30 Aug
Contest, Solaris and Hanse to unveil stunning new designs at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Late summer in the south of France, and for a sailor there aren’t many better places to be than Port Canto on the Cannes waterfront, perusing the best new yachts from the industry’s top manufacturers.
This year though there will be even extra incentive to visit Europe’s biggest on-water boat show, with Contest unveiling the Contest 63CS, Solaris taking the wraps off two models the Solaris 74RS and the Solaris 40ST, while Hanse will debut its much-anticipated new flagship the Hanse 590 as well as the Hanse 360, a yacht that will raise the bar in the 30-40 foot category. Addtionally, the sensational new Moody DS48 that wowed visitors at boot Düsseldorf earlier in the year will also be on display.
Contest 63CS
You won’t find many sailing yachts at Cannes that match the build integrity, attention to detail and craftsmanship of the new Contest 63CS which will have its World Premiere during the Festival.
Designed by Judel/Vrolijk & Co with interiors by Wetzels Brown Partners, this latest offering from the renowned Dutch bluewater yacht builder features enviable luxury appointments and onboard space, both above and below deck.
Configured for short-handed high-performance cruising, 63CS Owners can choose in-mast or in-boom furling, a self-tacking jib, twin headsails and the option for an integrated structural luff Code sail furler on the bowsprit. All of which makes it easy to change sail modes.
In a first for a yacht of this size in the luxury performance sector, in both the three and four cabin versions the Contest 63CS offers two identical double VIP guest suites forward of the saloon. Complementing the owner’s suite aft, these mirrored guest cabins each have an ensuite with shower and toilet.
Natural light has been the focus of the spacious master cabin, with double portholes, skylights above the wardrobes and an optional panorama transom window. This light, airy and open feel continues in the saloon with standing eye level panoramic windows.
Solaris 74 RS
Similarly, Solaris is always a focal point for style and panache at any boat show and Cannes will be no different with the Solaris 74 RS taking centre stage. With sharp lines from Javier Soto Acebal, complemented by svelte interiors by Lorenzo Argento the 74 RS (raised saloon) will be one of the most beautiful and accomplished sailing yacht at the show.
The deck layout is characterised by a very large cockpit that features twin wheels set outboard, while the companionway, offset to starboard, can be accessed without the intrusion of the cockpit table which is offset to port. Also, the cockpit backrests allow the guests to sit in a forward-facing position where they can even enjoy an expansive sunbathing area.
Below deck there are three layout options, featuring highly comfortable three or four double cabins plus the crew cabin with separate bathroom. Moreover, the bright and spacious raised saloon grants an elevated raised ceiling diffusing natural light and allowing the engine room to be positioned amidships.
Solaris 40 ST
The Solaris 40 ST (ST stands for square top main) that unashamedly offers more performance than a pin-head main, a large cockpit with helm wheels set outboard on cantilevers and the interior volumes of a 43-foot boat. The design objective was to equip a 40 with all the innovations and features of higher-end Solaris models.
The 40’s relatively high freeboard helps to create a lot of volume below decks and the interior is larger and more comfortable than its sleek external appearance might suggest. There’s the choice of a two or three-cabin layout but the Owners cabin benefits from the full forward sections meaning there are few performance cruisers of this size that offer as much space here. There’s a full-size peninsula bed, as well as plenty of floor space, even with the optional en-suite, plus reasonable stowage.
Hanse 590
Hanse continues its collaboration with acclaimed French naval designers Berret-Racoupeau whose hulls for the Hanse 460, 510, and 410 have all shared a reverse bow, wide beam conferring excellent form stability, hull chines, along with a marked flare above the waterline aft to reduce wetted surface area and boost light air performance.
As befitting the new flagship of the range, the 590 possesses the kind of space and appointments that elevate it toward the superyacht ranks. That’s especially evident in the cockpit with a division between sailing areas aft and a huge socialising/relaxing space forward of the twin helms, complete with stylish meridienne seats, large lounges and twin teak tables.
With the choice of 36 possible layout combinations spanning either three, four, fi or six cabins and the options of a second forestay, in-mast furling and electric winches the Hanse 590 offers the potential to semi-customise a premium blue water luxury family yacht for whatever purpose its Owners see fit.
Hanse 360
Often the bigger models get the attention but we would expect a lot of buzz around the Hanse 360 which replaces both the Hanse 348 and Hanse 388. That’s a lot to ask given the interior room, deck space, easy sailing characteristics and performance of the 348 and 388, but the 360 defies previous conventions about a boat in this category.
At 11.32 metres (37’ 2’’) LOA, the Hanse 360 is almost as long as the 388 (11.4m, 37’ 5’’), but is beamier and weighs nearly 500 kgs less. With a dozen possible layout combinations, the 360 can be tailored entirely according to personal requirements. The large owner’s cabin can have its own separate bathroom, a rare feature in a yacht of this size. Aft you have the choice between two roomy, comfortable cabins or an aft cabin and a large storage space.
The 360’s cruising amenities such as an integrated stainless steel fridge in the cockpit, BBQ at the stern, and a large swim platform that when closed provides additional seating only enhance the potential attractiveness of this highly competent coastal family cruiser.
Moody DS 48
“Panoramic views from the saloon, legendary build quality, and luxurious comfort”. That was Yachting World’s summation of the Moody DS 48 that was unveiled back in January.
The latest in the Moody Deck Saloon range, the DS 48’s stand-out advantage over conventional yachts is ‘single-level living’, meaning the cockpit and saloon are on exactly the same level, making transition from outside to inside safe and easy. As convenient as this is anchor, it’s a major bonus when underway, especially when short-handed.
The Moody’s accommodations are also highly praised. The owner’s suite is superb, with a generous island berth. But it’s almost matched by the VIP guest cabin, which is also supremely comfortable with a spacious ensuite with a separate shower cubicle. A third guest double with an ensuite is also available, ensuring all guests onboard feel equally indulged.
For more information about pricing, full specifications and options of any of the yachts mentioned here contact Windcraft Sales on +61 2 9979 1709 in Australia, New Zealand +64 09 413 9465 or email sales@windcraftyachts.com
