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Yachting Monthly

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X-Yachts X43 review: fast passage making in comfort

• Theo Stocker
• August 25, 2023

X-Yachts’ latest model, the X43 promises to be a fast passage-making cruising boat that’s fun and engaging to sail but won’t scare your socks off. Theo Stocker went to find out how well the X43 toes the line

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

You know the stars have aligned when you get Force 4-5 and bright sunshine, as well as a boat, crew, photographer and RIB all in the right place at the right time. Conditions could not have been better for testing the Mark 2 version of the hugely successful X-Yachts X43. This was going to be fun.

We were lucky to have Pieter, the proud new owner of Lexi aboard, and as we motored down the river, he told me why he’d chosen this boat. ‘I previously owned a mass-produced 38ft family cruiser, which was great, but I wanted something a bit bigger and with three teenage children who really enjoy sailing, we needed more for them to get involved with on the boat. We wanted something that was really engaging to sail. I looked at Grand Soleil, Arcona and X-Yachts. I liked the X46 and my wife liked the X40, so we settled on the X43, and we’re both happy it’s the right size to have gone for.’

While Grand Soleil and Arcona are more on a par with the X-Performance range numbers wise, there are relatively few direct comparators to the X43 – perhaps a Dehler 42, or the slightly heavier and older Sweden Yacht 42. In short, this ‘Pure-X’ boat ploughs something of its own furrow between cruiser/racers and more dedicated cruisers.

It’s clear to the see the appeal of a proper sailing boat with plenty of canvas and single rudder steering for decent performance, combined with a reassuring amount of ballast and the creature comforts of deep-fill mattresses, microwave and coffee machine.

The wide cockpit makes sail handling and manoeuvres easy, but can feel a little exposed. Photo: Richard Langdon

More than just skin deep

Now, cosmetic surgery comes in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to boat models, design updates are often pretty superficial – a chin-tuck here, some filler there – new windows, extra cushion fabric options, and maybe a tweak or two to the deck layout. Far from a simple facelift, however, the new X43 has undergone a full-scale transformation of its rear end.

Everything forward of the shrouds remains unchanged from the original 2016 model, but from the shrouds aft, it’s a completely new hull. The boat is no beamier than the Mark 1, but that beam is carried all the way aft to supercharge its form stability with a stern fully 50cm wider. Drag-inducing wetted surface area has been reduced by lifting the rounded hull chines up and out of the water. This boat then has, in theory, both better light wind performance and better strong wind performance, but I’d have to take X-Yachts’ word for it on the light wind stuff.

First impressions were good. The test boat, fresh out of the wrapper, looked stylish, slick and neat. The S-shaped stem adds support for the Code-Zero tack near the base of the fixed carbon bowsprit; the tack point at the end is for asymmetric spinnakers that don’t require high luff tension.

A wider stern and higher chines give more stability when heeled and less drag in light airs. Photo: Richard Langdon

The broader stern, coupled with some extra space taken from the aft sidedecks, creates an enormously spacious cockpit, but with two table options to provide bracing. Add in the new higher soft hull chines aft, and she starts to look a lot more fleet of foot than the Mk 1.

Hidden from sight, the deep single rudder has been updated to make it both more powerful and slightly less balanced to provide better feel on the helm. Countless other small tweaks – larger hull windows, raised helm seats to keep your backside dry, a moulded recess for the self-tacking jib track (covered if not fitted) – contribute to a thorough refinement of an already highly successful model with more than 100 built since 2016.

Chainplates are neatly hidden within the moulded toerails, and stanchions are neatly fitted. Photo: Richard Langdon

This is only the second model designed by the in-house design team since the retirement of X-Yachts co-founder and lead designer, Niels Jeppesen, but it remains every inch an X-Yacht.

Shifting gears

A brisk Force 4 barreled up the Solent from the south east, and built through the day. With wind and tide together, the seas were flat, but as the tide turned, the chop would build. Full canvas was set to see how and when we would need to start shifting down the gears.

It took us a moment or two to get settled down – jib car positions, mainsheet traveller, halyard tensions, vang, outhaul and backstay all helped balance the power from a fairly generous sailplan. It was reassuring to feel through the wheel when the boat was, and wasn’t, properly in her stride, which is hard to replicate with a twin-rudder boat.

ockpit coamings offer a comfortable and secure seat for crew, with good views forwards from the wheel. Photo: Richard Langdon

In 14 knots true wind, we found that sailing at 32º-34º the speed settled around 7 knots, topping out at 7.2 knots with just over 20 knots across the deck. Pinching 5º higher saw the speed drop to 6.5 knots. That’s not bad going for a boat this comfortable. With the true wind speed creeping up to Force 5 (17-18 knots) and 30º of heel, it was finally time to put a reef in. Unsurprisingly, with a more sensible sail plan, she sat up to 20-25º, the helm eased and the speed climbed.

Where a pure performance boat might punish inattention, a good cruising boat should be a little more forgiving. Munching sandwiches and chatting over lunch on one of the beats, I wasn’t watching the telltales closely. It was easy to sail by feel and the boat didn’t stray from 28-32º to the wind, though pinching saw the speed down at 6.5 knots. While a bit of concentration found us the missing half-knot plus, the boat had happily sailed on in the right direction.

Coachroof jib tracks give a tight sheeting angle, with lines neatly ducted back to the cockpit. Photo: Richard Langdon

Prudence prevails

Our top reaching speed under plain sails was 8.2 knots, which was surpassed once the Code Zero was up on a broad reach, lifting us to a comfortable 8.5-9 knots, with the occasional foray above 10 knots in the gusts. Had we been racing, an asymmetric spinnaker might have been risked for some more double-digit speeds, but that’s not how she’d be sailed when cruising, and with both sailmaker and owner looking on, prudence prevailed.

While out there, I tried to overpress the boat, bearing away with the sails pinned in hard. The amount of grip from the single rudder was impressive, and she didn’t let go, even as the helm loaded up in complaint. Only at close to 45º of heel did the boat start to overpower the rudder, though never out of control. A slight luff and an ease on the sheets had her back at heel.

While not a planing hull, this boat will exceed hull speed under Code Zero or asymmetric. Photo: Richard Langdon

Similarly, when overpressed with the Code Zero up, I was always able to force the bow back downwind to bring the boat more upright without needing to ease the sheets. This is in part thanks to the boat’s significant form stability, and her impressive ballast ratio of 40%; the cast iron keel with lead bulb at the bottom of it makes for a very low centre of gravity.

While a racing boat crew would see this as speed potential, for a cruising boat, it buys you a safety margin in bad weather and more stable, solid cruising in good weather. The boat tested had two reefs in the North Sails Norlam Xi main and a 106% genoa. Light wind sailing wasn’t something we got the chance to try on our test, but reports of the hull concept first trialled on the flagship X56 suggest that this hull is easily driven in the light stuff too, for which the owner had specified both large asymmetric and symmetric running spinnakers.

Little details also make a big difference, and I liked having the ability to furl away the stack pack sail cover and appreciated the clips fitted either side of the gooseneck to allow the lazyjacks to be hooked back when not in use. There were mast steps to reach the top of the stack pack, which is high as the boom has been kept above head height for crew in the cockpit.

Under engine, 2,200 revs got us to 7 knots in flat water, and 6.5 at 2,000rpm, with a Yanmar 45hp motor and saildrive transmission fitted with a three-bladed folding prop, upgraded from the two-bladed folding standard. Access to the engine is excellent from the front, as well as via large removable moulded panels on both sides in the aft cabins. The compartment also houses the 24-litre calorifier.

Once on a beat, the X43 will just want to keep going without asking too much of the crew. Photo: Richard Langdon

Sleek and functional

On deck, the layout is clean and functional. At the helm, large composite wheels are mounted with Jefa steering on pedestals with chartplotters, autopilot, and bowthruster control. A lifting foot chock for the helm was easy to deploy single-handed. Mainsheet winches can be reached from behind the wheel but are more comfortably used when sitting astride or ahead of the wheels.

While there’s no stern seat, the helm seat on the tail end of the coaming is comfortable under way. Numbers were visible on the coachroof mounted B&G Triton 2 displays, though to see the chartplotters you have to stand up; a pedestal repeater visible when seated would be nice.

Deck hardware and controls are good. The T-sheeted mainsheet worked well with high-spec blocks eliminating friction under load, and the 50ST Harken Performa winches were more than up to the job, with the port coachroof and starboard mainsheet winches being powered. The hydraulic backstay tensioner controlled the 2-spreader keel-stepped aluminium John Mast spar.

Two opening hatches each side and a large deck hatch ensure good ventilation in the stylish saloon, finished in Nordic oak. Photo: Richard Langdon

Neat touches include the chainplates being hidden below panels in the moulded bulwarks, and the cleverly routed ducting for most lines on deck.

The cockpit’s additional width is enormous. While there are bracing chocks on the centreline, for cruising one of the two removable table options would make the cockpit feel more secure. The bathing platform is optional too, though I can’t see many owners going without it, especially as it folds level with the cockpit sole so as not to interupt the clean lines and open feel.

Stowage on deck is good. In the three-cabin version we tested there’s a sole-depth cockpit locker extending aft under the coaming for long items, plus two hull-depth lazarette lockers. Between them sits a large gas locker with space for two big bottles of gas – an unusual arrangement that works well.

