Boats that Rock
Getting afloat in these trying times is one of the best ways of having fun; choose your weapon from our list of new releases.
Our eclectic listing ranges from sensible starter boats to mini superyachts and some interesting vessels in between. Some Australian built boats quite rightly feature here because on merit they are some of the best in the world. Elsewhere, there is a plethora of incredible technology and power — take a look at the new Morgana, sister ship of Wild Oats XI for example.
Catamarans are the hottest category in larger yacht sales right now for several good reasons. They are floating homes with or without sails, yet can cross oceans. For coastal cruising their shallow draft allows visits to shoaling tidal bays on Australia's east coast, while myriad onboard facilities and frugal fuel consumption mean you can stay there for days.
Sailing continues to evolve with technology and new rules, such as the first double-handed racing in the Rolex Sydney-Hobart race for 2021. An exciting prospect given the estimated 5,000 global crews sailing right now, according to Larry Rosenfeld, founding President of Offshore Doubles. This class should also feature in the Olympics and has a strong following. Thus the reason we've included the exciting Farr X2 that has already sold several hulls to Australia for that very purpose.
For sailors, major technological advances in foiling mean sailing yachts now move faster than motoryachts in many scenarios. For example the world's toughest yacht race is underway as I write this — the Vendee Globe — a single-handed circumnavigation at speeds of 20–30 knots in outrageously complex 60 footers. Join them one day by buying your own learner mini foiler such as the Peacoq. Or perhaps simply kick back on the teak deck of an Australian built motoryacht and contemplate it all.
STARTER BOATS
EXCESS 11
This 36 footer is the smallest mass-production cat on the market, so an ideal entry-level boat. Yet it can still have up to four cabins, or a three cabin owner layout.
Its outboard helms and opening bimini return the sensation of sailing that many catamarans have lost, while an optional sporty sailplan can add to the thrill.
Dealer Flagstaff Marine has imported the first of this range that includes the 12 and 15 models.
Length: 11.33m (37.2ft)
Beam: 6.59m
Draft: 1.15m
Displacement: 9,000kg
Sail area: 77sqm
Engines: 2 x 29HP sail drives
Design: VPLP
BENETEAU ANTARES 11
Length: 11.08m (36.4ft)
Beam: 3.4m
Draft: 0.78m
Displacement: 5,723kg
Engines: 2 x 300HP outboards
Design: Beneteau/Sarazin Design
W: beneteau.com
PEACOQ FOILER
Foiling is the future of performance yachting so this learner foiler looks a good starting point for aspiring medallists, or simply for those wanting the thrill of elevated sailing and smooth reaching that foilers offer.
This Vendee based company Foily sees their new foiler, named Peacoq, as ideal for schools and other training bodies as the 14ft dinghy is a manageable size for younger sailors. Equipped with quality Harken deck gear and retractable foils that fold inward, which are safer for close proximity racing. Pricing is expected to be around €33,600.
Length: 4.2m (14ft)
Beam: 1.82m (folded foils)
Draft: 0.3m
Displacement: 130kg
Sail area: 13sqm
Engine: Outboard
Design: MM Process
MOTORYACHTS
RIVIERA 64
Riviera is busy on the Gold Coast with orders for its new 64 that comes with four staterooms, including a full-beam master, three bathrooms and a large covered mezzanine that expands the saloon deck by 50 per cent. Crew can be accommodated in an utility room that can be optioned with bunks. The galley in the saloon is located aft, handily placed for the stern entertaining area and swim platform. Yet more space is on the flybridge. Power comes from twin shaft drive Man V8 1300HPs that can reach 34 knots.
Length: 21.23m (69.8ft)
Beam: 5.8m
Draft: 1.68m
Displacement: 42,980kg
Engine: 2 x MAN turbo V8 1300HP shaft drives
Design: Riviera
MARITIMO S55
Maritimo continue to evolve their proven designs for Australian conditions, but the S55 is the beginning of a new range for the Gold Coast builder.
The design maximises living space, especially topside, without compromising its sturdy bluewater hull. Following the fashion of sedan style yachts, the result is a sleek three cabin layout that gives the owner a generous suite midships, along with VIP-level guest cabins. The split level saloon demarcates the aft galley from the lounge and cockpit area, while large aft doors seamlessly flow into the cockpit.
