x yacht

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

X-Yachts X-41 review: from the archive

• May 2, 2021

First of all, the X-Yachts X-41 is not simply a larger X-35.

The mainsheet is led under the side decks to the aft pair of cockpit winches. Credit: X-Yachts Credit: X-Yachts

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

Although they are clearly from the same stable, Niels Jeppesen has given her a deep T-keel for stability.

But the X-Yachts X-41 carries a comparatively lower sail area than her sister.

The reason for this, according to Jeppesen, is that the X-Yachts X-35 was designed specifically to establish a class in the Mediterranean, requiring plenty of sail to cope with light conditions.

Choosing to market her as a one-design has also let X-Yachts fit her with all the toys as standard – carbon spars, wheel and some tidy line handling arrangements.

The deck layout of the X-Yachts X-41 rewards close scrutiny.

There’s an abundance of tweaks to be made, with barber haulers for the head sail and spinnaker sheets and powerful outhaul, cunningham and kicker purchases led to camcleats on both sides of the coach roof.

The mainsheet is led under the side decks to the aft pair of cockpit winches, avoiding any trip or chafe problems for crew sitting out.

A powerful traveller runs the full width of the cockpit within easy reach of the helm or the main trimmer.

Both mainsheet and traveller lines are continuous, the traveller line routed through small blocks clipped to the guard wires to keep it to hand.

Backstay adjustment is through X-­Yachts’ patented Magic Wheel, as fitted to the IMX40, IMX45 and most recently the X-35.

This impressive system uses a huge drum below decks to provide most of the purchase, allowing rapid backstay adjustment simply by pulling a lot of line.

It’s tidy and quicker than hydraulics and is routed conveniently through a small tube which emerges just below the centre of the traveller.

The innovations don’t stop there. X-Yachts have fitted Harken’s dual ­diameter Quattro winches to the coachroof, which allow fast sheeting of the spinnaker sheets via the large ­diameter drum or a lower gear by simply shifting the line up to the main drum and self-tailer.

The big carbon wheel was comfy to use from either side of the cockpit and offered a good view forward.

Lifting the GRP cover below the helmsman’s feet reveals another clever detail – the quadrant is immediately abaft the helm and as close to the centre of the wheel as possible, allowing short cables to be used and eliminating slack.

All good in theory, but does it work on the water? In a word, yes.

The X-Yachts X-41 is a thoroughbred racer which is already showing her class – the team won the first race of the Warsash Spring Series by 15 minutes on corrected time.

We sailed the boat twice; once for the second race of the series, then later for a detailed test.

On the first occasion, the wind ranged from 30-38 knots, giving us a fast run to the course and race organisers the jitters.

A stiff performer

They cancelled the race, but skipper Jochem Visser suggested we should go for a sail anyway.

It was a bumpy ride upwind under reefed main and jib, conditions that the hull’s steel reinforcement, which picks up rig and keel load, is designed to counteract.

Turning for the spinnaker run, we drove the boat hard, surfing down waves to reach speeds up to 15 knots.

The 12 crew were necessary to sail and balance the boat in these conditions and proved that the large cockpit could work well when fully crewed.

The second session couldn’t have been more different – bright sunshine and light winds averaging six knots.

The crew of 12 were essential for spinnaker work and helpful weight on the wind.

Sailing upwind and sacrificing a little height for power, the X-Yachts X-41 turned in a more than respectable five to six knots, often matching or exceeding the true wind speed.

She responded well to crew placement, delivering much better helm balance with plenty of weight to leeward.

The big carbon wheel was comfy to use from either side of the cockpit and offered a good view forward, and there were plenty of brace points for the helmsman whatever the steering position.

Helming was finger-light yet positive – the boat responded well to small corrections and the steering system showed no slack.

Even in these light airs, feedback was good and she proved easy to keep in the groove.

Upwind in 30 knots: the X-41 proved a good all-rounder.

Tacking is fast and straightforward thanks to the non-overlapping rig.

Bearing away and hoisting a symmetric spinnaker, we nudged seven knots, reaching as the wind filled in slightly. Again, she proved positive to handle, rewarding puffs of wind with good acceleration.

Under engine the 41 performed well, cruising at over eight knots and reaching just over nine knots flat out.

