NEW BOATS - Sassy Sasga
It appears that boats with an element of tradition are all the rage in Europe at the moment.
The latest design to bear fruit is the Sasga, from the boards of Spanish design studio Barracuda Yacht Design. Headed by Inigo Toledo (could you get a more Spanish name?), Barracuda might seem a relative unknown outside of Europe, but the boards in its offices have worked on a considerable variety of designs from modern America’s Cup hulls to superyachts, both power and sail.
Offered as the 13.5m Sasga 12 and the 16.4m flybridge Sasga 16, these two new models draw on the Balearic-style motorboats known as Llauts, themselves based on the types of centuries-old rowing boats used around the Balearic islands off Spain and in particular by fishermen from Menorca. Indeed, the new models will be built by Sasga Yachts, a yard based on Menorca, with construction in sandwich composites.
Of note in both designs is the rounded stern and beam carried well forward, which will allow for generous deck and interior spaces while offering solid seakeeping characteristics. Moreover, gyro stabilisers will be offered as an option for additional comfort — an unusual step for cruisers in this size bracket. Both models will offer flexible interior layouts, along with walkaround access to generous foredeck spaces and large swimplatforms. The Sasga 16 will deliver three guest cabins, with a further bow cabin described as a “steward/skipper’s cabin”.
The Sasga 12, offered at a provisional price of Euro 360,000, will be powered by twin 260hp or 315hp engines, with cruising speeds expected to be from 12kts up to around 18 to 20kts. It is a mark of the efficient hull lines that range is expected to be more than 300nm at 15kts, extending to over 500nm at 12kts. The first Sasga 12 is expected to launch early in 2011, with the first Sasga 16 due in 2012. - Tim Thomas
Images: Sasga 16 profile; Sasga 12 profile; Sasga 12 main deck; Sasga 12 owner's deck.