Length: 17.27m (56.8ft)
Beam: 5.23m
Draft: 1.35m
Displacement: 26,000kg
Engines: 2 x Volvo D11-670HP shaft drives
Design: Maritimo
W: maritimo.com.au
PRESTIGE X70
The Prestige X70 made its debut at one of the few shows to run in 2020 — Fort Lauderdale — which is an appropriate event for what is the new flagship from a range built by Jeanneau in Italy.
Interesting features include an extra-long cockpit and beamy saloon with no side decks on the aft half of the topside, but bow access is from the door near the helm. Accommodation is for four guests plus owner's suite midships and crew quarters near the engine room aft.
Length: 2183m (71.7ft)
Beam: 5.34m
Draft: 1.7m
Displacement: 33,400kg
Engines: TBC
Design: Garroni/Romedis
ENATA HYDROFOILER
Enata uses four hydrofoils, acting like wings, to lift you 1.5 metres above the water, reaching a top speed of 40 knots with foiling from 18 knots. The carbon hull is powered by twin 370HP diesels driving torpedo shaped motors fitted to the aft foil. Steering is via joystick controls, with a second cockpit on the foredeck to add thrills to this smooth ride. Stability is controlled by smart sensors which also optimise the ride.
Three deck layouts are available with and without cabins: Venturi open layout, the Royale with more benches, cabin and double cockpit seating; and the Azure with air conditioned cabin.
The Enata is certified to CE Cat B, has a range of 190nm at 20 knots and can take eight guests plus skipper. Price is €764,000.
Length: 9.8m (32ft)
Beam: 7.2m (3.3m foils retracted)
Draft: 0.7–1.9m
Displacement: unknown
Engines: 2 x two diesel/electric 370HP
Design: Enata Marine
W: enata.com
BENETEAU GRAND TRAWLER 62
The utilitarian Swift Trawler range has garnered a wide global following which has persuaded Beneteau to create the largest one yet, the Grand Trawler 62. It claims a range of 900nm at eight knots, ideal for remote north Australia, but can blast at 20 knots should the need arise.
Certified to 'B' coastal classification, the blunt upright shape creates a lot of internal volume across three levels with 2m headroom in four cabins. The owner's suite is midships in the three cabin layout, making good use of the maximum beam.
Length: 18.95m (62.2ft)
Beam: 5.45m
Draft: 1.4m
Displacement: 28,500kg
Engines: 2 x Man 730HP shaft-drives
Design: Micad Naval Architects/Nauta Interiors
W: beneteau.com
SAILING YACHTS
FARR X2
Experienced racing dealership Vicsail is importing a new offshore race boat for the burgeoning double-handed scene, which is expected to rapidly grow in Australia with the category now included for the 2021 Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race. Two orders have already been placed for Australia for this 30 footer.
A cost-conscious build uses vacuum consolidated vinylester/E-glass with PVC foam core. Foils are twin rudders and lead bulbed keel, with additional stability coming from twin 250L water ballast tanks. The rig is carbon with bowsprit for flying asymmetrical spinnakers. The large cockpit dominates the deck layout to finish what looks like a good upwind and running design for short-handed racing.
Length: 9.2m (30.1ft)
Beam: 3.15m
Draft: 2.1m
Displacement: 2,500kg + 1,000kg ballast keel
Sail area: 63.6sqm upwind
Engine: 13HP inboard Volvo Penta
Design: Farr Yacht Design
Builder : XSP — Extreme Sailing Projects
DUFOUR 470
Dufour Yachts was established more than 50 years ago, but changed ownership to the Fountaine Pajot Group in 2018. Multihull Solutions Australia, a long-standing Fountaine Pajot dealer, is the new dealer for Dufour for 2020 and will market it under its Yacht Sales Co company. Given their extensive broker network this new 470 is expected to sell well, said boss Mark Elkington, with the first one arriving in May for Sanctuary Cove 2021.
Available in three versions — Easy for regular cruising, Ocean for voyagers, and Performance — the deck also has an unusual two-part bimini system. Below can be three or four cabins plus a bunk and the long 45 foot waterline is ideal for distant voyaging.
