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2011 News

X-Yachts in the Rolex Middle Sea Race

A range of X-Yachts entered the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race which included X-Yachts latest Xp 44 and two impressive X-65’s.

The X-65 Karuba V, led the pack of X-Yachts and completed the course in just under four days, allowing them to finish 8th overall in IRC Class 2, just ahead of British boat Echo, John Wilkson’s X-55.

In IRC Class 3, Vikesha 2, Xp 44 has achieved an impressive podium position in finishing 3rd place overall in a competitive class. This is another great result for X-Yachts new Xp range which is proving to be a successful boat on and off the race course.

For further results and race photos please visit: www.rolexmiddlesearace.com/race/

X-Yachts success in Hamble Winter Series!

Sunday’s conditions were testing for all yachts that were out racing. With gusty winds reaching 25 knots and a strong west going tide, it was an exciting days racing in the Solent.

Congratulations to all the crew on board Ntanda, X 46, who scored an impressive 2nd place in Class IRC 0 during Sunday’s windy race. The crew of Ntanda, owned by Mike Daly, have been training hard this season focusing on crew work and developing their knowledge in order to get the best performance out of their X-46. Bowman, Ben Daly said, "..18 to 23 knots and sunshine led to a stella day on the water and our strongest Winter Series position to date. Many thanks to X-Yachts and North Sails for the upwind sailing clinic earlier in the month, it has made a huge difference.”

In IRC 2 Neville Hodkin and his crew on board Xtra Djinn scored a strong 4th place which still gives them 3rd place overall in class.

For more information and results from the Garmin Hamble Winter Series: http://www.garminhamblewinterseries.co.uk/

X-362 currently lying 3rd overall in Hamble Winter Series

Neville Hodkin owner of X-362 Sport, Extra Djinn, is currently lying 3rd overall in class IRC 2. With only 2 points separating the top three in the class it's still all to play for! We wish the crew on board Extra Djinn the best of luck for the remainder of the series.

Further Garmin Hamble Winter Series results can be found below:

http://www.garminhamblewinterseries.co.uk/HWSResults.php?Action=Display&SessionCRC=-1194136862&ClassID=407

X-37 Wins Class 3, St Wilfrid’s Hospice Coastal Challenge

Congratulations to Charles Bull and his crew on board X-37 Unruly, who won the annual St Wilfred's Coastal Challenge Race. Unruly managed to win with a strong lead on corrected time over the coastal course to Nab Tower.

Full results can be found at www.innshorecruisingclub.co.uk/results.htm

Xp 44 Sailing in the Mediterranean

Please find below footage of the Xp 44 sailing in the Mediterranean:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs2A5vi6qOw

The Xperformance family will get a third member early 2012 - The Xp 50

X-Yachts’ hotly anticipated 4th generation of performance cruisers, would always push new boundaries in all aspects of technology, performance and style. It was essential that this generation would become a new trendsetter, just like the previous generations who were always one step ahead of the game:

- The first generation was launched in 1984 with the X-402, introducing large diameter wheel steering, semi elliptical lead fin keel, rod rigging. The racing version captured the One Ton Worlds in 1986.

- The second generation came in 1990, with the X-412, which introduced the bulb keel, and the IMS inspired hull shape, winning the European IMS Championship for Cruiser/Racers.

- The third generation came in 2002, when the X-43 was introduced, with refined IMS and IRC hull shape, high stability and modest displacement, and pioneering deck design details such as under deck main sheet system.

This time round, X-Yachts decided once again to push the targets of production yachts further; implementing new production and engineering techniques; utilizing cutting edge design. The idea is to create yachts that stand proud in the racer cruiser market.

X-Yachts success in JOG races

X-40 Xinska wins class 3 in the jog race series! Congratulations to all the crew onboard Xinska who scored consecutive results during the jog series which allowed them to win by a convincing lead.

Results Class 3, Category 3

1 Xinska X 40

2 Old Mother Gun 40 Offshore racing yacht

3 Jings J 133

4 J Fever J 122

5 Scarlet Oyster Lightwave 48

X-37 S X Girl wins Class 3, Category 3 Double Handed series! John White has again had another successful season in the JOG offshore double handed series! Congratulations go to John and his crew.

Results Class 3, Category 3, Double Handed

1 S X Girl X 37

2 Jbellino J 122

3 Jings J 133

4 Little Emily Beneteau 40.7

X-Yachts at Southampton Boat Show

X-Yachts GB & Ireland are currently exhibiting at the Southampton Boat Show.

We have enjoyed a successful weekend and look forward to welcoming you to our stands, M523-528.

For further information, please contact us at secretary@x-yachtsgb.com or 023 8045 3377.

