Xcruising range is X-Yachts' first step towards an out-and-out cruising yacht, but can she stand the test of time? Graham Snook drives XC42 to find answers

It turns out that even in the breeze, Freya performed well. Credit: Graham Snook

XC42: The stunning Scandinavia still shines

For more than 40 years, the Danish brand X-Yachts has built an enviable reputation for manufacturing high-quality racing yachts.

In 2008, it took a gamble and launched the Xcruising series of XC45. By doing so, it proved that it can make high-quality, comfortable cruising yachts, and the speed has been increased.

The XC45 won the 2009 European Yacht of the Year Award, and the XC42 was launched later in the same year.

Andrew and Karen Hunt bought their XC42 in 2011, but Freya's condition means that if you think you accidentally turned to the new ship test page, you can be forgiven.

Andrew Hunter and his father grew up sailing together, but Karen did not sail before the two met. The couple previously owned a Moody 336. They bought their XC42 Freya in 2011. Andrew also participated in RS400 and laser competitions. Credit: Graham Snook

She is flawless. Had it not been for the polished satin varnish on the wooden violins around the yacht, and the aroma from the bow of the ship (from the shower drain), she might have come out of the X-Yachts factory yesterday.

Although the goal of the XC series is cruising-they have a lower fuel tank to provide excellent stability, a fuller hull and a larger rocker for more spacious interior space, and a deeper V-shaped front for larger The comfort level-but they still have performance genes and attractiveness from the type of sailor who likes racing or sailing (with strong financial resources).

In our test in Chichester Port, the real wind speed rarely exceeded 10 knots, but she still drove at 6-7 knots and felt pleasant on the steering wheel.

Andrew had sailed with his father since he was a child, and his father owned a series of yachts: "I used this knowledge to find what I wanted from the boat, so we only owned two boats."

Karen had not gone to sea before meeting Andrew. "Fortunately I accepted it," she said with a smile. "And I must learn to ride a horse," Andrew said with a smile.

"We can't afford a house," Andrew said, "so we lived in Karen's apartment, and bought Moody's instead."

Before buying Freya in 2011, they owned Moody 336 for 21 years.

They are attracted by X-Yachts, because Karen has half Danish ancestry, so yachts from Denmark have a certain appeal.

"At the time I didn't know enough about Faurby, another Danish builder, but they didn't have internal space," Andrew admitted.

They looked north toward Sweden, Alkona, and Najad, but none of the ships could provide the same speed and comfort. They can find high-quality speedboats or cruisers, but the XC42 combines an elusive mixture.

They also wanted what Andrew called the "cruising draft"-less than 1.83m (6 feet), so Freya was ordered with a shallow keel, giving her a draft of 1.70m/5ft 7in.

Freya was launched in 2011 and is the 53rd of 78 MkI XC42s. XC42 was discontinued in 2018.

The central table helps make the cockpit feel safe and comfortable. Credit: Graham Snook

"The dealers did make a difference, they were great," Andrew explained.

The couple also enjoy an active homeowners association. "We have an away rally and the game is also very good, although I may be more competitive than some people," Andrew said with a smile.

It turns out that even in the breeze, she performed well with the couple, and considering the wind below 10 knots from the northeast on the day of our test, the situation is also very good.

The couple have sailed her for approximately 25,000 miles, sailing in the Baltic Sea, Brittany and western countries.

Andrew and Karen found that the cockpit layout was easy to navigate with understaffed conditions. Credit: Graham Snook

When they bought this yacht, their son was 10 years old, and he was also on board when they sent her from the Baltic Sea to Solent.

Three years ago, they sailed back to the Baltic Sea with only two people on board-the head of the sea chicken needs to be replaced during the warranty period, and the opportunity to sail back to Denmark to visit family members is an opportunity they must use.

When we met Chichester Harbour Patrol near Itchenor, we were greeted on a sunny day-our photo boat of the day.