As can be expected from her narrow keel. the turning circle was tight – 1.25 boat lengths – and performance astern was secure and positive.

Although primarily a racing boat, the X-Yachts X-41 still offers a few cruiser comforts.

The cockpit is a good width for bracing and deep enough to feel secure, and has two good lockers for fenders and lines plus a large lazarette accessed through the floor behind the helm.

The racing foil on the headstay can be replaced with roller-reefing gear with the drum mounted below deck. But the really neat concession to cruising is the anchor box.

X-Yachts’ system lets you fit an anchor well and windlass which can be entirely removed when racing, using a fully sealed hatch to prevent water ingress. It’s not a quick job, admittedly, but impressive nonetheless.

Light and welcoming

The interior layout is similar to that of the X-35, but the extra length has allowed a few welcome changes, notably a larger galley, forward-facing nav station and doors and lockers for the aft cabins.

Yet the first impression below is of simplicity – there’s a light, welcoming feel thanks to teak being restricted to necessary joiner work, a generous use of white and lots of opening lights and hatches.

Starting at the bow, there’s a zippered, mesh panel which opens into an empty bow cavity suitable for sail stowage, but would be filled with the anchor box when cruising.

The forecabin has a conventional triangular berth, its split mattress easily moved to allow access beneath the berth.

The hatches which offer access to this stowage space are too narrow to accept anything but the smallest sails, but provide plenty of stowage for other objects.

Other stowage is provided by a large locker with hanging and shelving space. Both aft cabins feature a similar locker.

The heads and shower are basic, but practical.

Forward and accessed through the saloon, the heads is large enough for showering and has a large locker behind the usual mirrored doors ­ the space below the sink is left open.

The saloon has two long settees either side of a drop-leaf table.

As on the X-35, the seat backs hinge upwards, giving access to the full width of the cushions when sleeping.

It’s a shame no extra cushion is provided, so that the hinged section can double as an upper berth.

That said, because the boat is able to sleep ten, few people are likely to find this restricting.

Plenty of white makes a bright interior.

The settee cushions and their plywood bases also hinge up to allow access to the water tank to port and diesel tank to starboard, plus limited stowage. Grab handles below the portlights run throughout the saloon.

A large nav station is at the foot of the companionway, with plenty of space for paper and electronic navigation.

Stowage is in a stack of four drawers in the pedestal and there’s even a handy pen box under a flap in the chart table top.

Opposite, the galley is large enough for standard cooking and has good stowage above the stove.

However, less successful is the stack of four drawers adjacent to the stove – with an inside width of only 9cm, you have to wonder how useful they will be.

The simple aft cabins have a large locker each and berths that are mounted low in the boat, with little space beneath.

A pipecot is also fitted should you need to squeeze three people into each cabin.

The engine box, which protrudes into both cabins, can be readily removed, as can the companionway steps, to provide superb all-round engine access.

For sheer adrenalin, the X-Yachts X-41 takes the honours. She’s fast and fun, and rewards careful trim and handling with clear returns of speed.

The big rig, deep draught and high sail area/displacement creates a stiff, responsive yacht that can put a smile on your face and some results on the board.

My guess is that X-Yachts X-41’s will spend most of their time in racing mode.

That said, just as many a sports car driver has never been near a track, several owners of the 40 or so boats already pre-sold admitted that they never plan to race at all.

First published in the June 2007 issue of YW.

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

Rossinavi to premiere 43m Seawolf X at Monaco Yacht Show 2024

Related articles, superyacht directory.

Rossinavi has announced that it will be premiering its "most innovative project" to date, Seawolf X , at this year's Monaco Yacht Show . The 42.8-metre hybrid-electric catamaran was delivered in August 2024 and is now cruising the Saronic Islands in Greece, according to BOATPro .

Exterior design is by Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design , marking the first project presented by the pair since the 49.1-metre Aurora in 2017. It also marks Rossinavi's first multihull project.

A key characteristic of the model is her three "performance scenarios". On one-day trips, Seawolf X can cruise in full-electric mode for 100 per cent of the time; on multi-day trips, she can cruise for 90 per cent; and on transatlantic trips, she can still cruise in electric mode for 80 per cent of the time. When the catamaran is moored, a "hibernation mode" activates for reduced consumption – with the energy generated able to be given back to the quay or to a private property. She can recharge at the shore in five hours and supplies enough energy to charge up an entire villa.