If you go for the two-cabin version, the cockpit locker becomes a huge hull-depth space that can be accessed through the aft heads.

Stowage abounds in the galley, and there’s a microwave in the overhead locker. Photo: Richard Langdon

At the bow, there’s a good deep anchor locker abaft the below-deck headsail furler, with a watertight bulkhead between it and the cavernous hull-depth forepeak locker. This is also a watertight compartment, but it can be drained into the main bilges via a seacock in the forward cabin. Little details like this and the absence of rough edges in out of the way places reveals the quality of build.

Practically elegant

Practicality continues as you head below, noticing as you do that the companionway hatch doors fold back into recesses, hiding rope bins for the halyard tails.

Below, it’s a sensible, practical layout – L-shaped galley to port, heads to starboard, C-shaped saloon seating and an aft-facing chart table against the forward heads bulkhead. The galley, including the microwave in the overhead lockers, includes good amounts of stowage above, behind and below the work surfaces, a top-opening fridge and an upright pantry locker abaft the three-burner gas cooker.

The heads, to starboard, would be a generous space on the two-cabin version, but here it has been split into two; the door opens to the sink and lockers, with a door aft for the starboard cabin, and a door forwards into the toilet and shower compartment. It’s slightly odd access to the aft cabin, but otherwise makes excellent use of space. It’s a shame there’s no wet locker, but a removable wet hanging rail is an option in the shower.

Tick the option for the en suite owner’s heads if you would like more privacy in the forward cabin. Photo: Richard Langdon

Solid and silent

The chart table is small but functional and would fit a leisure folio chart. There’s a bookshelf and switch panel above it, but on this boat no instrument displays were fitted. On the two-cabin version this becomes a full-size forward facing nav station. I’d have liked a couple more handholds around the bottom of the companionway for moving around below while heeled.

In the saloon, the elegant table is surrounded by C-shaped seating and folds out to serve the straight starboard settee, supported by a fixed base housing the obligatory bottle stowage. Both settees are long enough to make decent sea-berths. Tanks are beneath the seats, with 340 litres of water to port and 200 litres of diesel to starboard, which keeps weight central, though limits saloon stowage to the inboard ends of the C-shaped seating and the overhead lockers.

This is more than compensated for with the stowage beneath the double bed in the forward cabin, the base of which hinges on gas struts to reveal four large bins below, as well as the overhead lockers and the upright locker to starboard. You’d get even more if you don’t opt for the en suite heads on the port side, though I’d be reluctant to sacrifice that in the owner’s cabin.

In the aft cabins, this boat had the option of pipe-cot sea berths above and outboard of the generous double berths, in place of longitudinal shelves. Whether they’re regularly used as sea berths or not, they’d make extremely useful stowage in which to dump kit bags or children. Horizontal grained Nordic oak joinery and bulkheads, coupled with a moulded headlining throughout gives the boat a crisp, clean feel, with removable panels for maintenance access.

Part of the reason the boat sails so well is its stiffness. The hull is vacuum-infused, post-cured epoxy laminate over a foam core, while the deck is hand laid-up polyester resin over a foam core. As with boats of this calibre, bulkheads are bonded in, and there’s also a steel frame taking the keel loads with additional reinforcement from carbon box sections. Under way in chop, there wasn’t a single squeak or rattle – this is a beautifully built boat with the performance to back it up.

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This boat is undeniably fun to sail; engaging on the helm, responsive to being sailed well and reassuring in a blow. If you are after a racing machine, there are other performance cruisers that are faster, including from the X-Yachts Performance range. Similarly, the X-Yachts Cruising range offers a more sedate boat that would be better suited to blue-water cruising. But the Pure X range has found a niche in the market for fast cruisers. There were a couple of tiny niggles: the slightly odd access to the aft cabin through the heads might grow on me, but I wasn’t sure, and I’d have liked a wet locker somewhere on board; I thought it could do with a couple more handholds around the galley and the bottom of the companionway. But that’s nit-picking. This is a boat pretty devoid of hidden gremlins. Craftsmanship is top-notch throughout in both finish and construction, making a very stiff boat with a fresh, modern look. The design developments over the Mark 1 appear to have made a materially better boat with more power, more feel on the helm, and more stability.

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X-Yachts X-43 - Opinions As A Performance Live-Aboard Cruiser?

• Thread starter Laser310
• Start date 12 Jul 2020
• 12 Jul 2020

Well-known member

I did a search, as I am sure it has been discussed.., but I could not get any results. Within this generation of X-yachts, I have only ever been on the X-40 - I liked it, but it is a bit small (for me) as a live-aboard with wife and children/friends as occasional guests. It seems like the X-43 is pretty similar.., just a bit bigger. I am guessing it has similar sailing characteristics..? I've raced quite a bit on the XP-44,and it's very nice, but they are ~2X the cost. I also like Arcona's but they are somewhat rare on the 2nd hand market, and typically more expensive than comparable X-yachts. Cruising grounds would be northern Europe, and the Med.  

KompetentKrew

I've owned only dinghies and one-design keel boats up to 33ft - mostly without any accommodations. I am a racing navigator, and also do many deliveries - I've sailed on quite a few boats. Mostly they are very nice and larger than what I am contemplating- Gunboats, many Swans, some Oysters.., As I mentioned, I have been on the X-40, and I have also sailed a lot on an XP-44. I think the X-Yachts in general are quite a bit better than an AWB - certainly the AWB typically does not have the galvanized keel grid of the X-40 and 43. The 44 has a composite grid - to be lighter - but it still looks pretty good. The only boat that one might call an AWB that I know of with the grid is the Salona - the 41, don't know about other salonas. To me, it's really important that the keel stays on - I think there is no comparison of X-Yachts with say Beneteau, Hanse, Dehler, Bavaria.., and so on  

This all surely turns on budget and what available but curious as to why an Arcona might be more ?  

ashtead said: This all surely turns on budget and what available but curious as to why an Arcona might be more ? Click to expand...

These boats are well regarded but not particularly numerous in the U.K. - hence to get more info and owner views might be worth contacting / joining the X Yachts UK Owners Association  

Active member

My 2 cents. IMO these types of cruiser racers rarely make for a good cruiser- too much sail area, easily overpowered, very light so parking in a marina and a crosswind is always fun , all the lines led into the front of the cockpit to help the kids trip up, the traveller right in the middle of where you sit. Small tanks for water and fuel etc etc If you want a racing boat, get a racing boat. If you want to cruise, get a cruiser.  

STILA 44 sailing yacht for sale | De Valk Yacht broker Nice boys at Monnickendam, too.  

kof said: My 2 cents. IMO these types of cruiser racers rarely make for a good cruiser- too much sail area, easily overpowered, very light so parking in a marina and a crosswind is always fun , all the lines led into the front of the cockpit to help the kids trip up, the traveller right in the middle of where you sit. Small tanks for water and fuel etc etc If you want a racing boat, get a racing boat. If you want to cruise, get a cruiser. Click to expand...

KompetentKrew said: STILA 44 sailing yacht for sale | De Valk Yacht broker Nice boys at Monnickendam, too. Click to expand...

• 13 Jul 2020

Laser_310 said: i agree about the traveler - mostly because having the mainsheet in the cockpit cane be dangerous. putting the traveler in front of the companionway is an acceptable compromise for a cruising boat - lose a little upwind performance for a good measure of safety. the other factors you mention i can deal with - sail area in particular. you can always reef.., and it's nice to have it when you need it. the thing about "performance" boats is they don't need as much diesel - because they sail more; upwind, because they can.., in light air, because they have more easily driven hulls and the sail power... Click to expand...

BabySharkDooDooDooDooDoo

The X34/37/40/43 generation of X boats and Arcona are quite different from a 40.7 Higher ballast ratios, through deck jib furlers, recessed mounting of spray hood, better internal fit out, etc.  

Little Grebe said: The X34/37/40/43 generation of X boats and Arcona are quite different from a 40.7 Higher ballast ratios, through deck jib furlers, recessed mounting of spray hood, better internal fit out, etc. Click to expand...

I will admit to not being disinterested as I own a boat from one of the brands being discussed here (and a .7 series First some time back) However I see features like having a decent sail plan with the efficient sail handing equipment as a positive thing rather than making for a poor choice. No doubt other boats have greater fuel and water tankage but my boat has an endurance of around 50 hours under motor which is sufficient for my needs.  

I like a fast cruising boat but it needs to be stiff under sail as has been mentioned. Have cruised on a First 42s7 with the heavier lead keel (std was cast iron) and it proved a great boat to sail especially in the Med. Not all X-Yachts are designed as cruiser racers - here's a cruising 42 footer: 2009 X-Yachts Xc 42 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -  

E39mad said: I like a fast cruising boat but it needs to be stiff under sail as has been mentioned. Have cruised on a First 42s7 with the heavier lead keel (std was cast iron) and it proved a great boat to sail especially in the Med. Not all X-Yachts are designed as cruiser racers - here's a cruising 42 footer: 2009 X-Yachts Xc 42 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - Click to expand...

A live-aboard especially with kids has to do many things well and sailing ability whilst important may not be as critical as you think. A fuller underwater section should mean that it copes well with all the extra weight that you put on board and is more likely to float to it's designed waterline. A shallower draft will allow you into harbours (particularly Northern Europe) that others cannot get into or closer to the beach to drop the kids off or anchor in more sheltered water. It's all a compromise - just need to find the boat which best suits your priorities. Personally I'd like a lifting keel, fewer cabins than most and more storage. Not many choices when you narrow that down.  

