Press release 30th September 2011

The Xperformance family will get a third member early 2012

 

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.

 

NEW DESIGN

X Appeal

 

· Pioneering coach roof window design; Long sleek style, but this time with 2 open able parts that introduces ventilation as well as the modern look.

 

· Carbon Bow sprit, with hidden integrated anchor roller, combined with the under deck hidden head stay furler make the bow area clean, but with no compromise.

 

· Vertical “Plum” bow gives extra volume forward, and greater waterline length, enhancing the performance in all aspects of hull design.

 

· Vertical Transom maximises usable deck space, and gives a modern, fast, aggressive impression.

 

The Xp’s offer something special. It’s about making the intention functional, yet allowing the smaller details to stand out for being for neat, clean and clever. The quality details in the cockpit, the under deck sheets and halyards, the hidden storage for halyards, the cockpit table, the life raft storage, the cockpit lockers, the various wheel pedestal options, the coachroof port lights, the flush deck hatches, the hidden mainsheet traveller (44 and 50), the recessed storage for the washboard. These features combined make the Xp's stand out.

 

Style Meets Function

Below decks the quality continues with contemporary, comfortable and functional Interior design. New materials and methods result in a blend of clean lines with new and fresh ideas throughout. The units in the Xp’s are made of HIgh gloss white composite GRP, giving both a more modern feel whilst eliminating unnecessary weight. X-Yachts’ renowned craftsmanship and joinery meets is still prevalent in combining modern materials with finest quality wood finishing.

 

Better Sail Performance

The secret to the Xp’s increased performance is the introduction of vacuum infusion and epoxy resins in the hull shell and carbon fibre reinforcement in the hull and keel girders; better performance for racing – better performance for cruising. The new Xp’s overall displacement is a little lower than the previous generation, however much of that weight is now moved into a 30% heavier keel and bulb. The increased stiffness provides a better experience for the cruiser and greater sail carrying capacity for the racer. In over 8 knots of the wind the extra stability is translated into pure boat speed.

 

Proven performer

The Xp 44 was the first in the new generation to be launched in April. She immediately starting turning heads on and off the race as well being nominated for the prestigious European yacht of the Year award by the leading European yachting magazines. The Xp 38 was then launched in August as the second member, and is already following in the family trends. More than 85 new Xp´s, including 4 new Xp 50´s will be sailing before the summer of 2012 – the numbers speak for themselves.

 

50ft Family Speedster

The Xp 50 is set to debut in April 2012, elevating the range to the next level of comfort and performance. Taking the hugely successful design concepts implemented in the smaller Xperformance range the Xp50 concept is set combine the luxury of cruising and racing. A clutter-free and adaptable deck layout will prove a pleasure to sail both shorthanded and fully crewed.

 

The new Xp 50

Superb on-deck comfort is added with more cruising features including the option of multiple biminis, tents and a two-pole sprayhood with opening central window. A foldable cockpit table allows ample room for crew or guests to relax in the spacious cockpit. The transom conceals a tender garage to house an 2.3m inflatable, with an electrically operated door which also forms a convenient bathing platform with swim ladder.

 

The Xp 50 has a spacious accommodation in a three cabin layout, plus two heads and ample storage throughout. All tanks are hidden below the floorboards, to free up space in the sofas for additional cruising needs. Light and space are the key elements, with increased headroom and an additional saloon skylight over the smaller Xp models, increased wooden panelling and ambient lighting All in all a really luxurious environment in which to relax.

 

Comfort mixed with superb performance; the new Xp 50 is expected to become yet another trendsetter in her class of luxury performance cruiser/racer.








The neXt level

The largest of the latest generation Xp yachts, the Xp 50 is set to debut in 2012, elevating the range to the next level of comfort and performance.
 
The Xp 50 takes the hugely successful design concepts implemented in X-Yachts’ latest generation Xperformance range to new heights.
As a development of the well-received Xp 44 and Xp 38 models, the Xp 50 builds on X-Yachts’ extensive experience of producing fast, competitive 50-footer performance cruisers with modern lines that ensure a slimmer upright waterline for lower surface area, additional topside flare for power, and forgiving sections that offer pleasant sailing ‘in the groove’.
 
In line with her Xp 44 and Xp 38 sisterships, the Xp 50 maintains a similar sail area/displacement ratio for optimum performance across the wind range. Designed with the latest VPP optimisation programs, the Xp 50 is built using
a hi-tech epoxy infusion process with directional laminates for improved stiffness and strength, as well as a carbon keel structure frame for maximum safety yet minimum weight. By reducing the structural weight of the hull to a
figure more typical of a 45-foot yacht, the Xp 50 designers have been able to increase the proportion of weight in the keel for increased stability and performance, as well as allowing for extra tank volumes and systems for comfort.
 
Dual purpose
The Xp 50 is designed to be a true dual-purpose racercruiser, with a clutter-free and adaptable deck layout that will prove a pleasure to sail both short-handed and fully crewed. The bow options include a removable carbon bowsprit, fixed tack point, or robust steel anchor roller, allowing the flexibility to set large asymmetric and code sails for racing or cruising as well as to anchor with ease.
 