Rossinavi has also developed an onboard artificial intelligence system, called Rossinavi AI, to analyse the operation of the vessel, predict the needs of guests and communicate with the crew on "lower-impact behaviours" and "conscious cruising". The AI can also monitor the battery pack to keep it in a range of 20 to 80 per cent.

Her exterior is low-profiled and reminiscent of a sports car, with Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design seeking "to liberate their minds from preconceptions" around catamaran design. The team also integrated solar panels into Seawolf X and addressed hull efficiency by developing "lightweight solutions", including an anchor installation that meets weight standards while enhancing aesthetics.

New York-based design firm Meyer Davis have created an interior that "complements the cutting-edge yacht to bring relaxed luxury and sustainable design to its forefront," the shipyard said. The decor takes inspiration from nature, in particular the sun, the sea and sand.

Leisure highlights include a convivial cockpit centred around a pool, an expansive sundeck with sunbathing and living spaces, and a bow area that features a hidden pool and convertible home theatre. Accommodation is for up to 10 guests in four cabins located in the hulls.

"After years of study and construction, it is now a source of satisfaction and pride for us to witness the launch of project Sea Cat, now Seawolf X , the first hybrid-electric multihull vessel," said Federico Rossi, COO of Rossinavi at the time. "This yacht showcases remarkable technological innovations in both power management and propulsion technologies, marking the beginning of a new chapter in next-generation vessels." 

Seawolf X also carries the BlUE label, the shipyard' "sustainable" design philosophy established in 2022. Inspired by phytoplankton, the BlUE fleet absorbs sunlight during the day and utilises photovoltaic technology to convert it into energy. This energy is stored in advanced batteries and released at night, creating a bioluminescent effect "akin to glowing plankton".

Seawolf X is available for charter with Cecil Wright from €380,000 per week.

Sign up to BOAT Briefing email

Latest news, brokerage headlines and yacht exclusives, every weekday

By signing up for BOAT newsletters, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy .

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, more stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Review: Ilma, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: First In

Start out with the big picture—what is this cruise line known for?

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is new to the cruising scene—its first superyacht, Evrima , launched in 2022, and Ilma is the second in its quickly expanding fleet, which is meant to provide all the luxury and freedom of a private yacht with the refinement and service Ritz-Carlton is known for.

And I have to say they’re nailing it—I truly felt like I was aboard a yacht more than a cruise ship. All of the spaces are designed with intimacy in mind and you can tell.

Tell us about the ship in general .

She’s sleek, she’s sexy, and she has a hotelier’s touch. I stayed at Hôtel Arts Barcelona , a Ritz-Carlton flagship, before Ilma departed, and being onboard felt like a natural extension of the hotel. Everything felt comfortable but not at the expense of style. My mind immediately goes to the director-style dining chairs on deck outside Mistral, the restaurant on deck 10, which were not only designed specifically for Ilma —sleek chrome for the base and classic nautical stripes for the cushions—but improved upon from Evrima for new dimensions catering to comfort. I also can’t rave enough about the linens throughout the ship, from the napkins to the sheets to the bathrobe (more on this later).

All of the decks on board are expansive but never feel overcrowded—the loungers, couches, and tables are arranged to create pockets of intimate spaces, so you never feel like there are 400 other passengers onboard. There are 10 decks in total, the upper deck (10) and lower decks (3-5) being the most social—the main pool deck is on top, with loungers spanning along both sides of the ship and smaller tables between. At the bow, there’s the observation deck, cleverly hidden on the far side of the pool, with couches and its own bar. It’s so private, you almost feel like you might be in the wrong place (replaced quickly by the feeling that this is now your own little secret). The lower decks house most of the restaurants, the fitness studio and spa, and the smaller (infinity) pool deck, as well as the Living Room, which has smaller groupings of couches and tables, separated by natural parts of the architecture, like pillars and bookshelves, so you feel like you’re in, well, someone’s well-appointed family room.