E39mad said: A live-aboard especially with kids Click to expand...

E39mad said: Personally I'd like a lifting keel, fewer cabins than most and more storage. Not many choices when you narrow that down. Click to expand...

I see the forum's normal distrust of anything fast is alive and well! From the sound of it, you're a little like me in that even when not racing the satisfaction of sailing a good boat well is worth just as much as a bit more comfort in harbour. My dad had a Dufour 40 and I thought that to be about perfect in terms of the comfort/ performance compromise for longish term cruising. The 44 of the same era was also a fabulous boat, but well under your budget so probably a bit long in the tooth for your search. With a budget of £200k and a preference for fast boats, have you considered the Pogos? The 1250 is a similar size... Or is that a step too far down the performance road? Boats like the Elan E5 are a step back towards comfort from Pogo, but if you're looking at X-Yachts you may have opinions of the build quality. Certainly a fun search!  

flaming said: have you considered the Pogos? The 1250 is a similar size Click to expand...

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X-Yachts X4

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: May 15, 2017

Is it all about the destination or the journey? If judged by the new models introduced last fall at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, we are a nation divided.

Favoring the being-there side of the proposition are the many luxurious new boats featuring interiors with homelike appliances and transoms transformed into entertainment centers with built-in grills, fridges, sinks and couches. On the other hand, for Niels Jeppesen and the in-house design team at X-Yachts, the joy is clearly in the getting there, though their new 41-foot X4 mixes in plenty of comfort alongside heaping portions of performance.

“That boat was so lovely to get around on and sail,” said our Boat of the Year judge Carol Hasse as she went back over her notes following our sea trial on the X4. Fellow judge Tim Murphy agreed. “The helm felt really nice,” he noted. “I think they’ve largely hit their mark of providing more cruising comfort than the full-on performance boats do, and they kept it a really nice sailing boat.”

With judge number three, Ed Sherman, also on board in regard to the quality of the boat’s construction and systems, the team proceeded to bestow the X4 with the title of Best Full-Size Cruiser Under 50 Feet. It was a repeat performance for the Danish builder, which a year earlier won the same title with its Xc 45, the latest in its all-out cruiser line.

The X4 and a larger sibling, the X6, are entirely new designs that borrow elements from both the Xc range and the company’s Xp ­performance boats. In practice, that means the X4 has a slightly larger forward cabin, carries a bit more beam than its racier cousins and has a galvanized-­steel frame bonded to the hull for stiffness rather than the carbon-fiber one used in the Xp range to save weight. On the other hand, the design team retained an open transom, shorter cockpit benches, a traveler that spans the width of the cockpit sole and end-boom mainsail sheeting, which in conjunction with the Seldén vang, allows for a lot of control when trimming for sail shape. And it paid close attention to performance factors, keeping the X4’s displacement-to-length ratio a modest 171 while piling enough Norland/Dacron from North Sails on the Seldén two-spreader rig to give the boat a respectable working sail area-to-­displacement ratio of 23.

Although it’s a production sailboat, the X4 comes with a number of options, including three keels: shoal (6 feet 1 inch); standard (7 feet 3 inches), which was on the boat we sailed; and deep (8 feet 2 inches). A couple of different styles of carbon-fiber or fiberglass bowsprits are offered to suit an owner’s anchoring and headsail needs, and a carbon-­fiber mast and boom also can be had for a price. Speaking of dollars, the boat we sailed, all up with main, genoa and downwind sails, ­electronics, etc., had a price tag of $477,000, up from a without-­sails base of $330,000.

There are choices to be made down below too. An owner can choose to have an en-suite head and shower to port in the forward cabin or a second hanging locker in its place. Moving aft, the saloon is bright and well-ventilated thanks in part to the fore-and-aft butterfly hatch over the folding dining table and numerous opening ports. U-shaped seating is to port of the table and a settee is to starboard, at the aft end of which sits a rear-facing nav station. A head and shower are located to starboard at the foot of the companionway, and a well-equipped, L-shaped galley lies to port. Aft of these, one can choose a single cabin to port and large storage space and cockpit locker to starboard, or else two full-size double cabins. The boat we visited had the latter layout and added pipe berths in the two aft cabins, useful places to stash luggage or youngsters while underway.

On deck, the designers managed to squeeze a fold-down swim platform in under the open transom. When stepping aboard from the stern, you pass between twin wheels mounted on pedestals with display screens; there’s ample room behind them for the skipper to maneuver. Forward, the cockpit benches provide room to stretch out while seated or to ­accommodate guests.

One set of winches is mounted just forward of the wheels for controlling the main; another pair for the jib sheets sits well forward, meaning either you’ll rely on crew to trim the headsails or, if single-handing, you’ll need to leave the helm. A third pair of winches, one of which is electric for raising the main halyard, is mounted on the cabin top.

Fairleads for the 106-­percent genoa are on the cabin top, which allows for tight sheeting angles when beating to windward.­ That, combined with stays that are anchored outboard on the rail, makes for a clear path when moving forward. I found footing on the teak side decks to be quite good, though judge Hasse noted the smooth fiberglass toe rails could prove slippery underfoot when heeled.

Entering the open Chesapeake Bay from Back Creek, with a fresh breeze hovering around 10 knots, we made an effortless 7 knots closehauled, then added another knot by bearing off to a reach. By the luck of the draw, I got to sail first and found it difficult indeed to hand things off and not be a wheel hog. The boat’s movement through the waves, the feel of the helm, the trim of the sails — it was nothing short of lovely. In my opinion, our journey aboard the X4 ended all too quickly.

Specifications

length overall LOA: 41’0″ (12.5 m) LWL: 37’1″ (11.3 m) Beam: 13’0″ (3.96 m) Draft: 7’3″ (2.2 m) Sail Area: 1,044 sq. ft. (97 sq m) Ballast: 8,378 lb. (3,800 kg) Displacement: 19,511 lb. (8,850 kg) Ballast/Draft: .43 Displacement/Length: 171 Sail Area/Displacement: 23 Water: 90 gal. (340 l) Fuel: 53 gal. (200 l) Holding: 15 gal. (57 l) Mast Height: 58’8″ (17.9 m) Engine: 45 hp Yanmar, saildrive Designer: Niels Jeppesen, X-Yachts Design Team Price: $477,000

X-Yachts (860) 536-7776 www.rodgersyachtsales.com

Mark Pillsbury is CW’s editor.

• More: 2011+ , 41 - 50 ft , monohull , racer / cruiser , sailboat review , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , x yachts
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X-Yachts : How good is the new XC-47?

Jochen Rieker

 ·  26.10.2023

X-Yachts is renewing its cruising line and at the same time widening the gap between the so-called X-Pure and XC models. The Danes confidently declare that their first model, the XC-47, is "better than any other boat in its class".

And they are not that wrong. In fact, the 15-metre yacht, whose striking lines take some getting used to, impressed both conceptually and substantially. The level of detail in the interior is simply impressive, better than other top boats in the luxury class. The sailing characteristics and seaworthiness do not disappoint.

What's more, compared to its predecessors, the XC-45 and XC-50, it offers far greater independence. It is a boat that completely reinterprets long-distance sailing in a consistent manner.

Plenty of storage space below deck

Examples? Oh, there are plenty! Let's start with the secondary virtues, which are more important in a blue water boat than in a cruising yacht that is trimmed more for performance: probably no other model in the luxury segment offers so much easily accessible storage space.

And we don't just mean the enormously deep sail load in the foredeck and the equally huge aft locker, which is also perfectly accessible via a wide lid that opens aft. No, the XC-47 has that little bit of extra space everywhere: in the mirror cabinets of the two practical heads compartments, for example, but also underneath. There is a whole wall of cupboards in the foredeck (literally!). The absolute highlight, however, are the storage compartments under the berths in the aft section!

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If the bunks in the two guest compartments are split, you can sit on one of them and easily lift the mattress and the bunk board underneath. Like almost everything on the XC-47, this is not simply laid on top or locked in place by milled grooves, but is guided on hinges and held in place by gas pressure springs. A flick of the wrist and almost 400 litres of storage space are open. There is even a mesh pocket at the front to help divide the space - ideal for dirty laundry, for example.

The XC-47 is the first boat from a new in-house design team

The floorboards are not made of solid plywood, but have a foam sandwich core around which a frame is carpentry-finished. This means they can be thicker, do not warp and still save weight. Crazy!

Another example: for the hinges of the compartment doors, X-Yachts does not miss the opportunity to mill out the frame timbers by a few millimetres. You can't build anything more beautiful and functional than this, and it could hardly be more elaborate. A feast for quality fetishists.

Actually, we only want to share first impressions; for more, the detailed test report will follow in YACHT 25. So a word about the design: the XC-47 is the first boat not designed by Niels Jeppesen, who co-founded the shipyard and managed it as a partner for many years. He now designs for Arcona. The XC is therefore the first model from the in-house design team, led by Thomas Mielec.

And indeed, it stands out with the hexagonal design of the superstructure and hull windows. This stylistic element runs through the entire boat. For example, the openings of the doors to the cupboards and lockers are milled hexagonally. An unusual element for X. The sheer size and, in particular, height of the hull is also not exactly typical of the brand from Haderslev. However, these characteristics give the XC-47 its very unique appearance.