X-Yachts Xp 38 Premieré at Southampton Boat Show

X-Yachts new Xp 38 will be premiering at the Southampton Boat Show 2011.

The Xp 38 is the second member of X-Yachts’ 4th generation Performance-Cruiser range.

The first, the Xp 44, was launched earlier this year in April, and has been praised by the international yachting press, as well as being nominated for European Yacht of the Year.

The new generation of Xperformance yachts have full epoxy foam sandwich hulls utilizing vacuum infusion for light weight and durability. The substantial carbon fibre reinforced hull/keel girders handle all the loads from both the keel and the mast.

The resulting weight saving has enabled the new Xperformance yachts to become approx 10% stiffer than traditional X-Yachts, and substantially stiffer than the competition which is a great benefit for both the cruising-oriented as well as the performance sailor.

The first Xp 38 has been configured for cruising with the standard alloy mast and standard draft keel; while a teak deck and white bowsprit complete the elegant look. Future orders include versions specified for racing under both IRC and ORC, for which the Xp 38 has been intensively optimized, with options including a Southern Spars carbon mast, grand prix deck-layout and deeper keel to add a further performance boost to the Xp 38 package.

We look forward to welcoming you at our X-Yachts stands M523 – M529.

For further information regarding the Xp 38 and X-Yachts please contact X-Yachts GB at secretary@x-yachtsgb.com or 023 8045 3377.

X-Yachts GB & Ireland at Southampton Boat Show 16 – 25 September

X-Yachts GB & Ireland will be attending the 2011 Southampton Boat Show. We will be showing the X-34, Xp 38, Xc 38, Xc 42 and Xc 45.

The show will see the premieré of the Xp 38 which will be set up in cruising format.

We look forward to welcoming you to our stands at M523-M528.

For further information regarding the event, please contact Jo at secretary@x-yachtsgb.com

X-Yachts at Abersoch Keelboat Week

X-Yachts GB & Ireland were proud to support the 2011 Abersoch Keelboat week which is held at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club. With a number of X-Yacht owners taking part in the regatta, X-Yachts GB & Ireland were keen to support the event and for our in house race coach, Guy Jackson, to be present at the event and assist X-Yacht owners.

The event is open to all Keelboats whether they want to race under IRC or PYS in the Gentlemen’s classes. The racing is held in Cardigan Bay which is renowned for its perfect sailing conditions surrounded by fabulous scenery.

Mike Crompton’s Xc 42, Xpletive III, was racing in the IRC Class 1 which was made up of a number of competitive racing yachts, which included Richard Fildes’ Corby 37, Impetuous, which is known for achieving frequent podium positions. Impetuous had an excellent week resulting with a clean sweep in every race. Meanwhile there was great racing between Xpletive III and her close rivals on the race course. Xpletive III achieved two podium places during the week which resulted in her finishing 5th overall.

For results and photos from the event visit: www.abersochkeelboatweek.org

X-Yachts would like to congratulate all X-Yacht owners and their crews who took part in the event and we hope to be racing back in North Wales again soon.

X-Yachts Results

IRC Class 1

Xc 42 Xpletive 5th

Gentlemen’s Class (spinnakers)

X-99 Xtreme 8th

Gentlemen’s Class

X-412 Mandingo 4th

X-Yachts GB and Ireland sponsor Abersoch Keelboat Week

X-Yachts GB and Ireland are proud to be sponsoring the 2011 Abersoch Keelboat Week. More information and the race results can be found at www.abersochkeelboatweek.org

X-Yachts Win at Cowes Week

The 2011 Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week saw a number of X-Yachts take part in the famous yacht regatta. The weather for the week looked set to be breezy and sunny, what more could a sailor want!

IRC Class 3 was made up of a strong 30 boat fleet which included X-Yachts Fatjax, X-37, owned by Iain Kirkpatrick and Xinska, X-40, owned by Bernard Olesinski and with a breezy week forecast the crews knew that these conditions would favour the heavy displacement yachts. Each race saw a close battle between the two X-Yachts but it was Fatjax who gained an early lead in the week and was able to hold on to win by 2 points over rival Xinska. Congratulations to the team on board Fatjax for winning IRC 3.

IRC Class 4 saw Peter Hodgkinson, owner of Xcitable, X-362, achieve some excellent results during the week and winning its class at one point; however they eventually finished the week at a creditable 5th place.

IRC Class 5 saw four X-332s battle it out in a highly competitive class. Brightwork, owned by Bob Barker was the top X-332, achieving 5th place overall with a string of consistent results in the top 10.