XC42 is specially designed and developed for long-distance cruising. Credit: Graham Snook

Karen and Andrew treat Freya with the reassuring look of an experienced couple who have sailed together many times and are fully familiar with their ship.

With the help of an electric halyard winch-to the port of the gangway-the main trunk line quickly rises.

On the water, Freya has enough grip and accelerates quickly when pumping.

In such a breeze, I did not have much hope, but at 120°AWA, she was sailing at 4.7-5.4 knots on 5-6 knots of AWS (10 knots TWS) further away; at 10-knots. The TWS speed of 12 knots is completely tailwind, and her speed is about 5 knots.

The width limitation of Chichester Strait becomes more obvious, because we reach through the beam (reaching 6 knots in the breeze of about 8 knots), and then take power and close tow. The obvious wind speed increase above 10 knots means she Her speed did not drop below 6 knots, and her speed exceeded 7 at 30° AWA.

Freya is the Mk1 version of XC42. Credit: Graham Snook

She is fastened with beautiful nails and is responsive at the helm without twitching.

As Karen pointed out, "Just because you sail does not mean you have to sail slowly."

The Freya's cockpit is wide enough to provide comfort, but it doesn't feel like a shallow and wide racing soap dish or Med port funnel; it feels deep, safe and comfortable, thanks in part to the central cockpit table.

Genoa is handled by a 58ST Andersen winch, while the main canvas (under deck), big triangle canvas and halyard are guided by a 46ST winch.

The folding beam is electric. Credit: Graham Snook

If necessary, all winches are wired for conversion to electric in the future.

Her cockpit may not be wide, but she still has two wheels, mainly for better observation of the outboard and easier access from the electric folding beam.

On the MkII version (hull #78-99), the width of the bathing platform has been lengthened, and a life raft storage locker has been added under the entrance steps into the cockpit.

The rope box behind the gangway hatch swallowed the halyard. Credit: Graham Snook

All cockpit locker covers are supported by gas bracing; exceptions are in front of the cover, just behind the step washboard, on the rope locker, or what Karen calls "snake pit".

Recently, all running rigging has been replaced by Marlow Ropes, which greatly improved her appearance and made everything smoother.

The cockpit and hull sides are polished twice a year, and she also has a winter cover to protect the deck. If her appearance is worth seeing, it is a good investment.

The use of teak wood, stainless steel and polished window surrounds on the roof adds to her appeal. Credit: Graham Snook

She still carries her original North Sail, which is becoming stronger.

Andrew discovered that the mast step is essential for separating the mainsail, because once it is on the boom, it will stop not far from the deck.

They had considered adopting a boom retracting system, but they did not believe it and were looking for other sail handling solutions.

The deck has a deep toe rail with a stainless steel friction rail on the outside and a thick teak cover rail on the top.

The teak wood, deck, roof, cockpit and coaming here, as well as the extensive use of stainless steel (handrails, thick roller guides and friction rails) and polished window surrounds add to her ranking factor.

Forward, she has a stainless steel frame bowsprit with anchors.

The quality of materials and workmanship means that Freya is still in good condition after 10 years. Credit: Graham Snook

The windlass is located in front of the chain cabinet, which is separated from the front of the chain and the depth loading area of ​​the stern fender.

The stern of the hull has a beautiful fold, with more teardrops than the modern bullet-shaped hull we see now; the trade-off is the narrower stern berth.

Below, you will see teak wood with prominent horizontal grain patterns; all this is reminiscent of the warm and familiar feeling of Danish furniture.

A small table on the salon seat is convenient for drinking drinks. Credit: Graham Snook

There is a lot of visible wood and everything is lovely. Use wiring, vents and many curved corners with great detail.

The wooden armrests are integrated and extended with the deck-level salon. Above, the windows are open and recessed, and the shutters are cleanly hidden.

Although it is 10 years old, the condition of the wood is excellent. Part of the reason is the materials and finishes used by X-Yachts, but Andrew’s secret is the colored wax wood repair stick.