The new model from X-Yachts also knows how to sail

She looks dominant, powerful and perhaps a little heavy when compared to her sisters in the Performance Cruiser series. Nevertheless, the image suits her intended use, and she will always cut a fine figure at anchor in the Caribbean, where angular steel and aluminium yachts are bobbing about or cats with flybridges reminiscent of wedding cakes. Especially as the volume below deck brings with it a spaciousness and lightness that makes it easy to endure any extended stay in bad weather.

The XC-47 is a joy to sail anyway. It is easy to bring up to and even just above hull speed, has reassuringly high stability reserves and a good-naturedness on the rudder that successfully helps to avoid sun shots. During the test of construction number 1, the only thing that surprised us was the somewhat stiff steering, which guarantees a lot of feedback but is unnecessarily strenuous in the long run. The shipyard is still considering modifications. And while we're on the subject of moaning: The traveller in front of the companionway also needs a reduction gear. Even at 4 Beaufort, it can hardly be heaved to windward without the mainsheet being clearly fouled.

But that's about it. Apart from that, X-Yachts Neue is a real joy - a boat that actually offers almost everything that counts in cruising for many owners. Not only space, safety and comfort, but also pleasure, enjoyment and, yes, pride. This XC-47 is a strong piece - and rightly a finalist for Europe's Yacht of the Year in the Luxury Cruiser category.

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• X-Yachts X4⁶

Pure Enjoyment

Fast, sleek, comfortable, safe. the most versalite x-yachts ever built..

The X4⁶ is a versatile fast performance cruiser that helps you to make the most out of every moment. Advanced hull construction, a powerful sail plan and a well proportioned cockpit put you at the centre of an engaging sailing experience. This is what we call “Superior Sailing Pleasure”. Down below, Scandinavian style and craftsmanship create a place where you will always enjoy spending time. The X4⁶ exhibits quality and attention to detail, both inside and out, helping to realise its purpose as an excellent sailing yacht. This is Pure X.

Charter one of our X4⁶ and sail the Greek islands, one of the best sailing arenas in the world.

Comfort & Safety

Sailing performance.

• Specifications

Uncompromised Comfort

Space is luxury, five star outdoor living, safe by design.

Who said that true sailing performance comes only with plain unfriendly interiors. The X-Yachts design superiority hides behind the vacuum infusion technology on the hull construction, the galvanized steel frame over the keel and the right weight distribution of all the fittings which let room -weight wise- to include all the necessary premium materials to create the feeling of a five star hotel, but this time on a board.

The 3 cabin layout,  with two generously sized WCs/showers on a 46ft yacht is delivering lots of space everywhere, making living on board a truly relaxing experience. Ideally this yacht will comfortably accommodate 6 adults but if wished can sleep another two persons in saloon area and another two children or agile adults at the aft removable sea berths (check Layout & Accommodation details below).

The well-proportioned saloon gives the yacht a spacious feel, but well positioned hand rails and good furniture placement ensure it is always safe and easy to move around no matter the heel angle.

Everything in the interior is a beautifully crafted in the known all time classic X-Yachts way.

The standard full teak bathing platform creates a perfect area for relaxing as well as easy access from the water or dinghy. In this way you can take full advantage of the swim stops or the overnight stays on one of the endless safe anchorages of the Greek archipelago.

The  cockpit space on board the X4⁶ is not only designed to be functional and safe while at sea but also creates a luxurious outdoor living space. The twin wheels and recessed mainsheet track ensuring that the cockpit area is spacious and uncluttered.

A deck shower is fitted as standard. The high back rests not only offer protection while at sea but also create a comfortable seating area on the fitted cockpit cushions

The X4⁶ incorporates 40yrs design experience of the Danish boat yard. A boat you feel sure to spend time on, even when the weather conditions are not ideal.

The vacuum infused epoxy, full sandwich hull saves important weight and it maximises strength and stiffness. All saved weight is used to increase the yachts’ stability enabling the crew to have a more relaxed time and to feel more safe and comfortable.

The galvanized steel frame is mounted to the inside of the hull and takes all the loads from the keel and mast. This keeps the yacht stiff, strong and safe. In the same aspect the lead bulb are encapsulated in a reinforced epoxy e-glass shell.

Sailing Performance, on Every Angle

Any boat can go well downwind with a decent sailplan and hull shape. The challenge for the Danish X-Yachts designers was how to achieve a big smile on the face of the skipper any time all directions of sailing are included in the route. And they did a pretty good job as you will realise from the first moments behind helm.

The x46 converts the Greek archipelago into a sailing arena waiting for you to explore and the Greek islands as your buoys. Easy you will consistently see two digit numbers in speed over ground when in broad reach with asymmetrical spinnaker and will be pointing incredibly high, with velocity-made-good unimaginable, compared to any other conventional yacht out there.

Flexible Sailplan, Easy to Handle

We have engineered the sailplan of all X4 6  to be a perfect match to the sailing characteristics of the hull, to the different uses for holidays or racing and to the local Greek conditions. So all boats are fitted with:

• Main sail, tri-radial design, with three reefs, handled by a single line reefing system
• 106% Jib, tri-radial design, sheeted to tracks, adjustable from cockpit.
• Stay sail, with inbuilt inner forestay (anti-torque luff) , for use when the wind picks up, very easy to set up or completely get it out of the way, even on the go when windy (optional)
• Asymmetrical spinnaker for light wind broad reaching, with a sleeve for easy dropping, even single handed (optional)
• Optionally a Code Zero, to get you going when close reaching in light wind conditions

Ultimate Sail Design

All X-Yachting tri-radial sails have been thoroughly engineered up to every small detail, in order to perfectly match the X-Yachts sailing philosophy and honour the true sailing performance of each boat separately. Countless hours of work have been dedicated locally in Greece, from our globally  recognised partners Quantum Sails and their talented sail designer and race winning sailor Pat Tahtatzis to design, test and execute this important challenge and the result is in one word: “Perfect!”

Accommodation

3 cabins / 2 wcs / sleeps 6 adults + 2 adults + 2 children.

The layout includes the master bow cabin with a double bed and an ensuite WC with shower, the aft starboard cabin with one more double bed and the aft port side cabin with split bed which can be converted (upon request during booking) to full size double bed. The aft head has an independent entry door from the saloon area so that it can be shared from both aft cabins.  So 6 adults can comfortably sleep without any compromise.

If the team is up for it, another two adults can sleep in the saloon area in the two sofas. Also in both aft cabins there are sea berths which we can install (as an option), on the sides over the main bed, where another two children or agile adults can sleep (one per sea berth). This feature is often used by couples with one child/teenager or so or young friends.

So in total there can sleep max 10 passengers on board which is also the max nominal capacity of the boat.

• Main sail, tri-radial design, with three reefs, handled by a single line reefing system, 60m 2
• Jib, tri-radial design, sheeted to tracks, adjustable from cockpit, 48m 2

Racing Sailplan (optional sails)

• A2 Asymmetrical spinnaker for light wind broad reaching, with a sleeve for easy dropping, even single handed, 158m 2
• Code Zero with furling system, to get you going when close reaching in light wind conditions, 121m 2
• Stay sail with furling system, 28m²

Main equipment

• Bimini, Spray-hood, removable cockpit tent
• Cockpit cushions
• All lines hidden under deck
• Flush hatches
• Full teak deck on cockpit, bathing platform, side decks and coachroof
• Aft huge locker for storing empty luggage, drinks etc
• 6pcs winches, longitudinal track for the genoa, adjustable from cockpit
• Carbon Bow sprit

Rod rigging

• Inverter, Out-put 220V

Instruments

• Raymarine gps/plotter
• Raymarine Wind/Speed meter & Wind meter
• VHF at chart table
• Handheld VHF for use in the cockpit
• iPad with Navionics installed (as a spare gps plotter system) in a waterproof case
• Remote control for the autopilot (as an option)
• Full set of high quality cutlery and cooking set
• ENO Gas stove
• Horizontal and front opening fridge
• Coffee machine
• Hot water boiler
• Extra fresh water tank (total capacity 460lt)
• Sea water supply for water saving in kitchen
• Inflatable high quality dinghy & Optionally electric outboard engine (3hp equivalent). Set up takes less than 5min.
• Electric air pump for the dinghy (which is stored in the front sail locker deflated).
• Snorkelling equipment for everyone on board
• Ergonomic high-tech Lifejackets for everyone on board
• Certified full kit of safety equipment such as life raft, life lines, fire extinguishers, flares

Technical Specifications

Bow thruster for extra safety

Carbon helms

Ergonomical High tech life jackets

Spare gps plotter. iPad with Navionics

Remote gas valve. Gas detector alarm

Electric Outboard

Olympic Marine, Lavrio 77th km Athinon-Souniou, 19500 [email protected] +302292023916

• Xc 47 to join X-Yachting Sailing Center’s fleet in 2025
• X-Yachting Marks Successful Participation at boot Düsseldorf 2024

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X-POWER 33C

A DESIGN WHICH NEVER BLENDERS IN

• Watch the Video
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• Charter an X-Power 33C in France

With more than 40 years of experience in high-performance sailing boats, X-Yachts has now introduced a new and extraordinary initiative, based on some of the deep experience we have accumulated over these years; A 33 foot open powerboat for quality-conscious boaters with the same well proven X-Yacht Ethos. Fast and safe on the water, pride of ownership, innovative development and design.

