Schmidt: "The Y6 will be extremely intuitive to sail." As is common on many larger yachts, the sheets and halyards are led aft to the two steering wheels, leaving the guest cockpit free of controls. A self-tacking jib and a furling main boom are further features for simple handling, as are the electric winches and other assistance systems. In order to guarantee the owner a high level of operational safety even without a professional crew, the shipyard has intensified its after-sales service and offers a direct virtual connection to the various shipyard technicians.
The owner of the new YYachts brings his interior designer with him
The new Y6 has a particularly flexible design below deck, the owner has a wide choice of layouts, three to four cabins to choose from and various options to suit every taste. Four types of wood are available, including oak and mahogany. Owners are even encouraged to involve their own interior designers, emphasises Sales Director Tijl Hetterschijt. And: "With the Y6, we enable a level of customisation that is very rare in the 60 to 65-foot class."
Customisation was already Schmidt's theme at his previous shipyard, Hanseyachts, just four kilometres down the road in Greifswald. The Hanse 590, the shipyard's largest boat, has just been built there. With the Y6 and the Hanse 590, both shipyards founded by Schmidt are now building in the same size segment for the first time. However, the price difference remains striking: the Hanse 590 costs just under one million euros, the Y6 starts at twice that price. Large series versus small edition, GRP versus carbon fibre.
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Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