The extra storage on the chart is very useful. Credit: Graham Snook

Before the moisture makes the situation worse, any gaps or damage are simply hidden and sealed. The high wear area has lost its shiny bronze color.

At the bottom of the gangway, there is a huge J-shaped kitchen that can be opened; its shape provides good support. The inner longitudinal sink faces the outside.

The direction is a bit strange. MKII has a sink, so the chef faces forward when using it.

The direction of the Freya sink is unconventional. Credit: Graham Snook

On the contrary, when Freya's chefs face forward, they have a large Corian workbench and glass splash guard in front of them.

The stove and top-opening refrigerator are outboard; above them are very good downward lighting (under the deck), making night cooking a shadowless thing.

There is a row of vertical hinged lockers on the outside, and two "floating" lockers in the front, which are Freya's standard configuration.

For those who cook, the trash can is not the most convenient place-it is in the ship's locker, opposite the chart table-however, it does make it easy for other crew members to use.

The front cabin has a berth of 2.2m (7ft 3in) long. Credit: Graham Snook

The salon has an L-shaped seat on the port side, a central island seat (providing an inboard seat for people at the table and excellent storage space for food) and a long straight bench from outboard to starboard .

At the front end of the seat is a convenient forward-handling unit. The object can be retrieved by removing the seat backrest.

An outstanding feature is the central backrest, starboard, hinged down, and the backrest is a small table suitable for cards or drinks.

Above the seats, there are more examples of exquisite craftsmanship and Danish style. On each side there is a shelf that has been fiddled with.

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These represent a familiar theme throughout the ship: X-Yachts does not make things in the simplest way, but makes them in a way that looks good and practical.

At both ends of these shelves are storage cabinets, and the rounded pillars have vertical vents, where they meet the lower violins, where they blend in.

The violin is a wooden railing supported by vertical stainless steel rods. Unlike a solid violin, it allows you to see the content while retaining the content.

The mast steps are essential for the removal of the main cable on the XC42. Image source: Graham Snook

Above the shelf is a hull window, forming an X shape. The same arrangement can be found in the forward cabin above the berth.

The front cabin has a berth of 2.2m long.

It is too long. When the owners sleep with their heads facing forward, the pillows are 40 cm away from the front bulkhead to make room for shoulders; even so, they still have a 1.83m long berth.

There are reading lights at both ends of the berth, which were provided by Andrew and Karen.

There is a useful seat behind the berth, as well as a connecting head and shower, which leads to the port side.

The bottom of the mast is hidden in the locker at the front.

The chart table is of the right size and has a convenient separate cover for storing odds and ends on the outside of the main cover for easy access to the chart.

It is surrounded by a tall violin, but the chart storage is not the deepest 45 mm (2 inches).

The outboard motor is a switch panel, the quality of the switch is very good, and the wiring behind it is neat. There is storage space on the seat and a row of drawers under the table.

The engine passage is good, although the space for the cascading washboard does remove the space from the top.

It is possible to access the rear of the engine to replace the sail drive leg seals, but it is a bit awkward.

Ten years later, Beifan's wardrobe is still strong. Credit: Graham Snook

Andrew also had to replace the rudder bearing, which must be replaced every 6-7 years, depending on the usage. There is a head on the starboard side of the sea chart.

It has a front-facing toilet and a pull-out shower head. At the stern are two double cabins.

The starboard cabin is slightly narrow, losing 5 cm (2 inches) of space between the headroom and the cabin, which is wide enough for the generator.

In contrast, the port stern tank has more space and a 1.51m wide berth with a length of more than 2m.

The corners of the shelf are rounded, whether it is inside or outside the shelf, so as to prevent things from being lost in the corners.

But what I like is the details; the way the wood is shaped and bent where one piece meets the next, the thick dark veneer trim strips around each cabinet door and drawer, and the labels for the wires, which are used to secure the floor. Of stainless steel inserts for screws.

These are the details you can see.

After visiting the X-Yachts factory, I know that there are other factories; the steel frame that bears the load from the keel and mast, each way through the hull fittings is smooth, and the shots on the cast iron fins.