The X-Power 33C is designed and built with one overall strategy - to comply with what is expected by X-Yachts - Ease of Use. The technical equipment gives for an intuitive experience, as you only need to push one button and then you are ready to drive!

The cockpit

The control panel is carefully designed to be user-friendly and intuitive to allow the driver to focus on the right thing - enjoying the boat ride in comfort and safety.

The navigation and operation system are operated via two integrated 16" screens. With only a few operating items at the control console, the boat is easy to pilot for the driver in charge. The built-in control units fit seamlessly into the panel, and thanks to the illuminated display, intuitive guidance and large buttons, the panel is quick and easy to operate.

Spacious Comfort

The cockpit of X-Power 33C is spacious with three pilot seats and eight sofa seats.

The cockpit table is height-adjustable and in conjunction with its surrounding space it can be transformed into a sunbed near the bathing platform.

The X-Power 33C has an optional T-Top, creating the perfect protection from both sun and wind along with the standard windscreen. A bimini and cockpit tent are optional.

The pantry is easy accessible aft of the pilot seats, it is practically designed and houses as standard a gas cooker and a 30L drawer fridge, with an optional second drawer possible.

Creating the interior of the X-Power 33C, the designer selected only the very best quality materials giving a luxurious first impression.

The cabin cushions are produced in a durable upholstery, and will ensure a comfortable lying position and a good night's sleep. Furthermore, there are plenty of light sources in the cabin.

Below deck, there is a nicely appointed compartment with toilet and shower facilities, along with a mirror that doubles as a window when required.

Pure Driving Pleasure

Interior Luxury

Optional interior, tinted oak

Cockpit and electronic equipment

Introducing the X-Power 33C with twin outboard engines

We have decided to work closely together with two of the biggest brands in this market Yamaha & Mercury. The first boat will be equipped with 2 x 300 hp. Smaller engine sizes will also be available as well as single engines for customers with less requirement for speed and option

When introducing the X-Power 33C with twin outboard motors, it allows for more “Ease of use” features like joystick steering, active trim, adaptive speed control, improved engine data on the twin Simrad MFD & other special features. Not only will it add a different appeal to the boat but also improve performance and maneuverability.

Specifications - Inboard

Specifications - outboard, facts about petestep.

In the production of X-Power 33C, we are using the patented Petestep ®  technology that results in a more comfortable and fuel efficient boat ride.

No more clatter in waves! Because Petestep® hulls don’t have any horizontal flat surfaces that smash the water under the hull, the biggest source of hull noise is removed. This makes Petestep® hulls create a lot less noise from waves, which significantly adds to the comfort of the ride.

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Billionaire fights to dock his boat on water behind his house. His 164-foot boat, that is.

The love of the water, and a mega-yacht to enjoy it, is putting one resident at odds with village of north palm beach leaders..

For some people, the ultimate Florida lifestyle is a waterfront house , a private dock and a boat parked next to it. But what if that boat is a mega-yacht , and the mega-yacht stretches 164 feet?

That's the conundrum facing the Village of North Palm Beach.

This tiny community in northern Palm Beach County, with only 13,000 full-time residents, has an identity so tied to the water that a ship's steering wheel is the village's emblem.

But it's that love of the water that is putting one resident at odds with village leaders.

For the past several years, homeowner Michael Bozutto has been battling the village for the right to park his 164-foot Westport, dubbed Honey, behind a home he owns at 932 Shore Drive.

The house, built in 1961, is a one-story, ranch-style property with three bedrooms on a half-acre lot. Bozzuto paid $840,247 for the house in 2014, according to Palm Beach County property records.

Lawsuit rooted in dispute over where to dock mega-yacht

What makes this plain house special is its location. It's on a rare corner bordered on the north and east by navigable waters that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet. The east-facing dock is large enough to accommodate Bozzuto's motor yacht.

Since Bozutto bought Honey for an undisclosed sum a decade ago, he mostly has parked it at the Old Port Cove Marina, near Tiger Woods' 155-foot showy mega-yacht, ironically dubbed Privacy.

More recently, Bozzuto has wanted to park Honey alongside his Shore Drive house, one of four houses he owns in the village. While Bozzuto keeps some personal property at the Shore Drive house, he lives at a house he owns at Harbour Isles Court.

Village officials warned Bozzuto he can't park Honey at 932 Shore Drive because boats can only be parked on docks behind houses that are occupied by the homeowner.

But village rules do not define the word "occupied." For instance, the rules do not state that occupied means the house is a residence where the owner lives. Village rules also contain no restrictions on the size of boats that can be kept at private docks.

After years of pushing back against what he believes are fuzzy rules, Bozzuto in March filed a lawsuit against the village.

More: Cannonsport Marina sells for $58.5 million in big deal for tiny Palm Beach Shores

He alleged the municipality is illegally depriving him of his property rights because nothing in the village code prevents him from mooring Honey at his house. He is asking a Palm Beach County Circuit Court judge to rule that he has a constitutional right to dock Honey there.

Gregory Coleman, Bozzuto's West Palm Beach attorney, said the village has plenty of waterfront homes with yachts parked behind them. But Coleman said the village is illegally blocking Bozzuto from docking Honey at his house because the village is bending to pressure from a handful of neighbors who think the boat is too big.

The selective enforcement is wrong, said Coleman, a former president of the Florida Bar.

"He's a very under-the-radar guy who doesn't cause anybody any problems," Coleman said of Bozzuto. "He pays his property taxes, and he wants to be left alone by the village of North Palm Beach. Unfortunately, they are singling Mike out."

Neither Leonard Rubin, the village's longtime attorney, nor Village Manager Chuck Huff responded to requests for comment.

Eric Stettin, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney who is representing the village in the Bozzuto lawsuit, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

What good is a man's castle if he can't have a boat in his moat?

Coleman's lawsuit describes the conflict as a battle over property rights, but real estate and yachting experts say it's also a sign of the times.

As wealthy new residents pour into the county wanting all the perks of the Sunshine State, they want a boat to go along with their waterfront homes and golf club memberships. Some longtime residents fear Palm Beach County is turning into a playground for billionaires, to the detriment of everyday people who also want to live in sunshine and peace.

This conflict between Old Florida and new money is an ever-present tension, but even seasoned yacht brokers say they've never seen interest in luxury yachts quite as strong as it is now.

More: Illegal boat slips are popping near Palm Beach Gardens. Residents want regulators to act

"What we've seen in the marketplace right after COVID in the yachting industry, and especially the superyacht segment, is the most incredible growth ever seen in the history of yachting to date," said Shannon McCoy, a luxury yacht advisor and broker with Worth Avenue Yachts in Palm Beach.

"A lot of people are moving here with serious money," added Pascal Savoy, U.S. managing director of Camper & Nicholsons International yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale.

While in the past Palm Beach County was not considered lively enough for some buyers, Savoy said the county's growing sophistication is putting it on the map in a way never seen before.

"It's a mini-Monaco for us," Savoy said.

Prices for mega-yachts can range from $18 million to $60 million, or many times that, for the largest and most decked-out mega-yachts, Savoy said.

While some yachts can be glitzy, a 164-foot Westport is considered a more low-profile boat, Savoy added.

Michael Bozzuto's interests: Houses, boats and philanthropy

Bozzuto is no newcomer to North Palm Beach. He's been a resident of the village for 20 years.

He is the billionaire owner of a family-owned supermarket wholesaler in Connecticut, and an investor and philanthropist who likes to collect houses and yachts, Coleman said.

In addition to the four North Palm Beach houses and several yachts he owns, Bozzuto in February paid a whopping $31.1 million for a house in the Town of Palm Beach Shores. The house, which has two docks, sits just north of the Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet.

Twin City Mall: North Palm clears way for redevelopment, taller buildings at landmark site

Coleman said there is plenty of room for other boaters to navigate the waterway when Honey is parked at the Shore Drive house in North Palm Beach. And while other people may not have as large a yacht, there are other sizeable yachts parked on docks behind other North Palm Beach homes, too, he added.

At a 2017 village council meeting, then-Mayor Darryl Aubrey commented on the issue, according to the complaint.

"When I didn't live here full time, I had a boat sitting in my dock, I was gone nine months of the year. I don't see how you can say that someone has to be in a residence year-round, seems to be some interpretation of occupant, there would be an enormous number of violations," Aubrey said.

Another member of the village council asked if the village had a definition now, the complaint said.

Rubin, the village attorney, replied: "No, we don't," according to the lawsuit.

Show me the money? Here it is: West Palm and Palm Beach rank in top 5 as cities with fastest growth in millionaires

Palm Beach County's waterways run deep, and they are popular

The yacht docking dispute is particularly timely, given the scarcity of dock space for boats of all sizes.

The most convenient place to park a boat is on the water behind a house, brokers say. But not every waterway or channel can accommodate the draft, or depth, of a mega-yacht.

However, the dock behind Bozzuto's Shore Drive house can.

Not only is the Westport not known for its deep hulls, but the waterway also is typical of northern Palm Beach County, which boasts deep water and easy access to the ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet, said Coleman, a lifelong boater.

"In Palm Beach County, they have deeper water, and it allows people to have larger yachts," Savoy agreed.

But not every waterway is deep enough for every boat.

McCoy said she specializes in helping advise potential yacht owners about the county's varied water depths before they buy a house, if they plan to dock their yacht behind it.