Throughout the week X-Yachts ‘In-House’ race coach, Guy Jackson, was on the water to assist X-Yacht owners during the regatta. “It was great to see X-Yacht owners out racing in such challenging conditions and achieving excellent results. Well done to all who were involved” commented Guy.

Guy is available to assist X-Yacht owners in all areas related to racing and boat performance / optimisation, and will provide a detailed report including photos and video analysis. If you are interested or require any further information, please contact X-Yachts at info@x-yachtsgb.com.

The X-Yachts team would like to congratulate all X-Yachts owners and their crews who took part in Cowes Week 2011 and we look forward to seeing you out racing later in the season.

Results for X-Yachts

IRC Class 3

X-37 Fatjax 1st

X-40 Xinska 2nd

IRC Class 4

X-362 Xcitable 5th

X-362 Extra Djinn 13th

X-402 Phoenix 23rd

IRC Class 5

X-332 Brightwork 5th

X-332 Electron V 22nd

X-332 X-Tosea 26th

X-332 Dexterity of Southampton 30th

X-Yachts Rally to Yarmouth

Saturday 30 July saw the first X-Yachts Owners Rally gathering in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and six X-Yachts joined us in making the trip over to the island.

Saturday's conditions were perfect for a gentle sail westwards down the Solent in a pleasant 10 knot breeze and glorious sunshine, perfect conditions for X-Yacht sailing! The afternoon began with a competitive sail between the two X-46s, Peter Howland with Max Hubbard crewing aboard Ulixes, and David and Sue Carratt aboard Blue Vortex.

Upon arrival at Yarmouth Harbour the owners and crews were greeted with afternoon tea aboard Steve Derbyshire’s X-37, Xtra, which included some delicious home made cake from Clive Drury-White and his crew from Quickstep. Peter invited everyone aboard Ulixes for pre-dinner drinks and a glass of wine or two was enjoyed whilst the sun set in the distance. Dinner was held in the famous Salty’s Restaurant renowned for its local fish dishes and excellent atmosphere, where an excellent meal and some great sailing stories were shared. After dinner David and Sue Carratt invited everybody back for a nightcap on board Blue Vortex.

Sunday was another fabulous day for sailing with a gentle morning breeze from the south east. The X-Yachts and their crews enjoyed a gentle sail down the Solent back towards their home ports with some owners choosing to watch the start of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from the Royal Yacht Squadron start line.

The X-Yachts Owners Association would like to thank all X-Yacht owners and their crews for attending the weekend and we look forward to welcoming you on the next rally which we hope to hold in early autumn. We would be grateful for feedback on the weekend and if any owner has a suggestion for the destination of the next rally, please contact Guy Jackson at gj@x-yachtsgb.com or +44 (0) 23 8045 3377.

X-Yachts at the IRC Nationals

This year’s IRC National Championships were set to be an exciting time for X-Yachts as it was to be the first real test to see how their latest performance range yacht, the Xp 44, would perform against her competition within the performance cruiser range of yachts.

X-Yachts Xp 44, Xs Moment, had some stiff competition in IRC 1 with several custom race boats which included Antix, Ker 39, current Commodore's Cup Winner, Tonnerre de Breskens 3, Ker 46, a successful racing team in their own right and Ker’s latest design Keronimo, Ker 40, which has specifically been designed for IRC racing. These teams were joined by world class crews and Olympic medallists on board. The Xp 44 slotted into IRC 1 class with an IRC rating of 1.152; this placed her in the middle of the fleet. The crew on board the Xp 44 have been preparing for the last two months for this event so they were eager to get on with the first race and let the battle commence.

The Xp 44 had surprisingly good speed and height upwind, allowing her to match the larger and higher rated Grand Soleil 46, Antilope, which resulted in some close racing on the water between the two boats. Downwind the Xp 44 performed very well in the breeze staying in touch with her close rivals and planeing as the breeze increased, reaching top speeds of 16 knots. The team on board the Xp 44 were extremely happy with their result, achieving 4th overall which meant they were the first production performance cruiser in their class. The tactician on board, Jochem Visser, said “She will be one to watch as the team sailing her is still learning to untap her full potential and more performance is definitely still to come.”

Meanwhile X-Yachts were achieving great results in the other classes over the weekend, with Iain Kirkpatrick and his crew on board Fatjax, achieving a creditable 3rd overall in IRC 3 in a very competitive class.

The X-Yachts team would like to congratulate all X-Yacht owners and their crews who took part in this year’s IRC Nationals in such challenging conditions.