None of this is easy or cheap, but X-Yachts knows that its owners value results.

The couple has no plans to build another ship, and the reason is easy to understand.

Freya is not only like a newcomer, but they know her from the inside out. One day they may become smaller, but it depends on how long they can sail on Freya.

Nick Vass B, Sc B, Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS, marine surveyor www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk

I found a rudder problem on two X yachts I investigated recently.

The XC42's bow locker has an integrated self-draining chain compartment. Credit: Graham Snook

One is the X43 produced in 2003, and the other is the XP44 produced in 2012.

In both cases, the rudder blades were cracked because the aluminum rudder stock had been corroded and expanded.

The XC42 uses the same brand of rudder, so it is worth checking the inventory for evidence of corrosion.

Copper in traditional antifouling paints may be the culprit because it is a different metal from anodized aluminum and is known to cause reactions.

The trick is to apply a copper-free antifouling agent such as Trilux around the hull and rudder. This can be done easily because Trilux or similar can be applied to aluminum sail drive legs anyway.

As far as I know, all XC42s are built with white gel coat tops because I believe they are for cruising in hot climates.

However, I found prints on the X Yacht with a dark hull. Through-printing is caused by the continuous curing and shrinking of the gel coat after being exposed to hot sunlight.

The gel coat shrinks, and the pattern of the glass fiber cloth shows through the coating. XC42 has teak deck.

Teak will wear out and it is expensive to replace, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the wood.

Between 2009 and 2018, a total of 99 XC42 units were produced, making them rare, so they will not often appear on the second-hand market.

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, a full member of the Association of Marine Surveyors and Yacht Brokers Designers and Surveyors (YDSA) www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

XC42 is developed from the lineage of X-Yachts racing boats. For those who want high-performance cruising yachts, I believe she will not disappoint.

The production run time is approximately from 2009 to 2018, and a number of improvements were made to the process in 2014.

As a long-term shipbuilder, Ben Sutcliffe-Davies has worked in the shipbuilding industry for more than 40 years, engaged in ship surveying for more than 20 years, and is a full member of YDSA.

Like all good racing boats, the mast of the XC42 is a stepped keel; it is important to check the condition of the deck around the collar and make sure it is not damaged.

The condition of the mast steps is also important to check for any signs of corrosion.

The rig is usually a fishing rod rigging. Although the fishing rod can be used for 20 years, the ball/foot does need to be properly inspected or remade every five years.

The keel is a combination of iron and lead and is encapsulated in an epoxy alkali-free glass sheath; it is important to ensure that it is intact and has no obvious corrosion staining.

Check the galvanized frame for corrosion through the bilge. Pay attention to areas prone to water accumulation.

The rudder is fiberglass with an alloy stock. It is very important to provide good current protection.

If shore power is used, a galvanic isolator should be installed. Look carefully at any exposed rudder stock to make sure there are no dents.

When checking the engine, be sure to pay attention to the rubber guards on Volvo Penta Saildrive.

If it is more than seven years old, it is generally recommended to replace it.

The early Arcona 340 model had a single wheel in the rear of the cockpit. The twin rudders can be found on future models. Photo Credit: Graham Snook/Yacht Monthly

Few boats can provide speed and high-quality interiors, but the Swedish-made Arcona 430 does it, and she is more inclined towards performance than the XC42.

She is fast, responsive, and willing to steer the helm, making the crew on deck and below feel comfortable.

Originally made by a single wheel that dominates the rear end of the cockpit, later models have two wheels.

Her sail handling is well thought out and works well, whether you are sailing with full or understaffed conditions, although after driving the XC42, her cockpit will feel more exposed because the cockpit is shallow and the cockpit table is lowered to The bottom of the cockpit.

This keeps the cockpit open, which is better for performance sailing.

The salon can comfortably accommodate seven people. Photo Credit: Graham Snook/Yacht Monthly

Like XC42, Arcona 430 has a galvanized steel frame that can withstand loads from lead keel and keel stepped masts.