If yacht owners don't have a private dock, the other option is a marina. But marina space is hard to find, with many dock berths reserved for months in advance, McCoy said.

Despite the challenges of owning a boat and finding a place to dock it, yacht brokers say demand continues.

They see interest continuing from business executives moving here with their families as they relocate their companies to Palm Beach County. There's also a growing demand for yachts among female buyers, McCoy added.

They also see younger mega-yacht buyers, some even in their early 30s. This is in sharp contrast to the mostly older buyers in the past, Savoy said.

Palm Beach County may not be as go-go as Miami-Dade County when it comes to showy ships, but if interest continues, "it's coming," Savoy said. "You're going to attract bigger yachts."

Put another way: "No one needs a boat, but everyone needs a boat," McCoy said. "It's the ultimate lifestyle."

Alexandra Clough is a business writer and columnist at  The Palm Beach Post . You can reach her at  [email protected] . Twitter:  @acloughpbp .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

X-Yachts X-41 review: from the archive

• May 2, 2021

First of all, the X-Yachts X-41 is not simply a larger X-35.

The mainsheet is led under the side decks to the aft pair of cockpit winches. Credit: X-Yachts Credit: X-Yachts

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Although they are clearly from the same stable, Niels Jeppesen has given her a deep T-keel for stability.

But the X-Yachts X-41 carries a comparatively lower sail area than her sister.

The reason for this, according to Jeppesen, is that the X-Yachts X-35 was designed specifically to establish a class in the Mediterranean, requiring plenty of sail to cope with light conditions.

Choosing to market her as a one-design has also let X-Yachts fit her with all the toys as standard – carbon spars, wheel and some tidy line handling arrangements.

The deck layout of the X-Yachts X-41 rewards close scrutiny.

There’s an abundance of tweaks to be made, with barber haulers for the head sail and spinnaker sheets and powerful outhaul, cunningham and kicker purchases led to camcleats on both sides of the coach roof.

The mainsheet is led under the side decks to the aft pair of cockpit winches, avoiding any trip or chafe problems for crew sitting out.

A powerful traveller runs the full width of the cockpit within easy reach of the helm or the main trimmer.

Both mainsheet and traveller lines are continuous, the traveller line routed through small blocks clipped to the guard wires to keep it to hand.

Backstay adjustment is through X-­Yachts’ patented Magic Wheel, as fitted to the IMX40, IMX45 and most recently the X-35.

This impressive system uses a huge drum below decks to provide most of the purchase, allowing rapid backstay adjustment simply by pulling a lot of line.

It’s tidy and quicker than hydraulics and is routed conveniently through a small tube which emerges just below the centre of the traveller.

The innovations don’t stop there. X-Yachts have fitted Harken’s dual ­diameter Quattro winches to the coachroof, which allow fast sheeting of the spinnaker sheets via the large ­diameter drum or a lower gear by simply shifting the line up to the main drum and self-tailer.

The big carbon wheel was comfy to use from either side of the cockpit and offered a good view forward.

Lifting the GRP cover below the helmsman’s feet reveals another clever detail – the quadrant is immediately abaft the helm and as close to the centre of the wheel as possible, allowing short cables to be used and eliminating slack.

All good in theory, but does it work on the water? In a word, yes.

The X-Yachts X-41 is a thoroughbred racer which is already showing her class – the team won the first race of the Warsash Spring Series by 15 minutes on corrected time.

We sailed the boat twice; once for the second race of the series, then later for a detailed test.

On the first occasion, the wind ranged from 30-38 knots, giving us a fast run to the course and race organisers the jitters.

A stiff performer

They cancelled the race, but skipper Jochem Visser suggested we should go for a sail anyway.

It was a bumpy ride upwind under reefed main and jib, conditions that the hull’s steel reinforcement, which picks up rig and keel load, is designed to counteract.

Turning for the spinnaker run, we drove the boat hard, surfing down waves to reach speeds up to 15 knots.

The 12 crew were necessary to sail and balance the boat in these conditions and proved that the large cockpit could work well when fully crewed.

The second session couldn’t have been more different – bright sunshine and light winds averaging six knots.

The crew of 12 were essential for spinnaker work and helpful weight on the wind.

Sailing upwind and sacrificing a little height for power, the X-Yachts X-41 turned in a more than respectable five to six knots, often matching or exceeding the true wind speed.

She responded well to crew placement, delivering much better helm balance with plenty of weight to leeward.

The big carbon wheel was comfy to use from either side of the cockpit and offered a good view forward, and there were plenty of brace points for the helmsman whatever the steering position.

Helming was finger-light yet positive – the boat responded well to small corrections and the steering system showed no slack.

Even in these light airs, feedback was good and she proved easy to keep in the groove.

Upwind in 30 knots: the X-41 proved a good all-rounder.

Tacking is fast and straightforward thanks to the non-overlapping rig.

Bearing away and hoisting a symmetric spinnaker, we nudged seven knots, reaching as the wind filled in slightly. Again, she proved positive to handle, rewarding puffs of wind with good acceleration.

Under engine the 41 performed well, cruising at over eight knots and reaching just over nine knots flat out.

As can be expected from her narrow keel. the turning circle was tight – 1.25 boat lengths – and performance astern was secure and positive.

Although primarily a racing boat, the X-Yachts X-41 still offers a few cruiser comforts.

The cockpit is a good width for bracing and deep enough to feel secure, and has two good lockers for fenders and lines plus a large lazarette accessed through the floor behind the helm.

The racing foil on the headstay can be replaced with roller-reefing gear with the drum mounted below deck. But the really neat concession to cruising is the anchor box.

X-Yachts’ system lets you fit an anchor well and windlass which can be entirely removed when racing, using a fully sealed hatch to prevent water ingress. It’s not a quick job, admittedly, but impressive nonetheless.

Light and welcoming

The interior layout is similar to that of the X-35, but the extra length has allowed a few welcome changes, notably a larger galley, forward-facing nav station and doors and lockers for the aft cabins.

Yet the first impression below is of simplicity – there’s a light, welcoming feel thanks to teak being restricted to necessary joiner work, a generous use of white and lots of opening lights and hatches.

Starting at the bow, there’s a zippered, mesh panel which opens into an empty bow cavity suitable for sail stowage, but would be filled with the anchor box when cruising.

The forecabin has a conventional triangular berth, its split mattress easily moved to allow access beneath the berth.

The hatches which offer access to this stowage space are too narrow to accept anything but the smallest sails, but provide plenty of stowage for other objects.

Other stowage is provided by a large locker with hanging and shelving space. Both aft cabins feature a similar locker.

The heads and shower are basic, but practical.

Forward and accessed through the saloon, the heads is large enough for showering and has a large locker behind the usual mirrored doors ­ the space below the sink is left open.

The saloon has two long settees either side of a drop-leaf table.

As on the X-35, the seat backs hinge upwards, giving access to the full width of the cushions when sleeping.

It’s a shame no extra cushion is provided, so that the hinged section can double as an upper berth.

That said, because the boat is able to sleep ten, few people are likely to find this restricting.

Plenty of white makes a bright interior.

The settee cushions and their plywood bases also hinge up to allow access to the water tank to port and diesel tank to starboard, plus limited stowage. Grab handles below the portlights run throughout the saloon.

A large nav station is at the foot of the companionway, with plenty of space for paper and electronic navigation.

Stowage is in a stack of four drawers in the pedestal and there’s even a handy pen box under a flap in the chart table top.

Opposite, the galley is large enough for standard cooking and has good stowage above the stove.

However, less successful is the stack of four drawers adjacent to the stove – with an inside width of only 9cm, you have to wonder how useful they will be.

The simple aft cabins have a large locker each and berths that are mounted low in the boat, with little space beneath.

A pipecot is also fitted should you need to squeeze three people into each cabin.

The engine box, which protrudes into both cabins, can be readily removed, as can the companionway steps, to provide superb all-round engine access.

For sheer adrenalin, the X-Yachts X-41 takes the honours. She’s fast and fun, and rewards careful trim and handling with clear returns of speed.

The big rig, deep draught and high sail area/displacement creates a stiff, responsive yacht that can put a smile on your face and some results on the board.

My guess is that X-Yachts X-41’s will spend most of their time in racing mode.

That said, just as many a sports car driver has never been near a track, several owners of the 40 or so boats already pre-sold admitted that they never plan to race at all.

First published in the June 2007 issue of YW.

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Are you a better parent than your mom or dad? My son's question sent me into a spiral.

Gen x has a sort of aura about us that includes the idea that we raised ourselves, that we were the latchkey generation. that's a cool-sounding way to say we were home alone a lot..

My son asked me the other day if I had a "good mom." I started to go down a winding road of context, which included phrases like "it was a different time" or "it depends," but then stopped and answered his real question.  

"I don't know," I told him. "But I can tell you that your mom is better than mine." 

He seemed fine with that answer. It was probably a flare-up of curiosity from an 11-year-old boy who spends a great deal of time with his mom and who has begun thinking about what makes a "good parent."  

That short, random conversation, though, sent me down a rabbit hole of internalization.  

What even is a good parent? Am I a good parent? Are you a good parent? Those are scary questions to ask ourselves, but here is where I landed on the answers.

The world my mother parented in is wildly different than this one 

Generation X, born from 1965 to 1980 , has a sort of aura about us that includes the idea that we raised ourselves, that we were the latchkey generation.  

