Xp 55 The inside story
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MISSION STATEMENT rowing up on the Danish coast, 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 of the yacht’s total weight as possible to be placed in the keel – a key principle to creating a stable and enjoyable sailing yacht which is still...

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The making of an Xp 55 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 55 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 55’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 aspect rig for...

Furthermore, the process also supports our ideals as a family company, as it is a responsible and healthconscious solution for our build team. It also reduces VOCs released into the environment, leaves no styrene residues in the hull, hence resulting in no styrene exposure for sailors and no odour. Sandwich construction X-Yachts are formed of a sandwich construction, incorporating carbon into high load areas. The Xp 55 is made up of: a tough, UV and saltwater-resistant gelcoat outer; an outside skin of glassfibre laminated with ultralow viscosity epoxy; a high elongation M-foam core; then...

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The sailing experience Stability is a key principle behind the Xp 55’s design and build, resulting in dynamic sailing performance -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...

STEERING CONTROLS The steering system translates the Xp 55’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,...

MAST SECTION MORE AERODYNAMIC SECTION AS STANDARD FROM X-YACHTS The powerhouse The rig, sail plan and deck layout are designed to harness the Xp 55’s easily controllable power he Xp 55 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. Precision trim In order to enjoy perfect sail trim, X-Yachts masts and rigging are designed so they can be easily and precisely adjusted, and with sufficient stiffness to maintain...

Sail plan The Xp 55 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, North Sails and Elvstrøm Sails to configure optimum aspect ratios for maximum performance without extreme sail or rig proportions which would be hard to trim and control. As the sail plan was conceived, club racing and cruising oriented statistics could be used to perfect the standard version, while the deeper draft keel and carbon mast option was...

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 55’s bowsprit and pedestal choices. Innovative bowsprit The Xp models were conceived as true dual-purpose yachts. The guiding principle is that the Xp 55 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...

Compass mount with grab-rail Small instrument mount with grab-rail Large instrument mount with grab-rail Extra large instrument mount with dual elec. throttle he Xp 55 offers a choice of five pedestal options to customise the twin composite wheels and ensure every skipper has their preferred information at their fingertips. In addition, displays can also be mounted on the mast bracket and/or the companionway instrument housing for ease of viewing by all members of crew.