Xp 44
23Pages

MISSION STATEMENT “Hardening up onto the breeze proved a revelation: the mix of balance and speed upwind is impressive” Toby Hodges, Yachting World, August 2011 rowing up on the Danish coast, the brothers Lars and Niels Jeppesen were keen sailors, and inspired to enter the yachting industry by the local boatyard, Nimbus – at that time world leaders in sandwich construction. When X-Yachts was founded in 1979 by the Jeppesen brothers, together with their friend Birger Hansen, sandwich construction was their natural choice, as it offers the lightest construction allowing as high a proportion...

The making of an Xp 44 The Xperformance range has once again seen X-Yachts raise the bar for cruiser-racer design and construction very element of an X-Yacht bears the hallmark of quality. Each detail of our yachts is designed in-house to give the sailor a truly superior sailing experience, and we are proud that every boat to leave our yard in Haderslev, Denmark, carries with it a reputation built on three decades of high manufacturing standards, world-renowned safety credentials, intelligent design, and elegant craftsmanship. The Xp range includes our newest models and most cutting-edge...

The Xp difference The Xp 44 is built using technologically advanced materials and cutting-edge techniques trength, stiffness and a high ballast to weight ratio are key to creating yachts which offer superlative sailing pleasure and performance. X-Yachts is now the biggest production builder of high-tech yachts, using a vacuum infusion process. Every gram of weight saved in the Xp 44’s hull and deck allows a greater amount of ballast to be added to the T-bulb keel for improved stability, which is particularly important when sailing short-handed. It also enables the yacht to carry a higher...

Sandwich construction X-Yachts are formed of a sandwich construction, incorporating carbon into high load areas. The Xp 44 is made up of: a tough, UV and saltwaterresistant gelcoat outer; an outside skin of glassfibre laminated with ultralow viscosity epoxy; a high elongation M-foam core; then an inner glass epoxy skin. X-Yachts work in close co-operation with world-leading composites experts at Gurit (UK). Piet Heydorn, Technical Sales Manager (Strategic Accounts), explains: “Having worked closely with X-Yachts over the last decade on several projects we joined forces again for the...

Stability is a key principle behind the Xp 44’s design and build, resulting in dynamic sailing in all conditions -Yachts are designed by sailors, for sailors. Every X-Yacht is designed to perform superbly in all conditions and in all sail configurations. However, many of the very same factors which make the Xp models race winners, also ensure that they are enjoyable fast cruisers. Ballast ratio During the Xperformance design process Velocity Prediction Programs were utilised to optimise each yacht’s hull shape. This confirmed to the design team that it was key to slightly reduce the overall...

STEERING CONTROLS The steering system translates the Xp 44’s power into a responsive sailing experience. The rudder is fitted with high quality selfaligning roller bearings for reduced friction, maximum ‘feel’ and precise steering. Twin composite wheels are also designed for optimum responsiveness, with reduced moments of inertia compared to conventional steel or aluminium wheels. Heavier metal wheels dampen or reduce the ‘feedback’ felt by the helmsman due to increased inertia of the wheel not in use. The series connected steering cables are linked to the rudderstock via a large quadrant,...

T-BULB The Xp models carry a ‘T’ bulb keel. Until recent years this foil shape was more usually seen on custom racing yachts, but it also offers many benefits to a performance cruiser. Keels work on the same principles as an aeroplane wing: higher pressure on the leeward side generates lift, while the foil also prevents the yacht from slipping sideways. The problem for designers is that at the tip of a keel water escapes around to the low pressure side, creating vortices and turbulence which in turn create drag. A keel bulb reduces this effect. Meanwhile, above decks, the Xp models carry...

The powerhouse The rig, sail plan and deck layout are designed to harness the Xp 44’s easily controllable power he Xp 44 comes with two rig choices, a standard alloy mast or an optional carbon mast and boom. Both are designed in close co-operation with leading rig development companies and sailmakers, for strength, low-windage and exceptional control. Sail plans The Xp 44 greatly benefits from the fact that all Xp models were designed with two versions from the outset. The rigs and sailplans were developed in close association with leading suppliers including Southern Spars, Hall Spars,...

EXTERIOR FEATURES Dual-mode options Adaptability and a high degree of personalisation characterise the Xp models, with their unique multi-purpose bowsprit ustom options are commonly found on Maxi or Superyachts, but X-Yachts set new standards for production cruiser-racers with the Xp 44’s bowsprit and pedestal choices. Innovative bowsprit The Xp models were conceived as true dualpurpose yachts. The guiding principle is that the Xp 44 should be highly competitive when sailed with a full crew and also easily handled by a couple or family. It should be optimised for racing under major handicap...

EXTERIOR FEATURES On deck Every detail of the Xp 44 deck layout has been carefully considered for perfect ergonomics and style orm meets function with the Xp 44 deck layout, which balances clean lines and minimalist style, with usability, safety and security. Attractive teak decking is fitted as standard, with the option to extend the teak to include side decks and coach roof. The stylish finish is complemented by concealed passages for halyards, sheets and trim lines, together with flush fittings and details such as the folding Nomen mooring cleats. Ergonomics for both cruising and racing...