Her internal layout is similar: the L-shaped kitchen can be returned in a practical round shape, while the owner has an en suite bathroom facing forward.

The salon has a U-shaped seat and a bench on the starboard side: the curved end of the cushion shortens the length of the salon seat for those who sleep.

The second head is in the corridor. Although she looks lively on the outside, her interior is of high quality, with lots of solid wood and well-thought-out mahogany joinery.

Her internal volume is smaller than XC42.

X-Yacht’s 430 is slightly better, but has excellent assembly quality in some areas (thicker, thicker wood products) and her performance, but the XC42 has won victory for cruising sailors in other areas: cockpit, more Large kitchen, interior style and practicality.

Arcona 430 is a performance cruiser in every way, whether you want to cruise with speed and style, or toss her around the racetrack and relax in a comfortable environment; she can be everything you want her to be, even more.

If you have a little more budget, you can consider the newer Arcona 435, which has been designed from the beginning with dual wheels and a wide cockpit to accommodate them, adjusted for performance and still a pleasure of sailing.

The cockpit layout facilitates understaffed navigation. Credit: David Harding

The Saare 41cc central cockpit was launched in 2008, and a rear cockpit version was launched in 2012 a few years later.

It shares the same hull design (including keel and rudder) and drilling rig, but does not have a raised central cockpit and large double rear cabins. Instead, it has a choice of single rear cabin (to port) or two double cabins.

The larger, lower stern cockpit makes sail maneuvering easier, reduces movement and increases shelter.

The Estonian Saare has a teak deck, which has many visual similarities to the XC42, including a similar overall style, sturdy toe rails covered with thick teak, metal frame windows and oversized stainless steel mooring equipment on the deck.

Unlike XC, she has a single wheel and a slightly boxy roof appearance.

Her hull provides her with a good turning speed, while the lead keel increases stiffness and absorbs energy from rock impacts in the northern waters of the Baltic Sea.

It is possible to have the same layout as the XC42, but Saare chose to provide customers with the option of customizing the layout and finishes, allowing car owners to choose the layout that best suits their needs.

Her interior has a similar J-shaped kitchen with a sink and a large workbench for food preparation.

The level of completion is also very good, undoubtedly comparable to most Scandinavian shipyards.

Although Saare yacht lacks the level of detail and style that XC42 has, it is undeniable that she provides most of the features of XC42 at a lower price.

Sunbeam 42.1 comes standard with mast retractable and vertical slatted mainsail. Photo Credit: Graham Snook/Yacht Monthly

Sunbeam 42.1 provides at least two functions that Arcona and XC42 cannot provide: a central cockpit and a large double tail cabin.

Unlike XC42, it can still be used as a new version like other alternatives-the smallest XC currently is XC45.

Sunbeam's woodwork and joinery are of higher quality than mass-produced boats-of course, not to say that mass-produced 42-foot central cockpit yachts can be found!

Her inventory includes some expensive items such as mast stowing, winches, oversized Genoese winches, teak decks and cockpits.

But she also brought many details to make the use of the boat less stressful; cockpit lighting, exhaust temperature warning and automatic cabin lighting, to name a few.

She may not have the performance or sailing pleasure of XC/Arcona, but she doesn't pretend to be anything other than a long-distance and comfortable cruiser.

Graham Snook is a photographer and reporter who has tested yachts and equipment for more than 20 years. Credit: Graham Snook

In other words, she is not lazy. The distance she made mistakes was the same as Arcona's performance.

Her central cockpit was sheltered, and both sets of winches were within reach of the helmsman.

The Genoa winch is in line with the wheels, which is very suitable for you to "hold the helm alone".

The aft cabin, the reason for the existence of the central cockpit ship, will not disappoint.

This is a home-like haven for those waiting to travel.

Under-bed lockers, wardrobes and lockers are ideal for long-distance cruises.

Her interior may not meet the standards of Scandinavian competitors, but her price has not met either.

In the December 2021 Yacht Monthly, you will...