X-Yachts welcome any news regarding X-Yachts racing. Please send in your results and stories to secretary@x-yachtsgb.com

Results

IRC 1
Xp 44 Xs Moment 4th
X-46 Ntanda 13th

IRC 3
X-37 Fatjax 3rd
X-35 Vortex 10th
X-362 Xcitable 12th

IRC 4
X-302 Antix 6th
X-99 2Xs 10th

Yachting World's Xp 44 Video

Video footage taken from Yachting World's review of the Xp 44.

http://www.yachtingworld.com/video/boat-tests/529194/1/xp44-video

X-Yachts Xp 44 on test in the August Edition of Yachting World

X-Yachts new Xp 44 is put through its paces by Yachting Worlds, Toby Hodge.

A range of photos from the test sail are available below:

http://www.yachtingworld.com/news/529169/xp44-boat-test

The full test report will be available online later this week.

X-Yachts Win at the Royal Southern July Regatta

This weekend saw a double victory for X-Yachts with a win in both IRC Class 1 and IRC class 4.

IRC Class 1 Congratulations go to Tim Harrington and his crew aboard Vortex, X-35, who wins IRC Class 1 at the Royal Southern July Regatta, scoring 2, 2, 2, 2

IRC Class 4 Congratulations go to Richard Hollis and his crew aboard Crackajax, X-95, who wins IRC 4 at the Royal Southern July Regatta, scoring an impressive 1, 1, 1, 1

X-Yachts in the 2011 J. P. Asset Morgan Round the Island Race

The 2011 J. P. Morgan Round the Island Race saw 26 X-Yachts entered to battle it out to become the Overall X-Yachts Winner. The Overall X-Yachts Trophy is awarded to the X-Yacht that has the best corrected time under the IRC rating system.

Saturday’s conditions were extreme for all classes with a strong wind reaching up to 28 knots and a huge swell off the Needles. The X-Yachts owners and crews were in for a quick race and certainly a wet one!

The first start of the day saw X-Yachts Xp 44, Xs Moment, along with Clive Buesnel’s X-50, Exhilerance and Mike Daly’s X-46, Ntanda, in Class 0 at a start time of 06:00. The yachts headed off upwind jostling for positions against the gusty winds and big seas before they rounded the Needles to enjoy a fast broad reach to St Catherine’s Point. It was Xs Moment, the Xp 44 which rounded first out of the X-Yachts who quickly hoisted their Asymmetric sail and went blasting off round the back of the Island reaching top speeds of 19 knots. Unfortunately X-Yachts Xp 44, Xs Moment suffered a tear in their mainsail which forced them to retire from the race. Mike Daly’s X-46 completed the course 7 minutes ahead of Clive Buesnel’s Exhilerance which allowed them to finish a respectful 27th place overall in IRC 0.

IRC 1 class saw Bernard Olesinski X-40, Xinska, score a creditable 13th place overall amongst a strong fleet of 140 yachts. Congratulations to all the crew onboard Xinska for a fantastic result in such challenging conditions.

Brian Carlton’s new Xc 38, Xtension, was out for her second regatta of the year completing the course in just over 8 hours allowing them to finish 10th in their class ISC Rating System Division 5C. This is an excellent result for all of the team on board Xtension.

The Overall X-Yachts Trophy for the 2011 J.P. Morgan Asset Management Race was awarded to Nick Fullagar’s X-99, Fixation in IRC Division 3A, who completed the course in just over 7 hours achieving 3rd overall in their class. Fullagar’s crew had some stiff competition from a large fleet but also from close rival Aindriu McCormack, who owns X 99, 2XS. McCormack and crew finished 9th in their class and 2nd overall out of the X-Yachts.

The X-Yachts team would like to congratulate all their owners and crews who participated in the fierce but fun 2011 Round the Island Race and we look forward to seeing how you all get on out on the race course later this season.

Overall Top 3 for the X-Yachts Trophy

X-99 Fixation Nick Fullagar

X-99 2XS Aindriu McCormack

X-40 Xinska Bernard Olesinski

X-Yachts at the Royal Southern June Regatta

The forecast for the weekend's racing seemed to prove correct if not a little too modest for Sunday’s conditions. With a strong Force 6 from the west forecasted it was going to be a survival of the fittest out on the race course. There were 8 X-Yachts entered in the regatta ranging from the latest Xp 44 to the successful X-342.

X-Yachts Xp 44 was placed into IRC Class 1 for the regatta, the first regatta for the team and the boat all eyes would be on with regards to her performance up against some stiff competition. Due to the adverse weather conditions on Saturday, several entrants decided not to venture out into the wet and windy conditions, however racing got under way on time and the race committee set a conventional windward leeward course for all IRC Classes. IRC 1 got off to a clean start with Xs Moment, Xp 44 leading the way from the first mark and extending their lead to win by a comfortable four minutes on corrected time.

