Rudder control and feel are also highly important for Superior Sailing Pleasure. The new X5⁶ has a wide stern section, maximising theoretical hull speed and hull volume for the built-in dinghy garage. That has made us go for a twin rudder blade solution this time.

To avoid compromising safety, two individual steering systems are part of a very comprehensive technical standard specification, as well as we offer retractable stern- and bow thrusters to maximise manoeuvrability under engine. There is room under the side deck to accommodate an electrically operated gangway, if a foldable carbon gangway isn’t specified.

To facilitate launch and recovery of a 3 m RIB fitted with a 10 HP outboard engine, weighing up to 130 kgs, we have designed and engineered an electrically operated swing arm, which is able to position the RIB in the transverse garage. This feature enables us to avoid penetrating the aftmost structural bulkhead, maximise safety as well as interior space in the 2 aft cabins.

A centre pushpit bench with space for a 8 person liferaft, maximises safety and comfort, a cockpit table with centre storage as well as 2 detachable helmsman seats are all part of many custom options available.

The large 3 frame spray hood, can be stored including the canvas fitted in the flush deck recess, covered by rigid deck covers. Now, the deck covers will be held by hinges and locked down by lock fittings. This will improve the handling.

The remaining deck features are developed over many years and will be optimized to perfection to achieve our ambitious goal “Ease of use”.

Ease of use

The sail plan of the X5⁶ is

• Easy to manage, but yet a performance-oriented sail plan.
• Almost 100 m2 of main sail and a 60 m2 self-tacking jib as standard.
• The mast comes as standard as a 3-spreader aluminum mast with discontinued rod rigging.
• Carbon mast with slightly higher P-measurement is available as option.

Our dedication to ease of use also means a high focus on making sail handling easy.

• Especially for short-handed sailing, easy sail handling is paramount.
• The X5⁶ come as standard with a self-tacking jib track recessed into the front of the coachroof.
• With the optional inner forestay selected, a furling heavy weather jib from that stay can be sheeted to the self-tacking track.
• And a furling 106% overlapping jib on the standard headstay can be sheeted on the optional longitudinal genoa tracks on the coachroof.
• All sheets nicely lead back under deck to winches close to the helming position.
• Forward of the headstay furler there is enough space for an electric or hydraulic Code 0 furler, and from the end of the carbon bowsprit you can fly a furling genacker.

The cockpit sports a 4 winch lay out, with the winches positioned close to the helm.
Halyards and lines are led back to clutches recessed into the cockpit coaming also bringing them close to the helm.

• Standard is a single point german main sheet system.
• As an option: a hidden recessed main sheet traveller system electrically operated.
• Or you can choose a main sheet pod with a 5th winch dedicated for the main sheet. Easy to reach from the helm and freeing up clutches for more lines to be lead back to the coaming winches.
• As a new feature we have introduced an S-curved bow extension. Bow top blends in very nicely with the carbon bow sprit that comes as standard.
• The S-curved bow enables the bow sprit to be supported further forward, which enables an extended bow sprit for more efficient asymmetric spinnaker sailing.

It enables the position of the headstay as well as the Code 0 furler to move approx. 15 cm further forward, which will increase the performance of the boat under most conditions.

The S-curved bow also enables us to locate the anchor roller and anchor, approx. 25 cm further forward, which will minimize the risk of the anchor damaging the gel coat surface of the bow.

When it comes to main sail handling, more and more of X-Yachts clients are opting for furling booms, either manually or electrically operated.

We will be offering various options in this regard to add to the ease of use experience with this yacht.