Length: 14.85m (48.72ft)
Beam: 4.74m
Draft: 2.25m
Displacement: 13,200kg
Sail area: 107sqm
Engine: 60HP
Design: Dufour/Felci Design
R/P NAUTA 100
A cruiser-racer version of Hobart winning Wild Oats XI sounds a thrilling idea and one that is taking form in the Southern Wind Yard in South Africa.
Having been on some of their incredible carbon rocket ships, the new Reichel Pugh and Nauta design 100 footer named Morgana promises fast cruising miles and regatta trophies. The carbon hulled lifting keeler is flush decked yet has ample cabin space for three guest doubles and large owner's suite forward. The aft crew area has a large captain’s cabin with a double bed and a crew cabin.
Length: 30.5m (100 t)
Beam: 7.46m
Draft: 4.0-6.1m (lifting keel)
Displacement: 63,620kg
Sail area: 638sqm
Engine: Cummins 73HP
Design: Reichel Pugh/Nauta
LAGOON SIXTY5
Industry leader Lagoon continues to use its vast R&D to produce new cruising catamarans, and the Sixty5 is one of its premium models. It has a vast flybridge with twin steering wheels, while below decks are six cabins. A big boat feature is the downstairs galley, ideal for crewed charter or a luxurious skippered owner's boat. The downside of flybridges is an elevated sail plan. However, it should be manageable, with an in-boom mainsail and cutter rig foresail plan.
Length: 20.55m (67ft 5in)
Beam: 10m
Draft: 1.55m
Displacement: 48,800kg
Sail area: 268.5sqm
Engines: 2 x Volvo 150HP shaft-driven
Design: VPLP/Nauta/Patrick le Quément
SEAWIND 1370
The Seawind 1370 begins a new era for the Vietnam builder with its upcoming 45 footer penned by French Naval Architect Francois Perus that launches in 2021.
While retaining the popular features of large windows and unique saloon door system, the 1370 will have a galley upstairs. Accommodation can be a three cabin owner's layout or four cabin. Key design parameters include modest weight (11 tons) and its ability to be loaded for bluewater cruising whilst retaining its performance.
Base price is expected to be USD$659,000.
Length:13.7m (45ft)
Beam: 7.6m
Draft: 1.3m
Displacement: 11 tons
Sail area: 116sqm
Engines: 2 x Yanmar 40hp saildrive
Design: Francois Perus/Seawind
ILIAD 60
Powered catamarans have many attractions for both the cruising boater and day sailor alike, who can enjoy the space, stability and frugality, as found on this Chinese built Iliad. Australian company Multihull Solutions has brought to market a remarkable new line of powered catamarans with the debut of the Iliad marque in 2019.
The Iliad 70 made its debut at the Sydney boat show 2019 has followed on from the Iliad 50's arrival, and these will be joined by a 60 later, according to company boss Mark Elkington who was heavily involved in the conception and design. All hulls have long-range capabilities, typically 3,500 miles and importantly significant bridge-deck clearance – 1.15m on the 60.
Length: 18.95m (60ft)
Beam: 8.19m
Draft: 1.5m
Displacement: 41,500kg
Engines: TBC
Design: Riccardo Bulgarelli
Builder: Xinlong Yachts, Zhanjiang, Guandong Provence, China
W: multihullsolutions.com.au
SILENT YACHTS 60
This company has pioneered ocean going electric catamarans that I've found interesting to take offshore.
Powered by electric motors similar to those used in forklift trucks and backed up by a marine generator that charge the lithium batteries in dull weather, these boats are well made and the latest 60 model is an evolution of the Swiss-German company's product.
Powered by 42 solar panels that generate 17kWp, installed across the flybridge and saloon roof pieces the Silent 60 can be self-sufficient (except fuel for generator). Inside is the spaciousness of 60 catamarans with three to six cabins in the hulls. Cruising speed is 6–8 knots.
Length: 17.99m (60ft)
Beam: 8.99m
Draft: 0.93m
Displacement: 25 tons
Sail area: n/a
Engines: 2 x 250 KW electric motors
Design: Silent-Yachts/Albert Nazarov
W: silent-yachts.com