Sunday’s racing saw the Edward Leask, Swan 42, Magical Mystery Tour join in the racing. Although the Swan is a quicker boat on paper, the crew onboard the Xp 44 were eager to see how the X-Yacht would perform against a faster boat such as the Swan 42. From a close start both boats had a tactical beat playing the shifty conditions on the left hand side of the course, but it was the Xp 44 which rounded ahead of the Swan 42. The Xp 44 held onto her lead and went on to win the race. The second race saw the wind increase to a gusty 27 knots of breeze so the race committees set a short windward leeward which proved to be a tricky course for all teams when it came to boat handling manoeuvres. X-Yachts Xp 44 had a clean start and went on to win the final race of the day, which resulted in them winning the class overall. Second place went to Rupert Matthews on his J122, Jinja.

The IRC Class 2 saw Neville Hodgkinson and his X-362 compete in a competitive fleet of yachts. Neville and his team scored two 3rds which resulted in him finishing 5th overall.

In IRC Class 4, there were three X-Yachts battling it out in the blustery conditions. Antix, X-302, did not race on Saturday, however on Sunday they scored two 1st places which allowed them to finish 2nd overall. They had close competition from Richard Hollis and his team onboard their X-95, Crakajax, which scored two 2nd places on Sunday.

Overall Results

IRC Class 1

Xs Moment Xp 44 1st

IRC Class 2

Extra D Jinn X-362 5th

IRC Class 3

Antix X-302 2nd

Crakajax X-95 3rd

Xarifa X-342 5th

The X-Yachts team would like to wish all X-Yacht owners and their crews the best of luck for The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race and we look forward to seeing who will become the overall X-Yachts winner for the 2011 J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race.

SLAM X-Yachts Solent Cup 2011 - Overall Results

The 2011 SLAM X-Yachts Solent Cup was well attended with 26 X-Yachts competing for the Overall Solent Cup. There were X-Yachts ranging from the popular X-302 to the new Xp 44. With over 250 competitors taking part, there was a fantastic atmosphere ashore as well as fierce competition on the race course.

Friday evening saw the weather break after the incredibly dry April and May we have experienced. Thunder and lightening rumbled around the Solent and “the heavens opened”. The competitors and event organisers were not going to let the weather get the better of them and the event kicked off with the
B&G Crew Party and BBQ. Partygoers enjoyed pints of this years new addition X-Yachts Bitter, supplied by Robinson Brewery. The complimentary barrel was drained at record speed!

X-Yachts competed in three classes; Open Sports Class A, Open Sports Class B and Family Class. The two sports classes raced a conventional windward leeward course, while the Family Class had two round the can races on Saturday and a Pursuit Race on Sunday. The Pursuit Race was a new addition for the Family Class in 2011.

Racing got underway on Saturday 7 May at 10.30 hrs, with a shifty 10-15 knots of breeze from the south east and a strong east going tide. As a result, upwind tactics favoured the stronger tide on the right hand side of the course. The initial plan was for 4 races for the Sports Classes on Saturday, however with a dying and shifty wind by noon, the Race Committee sent competitors ashore after the third race.

Saturday was the first day that the new Xp 44 was unleashed onto the race course. The Xp 44 was not included in the overall results but did comfortably win all three races on Saturday on corrected time. Meanwhile Mike Daly’s X-46, Ntanda scored two first places and a fourth.

The family class enjoyed seven entries, including Brian Carlton’s new Xc 38. Race one was won by John Oldridge’s Xc 45. Oldridge’s Xc 45 showed good speed and tactical decisions throughout the regatta and went on to win the Family Class for the second year in a row.

When competitors arrived back to the pontoons, they were greeted by a fleet of Remote Control Lasers. Competitors enjoyed some lively racing from the banks of the River Hamble with a pint of X-Yachts bitter in hand!

On Saturday evening the X-Yachts Owners Association was launched with a champagne reception for owners and their guests. Guy Jackson gave a speech explaining the benefits available to members of the Owners Association. This was followed by the X-Yachts Solent Cup Dinner which was open to all X-Yacht owners and competitors. After dinner YJA Pantaenius Yachtsman of the Year 2010, Geoff Holt, addressed a packed dining room. Geoff gave an interesting and inspirational speech and received a standing ovation.

Sunday’s conditions provided competitors a perfect forecast to get the best performance out of their X-Yachts. A gusty 20 knots of breeze from the south and sun breaking through the clouds greeted the fleet in the central Solent. What more could a sailor ask for?!

The first race for Sports Class A got away cleanly and Mike Daly’s X-46 got a clear lead over the fleet and went on to win by a comfortable margin. Daly’s team also “cleaned up” in the second race of the day ensuring a strong victory in Sports Class A.