That's a cool-sounding way to say we were home alone a lot. That we would walk to school and back with zero check-ins. We would go home and do whatever we wanted for hours at a time without anybody truly knowing what we were up to.  

We would live in the world with our friends free of any parental involvement. Many of our parents had no idea what we were doing or what our lives were like.  

Should we let children do sleepovers? My 8-year-old daughter got her first sleepover invite. There's no way she's going.

Some of us, like my friends, used that time and freedom to make food, watch television or do homework. You know, productive stuff. The rest of us eventually realized doing whatever we wanted meant, well, doing whatever we wanted. That meant illegal stuff. Yes, I'm talking about drugs and alcohol.  

We weren't the first generation to experience that, but it somehow became our brand.

Another part of the Gen X lore is that we were "tough" and just powered through what we know today are mental health issues. You'll hear the more toxic members of my generation mock the youth who want time off when they need a break. I have occasionally joined that mocking, but I am trying to do better.  

What it means, though, is that we grew up knowing and sometimes being told outright that our opinion or overall sense of self didn't matter. We had anxiety. We lived with depression. We had music and movies that were full of angst . We were even offended by things.  

But it didn't seem to matter to anybody, and we didn’t have social media for any sense of a larger community. We just lived with it, for better or worse, and now we wear that childhood and those scars as a badge of honor.

It’s fine, we tell ourselves. 

How did my feral childhood shape my parenting?

I didn’t get my first email until I was 22 years old, because that’s when Hotmail launched. It’s mind-blowing to think about how different things are and how our childhood affects how we now parent our own kids. 

Many of us decided to ensure that our children don’t experience emotional and physical isolation. We make it a point to acknowledge their feelings and experiences. In some cases, they are demanding it.   

Where I grew up learning that whatever issues or pain I was living with didn’t matter to the adults in the room, my son knows that everything he is feeling matters to us.  

Where I was beaten for acting out or disobeying, my son knows that we’ll have a talk about things and that while I will express anger and frustration, I won’t put my hands on him.  

Where my parents were not invested in my interests or activities, we’ll spend hours helping him learn about whatever he wants to learn about.  

So, is my son's mom better than mine?  

Now, after all of that internalizing and emotional treasure hunting, I need to go back to my son’s question: Does he have a better mother than I did?

When he asks again, I will tell him that my mother came to me with a different set of challenges, both external and internal, than his mother has to deal with. 

I will tell him that my mother had to move to a new country as a teenager, learn the language and culture while dealing with a level of racism I only read about. I will tell him that my mother did what she could to raise me and my sisters, and that whatever I am today, good and bad, is because of her.  

I will tell him that both mothers did and are doing their best given the worlds they were parenting in, but that he can be assured both mothers love their sons in a way that only mothers can.

In the end, that has to be good enough.  

Louie Villalobos is a deputy opinion editor for USA TODAY.

'X-Men '97': Our Most Likely Episode 5 Suspects, Ranked

Who is responsible for mutantkind's latest tragedy?

Editor's Note: The below contains spoilers for X-Men '97 Episode 5.

The Big Picture

• The Sentinels' devastating attack on Genosha pushes X-Men '97 from nostalgia to a sophisticated drama.
• Cassandra Nova, the Sentinels, and Mister Sinister are some of the prime suspects.
• Henry Peter Gyrich's anti-mutant sentiment hints at his involvement in the Genosha attack.

The already impressive X-Men ’97 dramatically raised the stakes in its fifth episode. “Remember It” sees the X-Men and the rest of the mutant community enduring a devastating loss, as the mutant nation of Genosha is laid siege by an army of Sentinels , including an especially large, three-headed model of the mutant hating robots. The tragedy cost many mutants, including several members of the main X-Men team, their lives and completed the series’ transformation from a nostalgic adventure into a sophisticated drama of the highest quality. It also launches the show into what looks to be a particularly momentous murder mystery, as it’s not clear what villain initiated the horrific attack. That said, based on what’s already happened in X-Men ’97 , and its predecessor, X-Men: The Animated Series , as well as Marvel Comics canon, suspicion naturally points to a few characters more than others. Here are the biggest suspects, ranked from least likely to most likely to have orchestrated the strike.

X-Men '97

A band of mutants use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them; they're challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.

4 Cassandra Nova Is Behind the Genosha Attack in the Comics

The comic book story “Remember It,” is most directly inspired by “E is For Extinction,” the first arc in Grant Morrison ’s influential run on New X-Men . In that arc, Genosha is also attacked by a monstrous, “wild” Sentinel, with this version of the strike resulting in the deaths of more than 16 million mutants. In the comics, the attack was organized by Cassandra Nova , a supervillain who made her first appearance in the arc. Cassandra is originally believed to be a previously unknown twin sister to X-Men founder Professor Charles Xavier, before it is discovered that she’s actually a parasitic alien connected to him that became his ideological opposite, hence her hatred of mutants.

The reason Cassandra is ranked so lowly despite being the culprit behind the Genosha attack in the comics is that one of the series’ creative architects has effectively already ruled her out as a suspect . In an interview with Inverse following the release of “Remember It,” X-Men ’97 supervising producer and head director Jake Castorena attempted to preemptively manage fans’ expectations, saying, “I wouldn’t get my hopes up for Cassandra Nova being a huge villain in our show.” While this of course doesn’t preclude the character from playing a different sort of role in the series it would be bizarre for a member of the creative team to so openly suggest that the series was diverging from the comics if that wasn’t actually true.

It seems like, even if there does wind up being an animated version of Cassandra at some point in the series, she won’t be responsible for the atrocity like her comic counterpart. This is especially surprising given that the character is expected to be one of the major antagonists of the live-action Marvel Studios film Deadpool & Wolverine .

3 The Sentinels Might Be Controlled by One of Their Own

Of course, there’s always the possibility that the Sentinels effectively sent themselves . Several of the robots have developed minds of their own at points in various X-Men media, with a particularly notable example being Master Mold. A type of especially advanced Sentinel designed to produce and control other Sentinels, certain models of Master Mold have become sentient and sought to wipe out all of humanity, calculating that this is the only way to completely exterminate mutants, given the genetic links between the two species. This aspect of the comics was replicated in The Animated Series , in which various Master Molds ( David Fox and Nigel Bennett ) served as major antagonists.

Master Molds have been a thorn in the X-Men’s side for much of the franchise’s history, but there’s also a more recent Sentinel leader that could believably be behind the attack on Genosha. Bastion was first portrayed as a human politician named Sebastion Gilberti . He had a staunch anti-mutant stance and quickly gained significant influence in the U.S. government, initiating Operation: Zero Tolerance, which created an international anti-mutant strike force. After he develops rivalries with the X-Men and Daily Bugle editor J. Jonah Jameson , Gilberti’s corruption is exposed, and he is arrested by Iceman and S.H.I.E.LD.

After escaping, Gilberti discovers that he is not a human being at all, but a combination of a Master Mold unit and a Nimrod , a different type of advanced Sentinel from a future timeline. The two had been fused together by the mystical artifact known as the Siege Perilous, which also erased his memories. However, hearing about the planetary debate over mutant rights caused the combined being’s latent anti-mutant programming to compel him towards his murderous schemes. After discovering his origins, Bastion embraces his cyborg identity and Sentinel purpose, continuing to terrorize the mutant community until he is defeated by time-traveling X-Man Cable and robotic superhero Machine Man. He was subsequently beheaded by Wolverine, who at the time had been transformed into Apocalypse’s Horseman Death.

After the Marvel Comics event House of M , in which Avenger and X-Men frenemy Wanda Maximoff/the Scarlet Witch neutralized the powers of most of the world’s mutants, the anti-mutant terrorist group called the Purifiers retrieved Bastion’s head and attached it to a Nimrod unit, restoring him to “life.” Bastion subsequently unites many of the X-Men’s human enemies into a cabal bent on eliminating the last vestiges of the mutant race. Despite opposition from superheroes including the black ops mutant assassination squad X-Force, he was nearly successful until he was finally defeated in the Second Coming crossover event in which Cable returned from the future with his adopted daughter Hope, the first mutant born since the House of M , who many believed was a mutant messiah.

In the fourth episode of X-Men ’97 , a picture of who appears to be Bastion in his Gilberti form can be seen in Forge’s ( Gil Birmingham ) cabin. And since Forge revealed some of his inventions had been adopted by the government for use against mutants, it would make sense that his story may connect to the Sentinel arc. Plus, having the mutants go up against the AI threat of rogue Sentinels would add yet another timely layer of social commentary to X-Men ’97 . But given that they’ve already done so in the original series, and just recently defeated another human-controlled Master Mold (Eric Bauza) without much trouble in the season premiere, it might seem somewhat repetitive and anti-climactic if the machines were acting alone.

2 Mister Sinister Has a History of Mutant Massacres

Initially a Victorian-era scientist, Nathaniel Essex becomes obsessed with mutation and transforms into the immortal supervillain Mister Sinister. In his quest to create a race of all-powerful super-mutants that he would control, Sinister has run afoul of the X-Men many times in both comics and The Animated Series . He’s already appeared in X-Men ‘97 ’s third episode, voiced by Christopher Britton . It was revealed that he created Madelyne Pryor (Jennifer Hale), the clone replacement of Jean Grey (Hale), so that she would conceive a baby with Scott Summers/Cyclops ( Ray Chase ), which she did. Sinister subsequently abducted their son, Nathan (who will grow up to become Cable), to experiment on him, but his parents and the rest of the X-Men rescued him.