Below decks the foredeck conceals a self-draining anchor locker with electric windlass, and a large separate sail locker with optional crew berth.
 
Running aft, all control lines are hidden underdeck to powerful winches, with a ‘Maxi’ style mainsheet system further reducing the need for lines on deck and creating a clean layout. Increased purchases on adjustable systems offer ease of adjustment, with inhaulers for upwind tuning.
Decked out
The Xp 50 offers superb on-deck comfort, including the option of twin biminis or a two-pole sprayhood with removable central window. A foldable table allows ample room for crew or guests to relax in the spacious cockpit. The transom conceals a tender garage to house a small inflatable, with an electrically operated door which also forms a convenient bathing platform with telescopic swim ladder. Liferaft storage is integrated under the cockpit floor to create additional space in the garage and cockpit lockers.
 
Underway, the helmsman’s position also offers maximum comfort with twin composite wheels and adjustable angled foot chocks for the perfect driving position. A choice of four pedestal options ensure the skipper has all the information he requires at his fingertips, alternatively 20/20 displays can be mounted on the rig with additional screens on the companionway for easy viewing by the entire crew.
 
Performance options
As with the Xp 40 and Xp 38, the Xp 50 has been designed from the outset to accommodate different rig and keel versions allowing owners to optimise their yacht for performance or cruising sailing.
Client feedback regarding the Xp 50’s predecessor, the X-50, demonstrated that the extra power and speed of the larger rig options were favoured, which are easily balanced by the Xp 50’s improved stiffness and stability for ease of handling.
 
The two rig options include an alloy mast or taller carbon mast with larger mainsail, while below the waterline there are both standard and deep draft keel options. The Xp 50 can also carry an inner forestay which gives added flexibility for all sailors, including the option of setting furling ‘Solent’ staysails for improved reaching performance or easily deployed storm sails for safe
bluewater cruising. Meanwhile downwind the Xp 50 has all the sail combinations of the Xp 44 and 38, including a choice of masthead or fractional spinnakers (with optional carbon spinnaker pole for
maximum VMG) and Code Zero sails.
This wide choice of sail combinations gives smooth polars which indicate excellent speed on all points of sail. The asymmetric options ensure particularly improved reaching performance in light and moderate conditions, whilst in heavier weather the VPP indicates that the Xp 50 does not require early reefing – a clear demonstration of her high stability from powerful hull lines and high ballast ratio.

DIMENSIONS

Xp 50 DIMENSIONS (Preliminary)

 

 

Hull length
14.99
m
49.18
ft
LWL
13.41
m
44.00
ft
Beam
4.43
m
14.53
ft
Draft - standard
2.65
m
8.69
ft
Draft - deep
3.00
m
9.84
ft
Ballast - standard
5,140
kg
11,332
lbs
Displacement - light
11,600
kg
25,573
lbs
Engine diesel
52
kW
75
HP
Water tank standard
550
Ltr
145.5
Gal
Fuel tank standard
600
Ltr
79.6
Gal

 

 

 

 

SAIL AREAS standard (Preliminary)

 

 

Mainsail (Alloy Rig)
87.6
m2
942.95
ft2
Mainsail (Carbon Rig)
89.6
m2
964.48
ft2
Genoa · 106%
64.3
m2
692.14
ft2
Spinnaker - All purpose
220
m2
2,368
ft2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




The luxury of space
 
Light and space are the key elements of the Xp 50 interior. With increased headroom and an additional saloon skylight over the smaller Xp models, increased wooden paneling and ambient lighting, the Xp 50 offers a really luxurious environment in which to relax.
 
A stylish yet seaworthy galley includes an integrated microwave unit as well as a gimballled stove and oven, an 85-litre front-opening fridge and large storage drawers. The transverse sink and indented work top create a secure working area when at sea, with durable finishes and contemporary styling. Meanwhile the comfortable saloon incorporates nearly 2.5 metres of extra deep sofa in a
sociable U-shape as well as a fixed seat with integrated storage space, in addition to 6.5 metres of overhead locker storage.
 
Flexible living
The Xp 50 features an innovative dual-purpose sliding navigation table which can offer a traditional forward-facing navigator’s station, or additional seating. The 75cm x 65cm chart table can be accessed whether slid forward or aft and includes ample storage for navigation equipment and instruments, beneath an
angled screen that can be used for charting or entertainment. When in the aft position the saloon benefits from a full 180cms of sofa. The saloon also has a dedicated heads, including a shower with glass hinged door and seat.
 
Home from home
With a three-cabin layout the Xp 50 offers spacious accommodation, plus two heads and ample storage throughout. The owner’s cabin forward features a large double berth where a sound night’s sleep has been made a priority, with deep comfort foam mattresses supported on a marine plywood base.
 
Additional upholstered seats to both port and starboard make the cabin a comfortable place to relax, with freeboard cupboards and shelves above the berth providing storage, plus two deep drawers below the berth suitable for housing bedding or bulky items. The forward cabin also benefits from a dedicated en suite heads and shower room. Meanwhile the two aft cabins are impressively spacious, with full-length 205cm long berths and taller, wider wardrobes for increased storage.