The ever eager Sports Class B competitors, pushing for a place at the committee boat end of the line, lead to a general recall for the class. On their second attempt there was an individual recall for one owner. Sports Class B saw some competitive racing between Iain Kirkpatrick’s X-37 and Tim Smyth’s X-34 and Peter Hodgkinson’s X-362. After five races it was Iain Kirkpatrick’s X-37 who won the class and also claimed the X-Yachts Solent Cup Trophy. After a great day of racing competitors returned to the Royal Southern Yacht Club for a post racing snack and prize giving.

X-Yachts would like to thank the support of their title sponsor SLAM UK and associate sponsors B&G, Pantaenius, North Sails, CrewFuel, Volvo UK, Harken, Robinsons and SailTek.

The date and venue for the 2012 X-Yachts Solent Cup will be announced shortly. For further photos from the event please visit X-Yachts Facebook Page.

Overall Winner
X-37, Iain Kirkpatrick

Podium Positions

Open Sports Class A
1st X-46 Mike Daly
2nd X-40 Nick Mulholland
3rd X-43 Richer Cross

Open Sports Class B
1st X-37 Iain Kirkpatrick
2nd X-34 Tim Smyth
3rd X-362 Peter Hodgkinson

Family Class
1st Xc 45 John Oldridge
2nd X-40 Richard Fanning
3rd Xc 38 Brian Carlton

Week 6 - Warsash Spring Series

The final Sunday of the Warsash Spring Series saw a light and shifty day of racing ahead. The entire Spring Series has been a light winds event and competitors by now were beginning to become used to these conditions.

After a two hour postponement, a gentle 6 knots of breeze came in from the south east. The Race Committee were keen to get racing under way and set a short windward leeward course. With a strong west going tide it was going to be a long, slow beat to the first windward mark.

IRC 1 got under way cleanly, however due to the strong tide and lack of breeze it meant some of the bigger yachts struggled to get off the line, which resulted in a short postponement for IRC 2 start.

IRC 3 class joined with the Sigma 38 class to form the third start of the day. With a bias at the pin end of the line, the boats began to bunch up to take the most of the bias advantage. With a strong tide forcing boats behind the line, there were no OCSs for the start. X-Yachts X-34 had a good start at the pin end and held a clear lane which allowed them to round the windward mark by a substantial lead.

With the strong west going tide, it allowed yachts to gain huge tidal advantages on the downwind legs against the upcoming upwind yachts. X-Yachts X-34 retained their lead and finished first on the water, which resulted in them winning the race on corrected time by over five minutes between them and second place, Aussitot.

IRC 4 got under way in the same south easterly breeze as the previous classes began in. However, it quickly became very patchy and light which proved to be tricky for the slower boats. In IRC 4, Richard and Ursula Hollis’ X-99, Crakajax, finished third overall which has placed them fourth overall in IRC 4.

Class	Name	Model	Position
3	X-Yachts	X-34	1st
3	Xcitable	X-362	6th
3	Extra Djinn	X-362	8th
3	2X’s	X-99	10th
3	X-Tosea	X-332	14th
4	Crackajax	X-95	3rd

X-Yachts New Xp 44 Launched

X-Yachts new Xp 44 was launched yesterday at X-Yachts in Haderslev, Denmark.

Since the last generation of performance X-Yacht models were introduced in 2002, a broad range of new concepts have been developed, refined and incorporated into this new range of X-Yachts performance yachts.

“You should have seen our new baby from the support RIB”, said Niels Jeppesen, Design Principal, X-Yachts. “She looks absolutely right, and she’s fast too.”

The Xp 44 represents the 4th generation of Performance Cruisers from X-Yachts. The Xp 44 retains much of the DNA of her forebears but she has evolved into a fast and progressive cruiser-racer that has as much to offer the modern, comfort demanding family as it does a race crew.

Within its refined and powerful hull lines there is a comprehensive accommodation including 3 double cabin interior, 2 shower rooms, a generous saloon and galley. The galley features two fridges, gas and microwave ovens. The Xp 44 debuts X-Yachts’ convertible navigators station. The navigators station provides a forward facing chart table for navigation at sea, and an extra long sofa and side table when in port.

Compared to the previous X-43, launched in 2002, the Xp 44 is 5% longer on the waterline, 10% stiffer and up to 15% faster.

Weight has been moved from the composite structure of the yacht into the deep lead-bulb of the T-Keel. This weight saving is generated through modern production techniques, using a vacuum infusion epoxy foam hull laminate. The advanced keel structure is reinforced with carbon fibre instead of traditional steel. The refined composite interior is both lighter on the scales and brighter to the eye.