Both Madelyne and Nathan (as Cable) were present at the Genosha attack, and Sinister has frequently been teased as having a major role in the series , so he’s a strong suspect for the atrocity. While killing so many mutants might seem counter-intuitive to Sinister’s obsessive experimentation — especially as the Sentinels’ energy weapons vaporized many of their victims, so there aren’t even genetic samples to collect from them — he was behind the similarly horrific Mutant Massacre (which “Remember It” draws some inspiration from) in the comics, so his involvement wouldn’t be entirely out of character. And he’s twisted enough that it would be easy to believe that he possibly had a change in motivation and became more concerned with getting revenge against the X-Men and their allies for past defeats than continuing his perverse science work.

'X-Men '97' Is a True Soap Opera — and That's a Good Thing

1 gyrich and the humans would be the most fitting villains.

In the series premiere, while investigating the distribution of Sentinel technology to anti-mutant hate groups, Madelyne read the mind of Henry Peter Gyrich ( Todd Haberkorn ), the bigoted former NSA agent who shot and mortally wounded Charles ( Cedric Smith ) in The Animated Series ’ finale . When she did so, she started having nightmarish visions of a vague apocalyptic event, which now seem to have been prescient hints at the upcoming Genosha attack. Given this, it seems almost guaranteed that Gyrich had to have been involved in the strike, or at least knew it was coming for the plot to make sense. And his involvement could point to that of a larger conspiracy.

In 2019, the X-Men comic book franchise was relaunched, with most of Earth’s mutants living united as part of one nation, on the sentient island Krakoa. During the ensuing era, which is coming to its end this year, Krakoa’s most dangerous enemy has been Orchis, an organization of human and other antagonists that even includes some former allies of the X-Men who believe their newfound prosperity upsets the balance of the planetary, or even universal, status quo. Gyrich is a prominent member of Orchis and, despite taking place in Genosha, the lavish mutant celebrations shown in “Remember It” recall many held during the Krakoa era. Given this, and the widespread popularity of the Krakoa-era comics, it would not be surprising if Orchis or a similar group were integrated into X-Men '97 .

There are plenty more potential culprits in the X-Men canon, from Cable’s maniacal clone Stryfe to the pathetic Donald Trask III, who initially gave Cassandra access to the Sentinel in “E is for Extinction.” But, given how heavily the series has focused on anti-mutant prejudice , it would only seem appropriate for that to be the motivation behind the horrific tragedy, so Gyrich and/or any other bigoted humans would make the most sense as the antagonist.

X-Men '97 is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.

Watch on Disney+

Good Question: Did anyone officially get turned away from Coach Mark Pope’s press conference?

(WKYT) - For today’s Good Question, Keith asks, “Did anyone officially get turned away from the Coach Mark Pope press conference?”

That press conference saw UK fans fill the Rupp Arena to standing room only. Based on their initial plans to open eight sections of the lower arena, organizers saw a much bigger crowd than they were expecting.

while that event was going on, there were reports that thousands of fans were turned away from Rupp Arena.

I talked to Laura Alexander this morning. She’s the vice president of sales and operations at Central Bank Center. She told me she confirmed with their team and was told that they absolutely did not turn anyone away.

“They may not have been able to go inside the arena due to it being full but we wanted to give them the opportunity to at least be in the building, and decided to put a live feed of the press conference on the concourse TVs,” Alexander said.

That checks out with my experience as I was near the end of the line and was able to make it inside, but I had to watch most of the event standing in an aisle.

I also checked with the police about this. The UK police told me they weren’t involved with the event, and UK police chief Joe Monroe told me they never turned anyone away.

That doesn’t mean there weren’t fans who couldn’t find parking, who didn’t make it in time, or who just saw the crowd and didn’t think they’d get a seat. That’s entirely possible.

Also, at 4:30, when the event was supposed to start, thousands of fans were still outside waiting to get in. That could have been misinterpreted as thousands of fans unable to get in.

Either way, it just goes to show you how dedicated Kentucky fans are.

If you have a Good Question you’d like us to try to answer, send it to [email protected] .

Copyright 2024 WKYT. All rights reserved.

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The unspoken rules about how to behave on a superyacht

• The superyachting world is very small, with only 5,800 yachts longer than 30 meters at sea.
• That insularity has bred a specific etiquette, which is often hard for outsiders to know about.
• These are the de facto rules of the most expensive billionaire toys, superyachts .

For the owners of superyachts , privacy is often the most valuable thing money can buy. It's one reason centimillionaires and billionaires pay eight or nine figures for a palace at sea, far from the prying eyes of land dwellers.

Even the most gossipy crew members should stay tight-lipped about the name of a former owner or charter guest, and many brokers shy away from answering benign questions.

That means that, aside from basic safety guidelines, most of the rules of superyachting are unwritten. The very few who need to know them — there are only about 5,800 yachts longer than 30 meters at sea, according to SuperYacht Times — already know them.

But if you do happen to be a lucky guest at a party on a billionaire's $500 million ship or find yourself included in a $1 million-a-week vacation, there are a few things you need to know.

After four days of touring superyachts that sell for as much as $75 million and chatting with the people who buy, sell, and work on them at the Palm Beach International Boat Show , Business Insider gleaned a few key edicts. Given the discreet nature of the industry, almost all the people we spoke with requested anonymity to protect their working relationships, but here's what they had to say.

Take off your shoes

While it's a basic rule for anyone in boating, it may come as a surprise to an outsider that no matter how rich you are or how expensive your heels are, in the vast majority of cases, you can't wear shoes on board.

It's partly for safety — you don't want anyone slipping on a wet deck — but partly to keep the yacht clean. So expect to see barefoot billionaires, and if you forgot to get a pedicure, bring a set of special boat shoes.

Don't make any assumptions about money — but know the signs

In the superyacht world, it's safe to assume almost everyone you meet is very, very rich, and many brokers and builders say you can't judge a book by its cover when it comes to prospective clients.

"It has nothing to do with how they're dressed," one broker told BI. "It's the biggest mistake you can make because a complete slobby-looking guy or couple could be a multibillionaire."

There are, however, a few clues. Watches are one; new footwear is another.

"Rich people always have new shoes," a superyacht expert said. But because of the shoe rule mentioned above, this tip probably applies only when they're on land.

Book your massage early

Wellness areas, including spa rooms with a massage bed or two and a professional-grade facial machine, are becoming must-haves on superyachts . Most have a customized spa menu and a crew member who doubles as a trained masseuse or beautician — and they're usually in high demand.

One captain said he'd implemented a booking system to ensure people weren't fighting for the same spots. A broker said sometimes masseuses would be so busy they wouldn't leave the small spa cabin for hours on end.

Related stories

So if you want to make the most of your relaxing time on board, reserve your pampering slot as soon as you get your welcome cocktail.

Pirates are more real than you'd think, and many superyachts have hidden safe rooms

While you might dress up as a fake pirate for an onboard theme party, there are very real ones — and other dangers — on the high seas.

In certain areas, including parts of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, pirates are a cause of concern . In the Red Sea, owners are concerned about the Houthis .

Superyachts can come equipped with sonic weaponry, lockdown systems, and anti-drone protection. Builders are even designing safe rooms — which are apparently just as plush as the rest of the ship.

The longer the boat, the closer to $1 billion

While you can't judge a buyer based on appearances, you can judge them on the length of their boat.

One rule of thumb: If someone has a brand-new 50-meter vessel, chances are they have $1 billion to their name. If it's over 100 meters, expect the owner to have at least $2 billion. And for a boat bigger than that — like Jeff Bezos' 127-meter megayacht Koru — it takes many, many billions.

Money can't buy you everything

The world's biggest, most expensive yachts are custom-built by shipyards that produce only a handful of boats a year.

But no matter how many tens of millions of dollars clients are spending, there are things to which builders will refuse to say yes.

"In the end, the boat has our name," an executive from one of the world's biggest shipyards told BI.

They recalled a client who requested a yellow hull to match his Lamborghini . The shipyard declined, steering the client in another direction.

"If I don't like it, I don't build it. I finalize two or three contracts a year," another builder said. "If somebody can say your vessel is ugly, my reputation is bad."

Yacht crews are trained to make the impossible possible. A guest requests fresh caviar flown into the middle of the Caribbean? No problem. Fresh flowers every day while at sea? It'll cost you, but it can be done.

But they can't time travel, and captains and crew members say the thing that causes the most friction is when a client or owner wants to go from point A to point B — right now.

"The hardest request is when they want the boat in a place — yesterday," one captain said.

The best person to know? A friend with a superyacht

Superyachts are expensive to build and expensive to maintain . According to the industry standard, owning a superyacht will cost 10% of its new-build price annually. For a $100 million yacht, that's at least $10 million yearly going to crew, regular maintenance, insurance, fuel, and dockage.

Chartering, too, is costly . Beyond the list price, which can be hundreds of thousands a week, guests must pay for provisions, which are pegged at 35% of the charter fee, and are expected to tip between 10% and 20%.

So the most important unspoken rule of superyachting is actually that the only thing better than owning a superyacht is knowing someone else who does — and invites you along, of course.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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