Sensationally, X-Yachts have pre-sold 25 Xp 44’s worldwide in what is an increasingly competitive and discerning market. The Xp 44 sister ship the Xp 38 has already achieved orders for 20 hulls.

These lucky new owners will not be disappointed, as Dan Pedersen noted, “The easily driven hull slipped away from the dock at 7.5 knots at just 2300 rpm. Her wake was as quiet and smooth as the low hum of the well-insulated engine. After 1 hour of motoring and 10,000 hours of design and engineering the highly-developed sails were finally hoisted and the fun really began”.

Onboard were X-Yachts’ former Chief Engineer, Niels Ditmar, Yard Owners Niels and Lars Jeppesen, Project Manager Dan Petersen, Structural and IRC Performance Engineer James Day, Systems and Electrical Guru John Morsing, and Southern Spars and North Sails Representatives Rene Villefrance, Sofus Pedersen and Rasmus Rasmussen.

“The feeling of helming the Xp 44 is sensational, with finger tip control even when reaching along at tight angles under the huge code zero. These are characteristics that will reward the cruiser as much as the racer”.

The Xp 44 will be arriving in the UK before the end of the month ready for her debut opening weekend on May 1-3 at Hamble Point Marina. If you would like to visit the Xp 44 during this open weekend then please contact X-Yachts (GB) Ltd. at info@x-yachtsgb.com or 023 8045 3377.

Week 5 - Warsash Spring Series

The penultimate Sunday of the Warsash Spring Series proved to be a tricky day’s racing for all classes. With a variable forecast predicted, all competitors were expecting a long delay to see if a sea breeze could fill in. However, after a long postponement, a variable 3-5 knots of breeze from the South developed, so the race committee laid a short windward leeward course and got the racing underway.

IRC 3 was placed with the Sigma 38s for the third start of the day. With a pin end bias and a strong tide forcing the competitors over the line, it was going to be a tricky start for all of the yachts trying to win the pin end. X-Yachts X-34 was looking to win the pin end when they were approached by a port hand flyer yacht trying to cross all the starboard tacking yachts at the pin end, forcing X-Yachts and many other boats to avoid a collision with the port hand flyer yacht. As a result of this incident, X-Yachts had to crawl their way back through the fleet in a dying 3 knots of breeze to finish 7th overall. X-Yachts X-34 are currently laying second overall in IRC 3.

Unfortunately IRC 4 did not see a start on Sunday which means that Richard and Ursula Hollis’ X-95, Crakajax, is still lying in fourth place overall. With only 4 points between them and third place, we wish them the best of luck for achieving a podium place in overall series.

Results from Sunday 10 April

Class	Name	Model	Position
3	X-Yachts	X-34	7th
3	Extra Djinn	X-362	13th
3	Xcitable	X-362	15th
3	X-Tosea	X-332	17th
3	2Xs	X-99	19th

SLAM UK announced as title sponsor for X-Yachts Solent Cup 2011

Italian clothing brand ‘SLAM’ are announced as title sponsor to the ‘SLAM X-Yachts Solent Cup’ and as the official clothing partner for X-Yachts GB & Ireland.

Selected by many of the world's top sailors and competitive racing teams, SLAM sailing gear not only protects against the worst of the weather but, at the same time, allows for maximum comfort and freedom of movement.

SLAM partnering with X-Yachts GB & Ireland, the world’s most prestigious yacht manufacturers in the racing and cruising range, will place SLAM as the title sponsor of the X-Yachts Solent Cup, brand support to the two X-Yachts race teams (X-34 and the new Xp 44) and exclusive clothing deals available to the X-Yacht Owners Association.

SLAM will be providing all competitors at the ‘SLAM X-Yacht Solent Cup’ with an event T-shirt and will be offering competitors 20% off selected technical products and exclusive SLAM X-Yacht branded items. For further information on the SLAM X-Yachts Solent Cup, please visit the event home page, http://www.x-yachts.com/seeems/119115.asp

Chris Ducker, Managing Director of SLAM UK says “We are pleased to be associated with X-Yachts GB & Ireland and looking forward to a fantastic Cup weekend. See you at the SLAM X-Yachts Solent Cup 6-8 May”.

The 2011 SLAM X-Yachts Solent Cup will be one of the pinnacle sailing regattas this season on the South Coast. Entries have reached 27 so far, so there are only three remaining free berthing slots at the Royal Southern Yacht Club. If you would like to enter your X-Yacht in the event, please see the event website.

Week 4 - Warsash Spring Series

Mothering Sunday saw all six X-Yachts out racing in the Warsash Spring Series. The forecast proved to be correct for Sunday’s racing with a steady 10-12 knot breeze filling in from the west and glimpses of sunshine, promising us for a great days racing.

All classes got away cleanly except for a few individual recalls until IRC 3 lined up for their start. With a small wind shift favouring the pin end of the line, a bundle of yachts all pressed towards the pin end resulting in a general recall. On the second attempt all boats got away cleanly and headed up on their long upwind leg. It was clear that the left hand side of the course proved to be the favoured side for the first upwind leg which meant X-Yachts X-34 rounding the mark first followed by Stiletto. X-Yachts X-34 and Stiletto gradually extended their way from the pack which resulted in a two horse race between the two boats, however X-Yachts held onto their lead and crossed the line in 1st place followed by Stiletto.

Aindriu McCormack’s X-99, 2Xs, had a great start and rounded the first mark not too far behind the leading pack and went onto achieve a creditable 5th place overall. Meanwhile the other three X-Yachts in IRC 3 were all jostling for positions to be 10th place with David Hunt’s X-Tosea getting 10th place overall, closely followed by Extra Djinn and Xcitable.

Results from Sunday 3 April

Class
Name
Model
Position
3
X-Yachts
X-34
1st
3
2X’s
X-99
5th
3
X-Tosea
X-332
10th
3
Extra Djinn
X-362
11th
3
Xcitable
X-362
12th
4
Crackajax
X-95
5th

Week 3 - Warsash Spring Series

With a steady 10 knots of breeze forecast, Sunday 27 March looked like it would be a perfect day's sailing for the X-Yachts in this year's Warsash spring series. However the wind disappointed us and dropped off to a weak, shifty 6 knots of breeze which resulted in some tricky racing for all competitors.

After a short postponement, racing got under way with a strong tide forcing the teams over the line; many yachts got caught out by this and had to return back to the line. The J109 and IRC 3 both had general recalls due to the competitors being too eager to get off the start.

On the second attempt for IRC 3, X-Yachts X-34 won the pin end and had a great start sailing higher and faster around the fleet. Unfortunately X-Yachts X-34 tacked off to sail to the right hand side of the course which cost them dearly and meant they rounded the first windward mark behind the majority of the fleet. However, hard work and perseverance meant that they crawled their way slowly back through the fleet to achieve a 2nd place. Meanwhile Aindriu McCormack's X-99 had its first race of the series and achieved a creditable 14th place.

In IRC 4 Richard and Ursula Hollis's X-95 achieved its best results so far in the series, finishing 2nd overall. With only 4 points separating them from 1st place it's still all to play for.

Results from Sunday 27 March

Class	Name	Model	Position
3	X-Yachts	X-34	2nd
3	Xcitable	X-362	9th
3	2X’s	X-99	14th
3	X-Tosea	X-332	19th
3	Extra Djinn	X-362	20th
4	Crackajax	X-95	2nd

X-34 Two Boat Tuning Day

On Saturday 26 March the X-Yachts' team organised a tuning session with two X-34s in the Solent area. The weather conditions were perfect for boat tuning, with a steady 10 knots of breeze and flat seas, it resulted in us gaining some valuable rig and sail trim settings for the X-34s.

Initially both boats set out sailing upwind adjusting settings and running through various line ups to see how each boat performed. It was clear from the start that both boats were evenly matched, which allowed us to explore a range of variables to optimise the boats' performance. After practicing mark roundings and time and distance exercises, the two X-34s sailed back down wind.

The day was very productive for all involved and the information gathered will be used to finalise the extensive X-34 tuning guide which will be available shortly.

We would like to thank North Sails UK for their involvement and support and everyone else involved in making this a successful day.

For further information, please contact Guy Jackson at gj@x-yachtsgb.com

Week 2 - Warsash Spring Series

There are six X-Yachts split across IRC classes 3 and 4 in the 2011 Warsash Spring Series and Sunday 20 March saw the first race for X-Yachts own X-34. In last years Spring Series the X-34 won her class, so there is certainly some expectation for her to perform well again this year.

Yachting Monthly's Review of the Xc 38

Download the full review to find out how the Xc 38 scores in 'Yachting Monthly's 100-Point Results', http://www.x-yachts.com/uploads/xc_38_lo-res.pdf

Find us on Facebook

X-Yachts GB is now on Facebook. Find our page at www.facebook.com/XYachtsGBIreland or click on the link in the drop down menu under the X-Yachts logo.

X-Yachts GB Go Racing in 2011

X-Yachts GB has a new recruit. Guy Jackson, a graduate of Southampton Solent University has joined the company to develop the racing program for the Danish yacht manufacturer.

2010 News

X-Yachts Solent Cup 2010

Overall results and Gallery

A massive thank you to our participating owners for their attendance at our Solent Cup this year, hosted by ourselves and the Royal Southern Yacht Club.