Every design decision feels purposeful because, of course it is. Taking what they learned from Evrima and her guests, the Yacht Collection expanded much of Ilma ’s capacity to respond to what passengers gravitated toward the most, doubling the size of the fitness studios, the number of spa treatment rooms, and and the amount loungers on deck, for which I was grateful. I was relieved not to have to wake up at dawn to stake my claim on a seat.

Who is onboard?

Mostly couples, a few families, and a handful of solo travelers, all ranging in age. We had a lot of longtime Ritz loyalists, many who’d never cruised before, finally willing to give it a shot, thanks to Ilma .

Describe the cabins .

Spacious, airy, plenty of room to breathe. My cabin— a Grand Suite —had both dining and living areas, in addition to a bedroom that I could close off while sleeping, avoiding any of the gorgeous Mediterranean sunlight let in by the floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door too early in the morning. Running the whole width of the suite, the door opened onto a balcony to rival the decks above. I had two loungers and two armchairs all to myself, of which I made ample use.

I appreciated the two separate closet spaces (more than I have in my current apartment) that had drawers and hanging space—with enough hangers!—in addition to open shelving, which I used as easy access for the items I reached for the most: jewelry, bags, a sarong for the pool.

As for the linens, they were all from Frette , including the bathrobe, which now has the distinction of being the most comfortable robe I’ve ever used and made me realize how scratchy other robes turn out to be.

The color scheme was, like the rest of the superyacht, refined and understated—soft grays, whites, with a pop of color from the teal couch.

In the bathroom, I relished using the Diptyque products present during every shower, though I did have to hunt for the waste bin, which turned out not to be a separate receptacle but a drawer that was part of the vanity and took some getting used to.

Tell us about the crew.

They were attentive and engaged but not overbearing and often knew what I wanted before I did (thinking of the iced oat milk latte I was offered one morning on the pool deck—it turned out to be just what I needed). We were told some of the crew had come from other Ritz properties, and I could tell a few were still getting their sea legs but were well on their way to adapting to the ship.

My suite ambassador, Horacio, was a particular standout, always anticipating what I’d need for the coming day—an extra bottle of Moët early on, then a fresh bottle of sparkling water later. He also made sure my welcome-night dress was freshly pressed in time for dinner and the following party, which I was especially grateful for, as there was no iron in the suite (there are two in the guest launderette, though).

What food and drink options are available on board?

You’ll never want for a drink or snack on Ilma . There are five restaurants, all with distinctive types of cuisine—Tides, Memorī, Beach House, Mistral, and the pièce de resistance: Seta su Ilma . Headed up by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi, Seta is the only restaurant on board that requires an additional fee to dine there, and I’d recommend making a reservation as soon as you embark.

I experienced Seta (and it truly is an experience ) my last night on the superyacht, and it was quite the send-off. Dinner is an 11-course tasting menu with a wine pairing for every course, so everyone told me to eat light the day of, and I’m glad I did, especially since my favorite course (Wagyu beef calabrese) came last before dessert. Seta was the most intimate of the restaurants with only ~40 seats, and all of the tables had staggered seating times. Our (chatty) table was one of the later seatings, and we closed down the restaurant.

And when you’re more parched than peckish, there are six bars aboard, most adjacent to their respective restaurants. My favorite was the Marina Bar, in the aft of the ship. Two of the walls transform out into open-air decks with glass paneling beneath you, so you can get a glimpse of the water below while you sip your cocktail of choice (mine was naturally a piña colada).

Is there a spa on board and is it worth visiting?

Yes and yes—treatments available include the usual suspects, like massages and facials, as well as salon services for both men and women. The Barber—an extension of the Pisterzi brand , which has locations in New York and Milan—and The Salon are the go-to spots for haircuts, shaves, manicures, and all grooming needs in between. (I heard nothing but rave reviews about The Barber from the men aboard—I heard some variation of “best shave of my life” every time.) There’s also a steam room and sauna (one of each for men and women), which you can enjoy even without another treatment booked.

I’m always carrying around a tight back, so I was delighted to be treated to a deep muscle massage and finally feel my shoulders fall below my ears. Before my treatment, my massage therapist asked the usual questions—any injuries, which spots needed the most work, etc.—but then she applied two different oils and asked which I liked better. The one I chose meant my body needed relaxing, naturally. During the treatment, there was a bowl of rose petals on the floor below my head, which I found to be a nice touch. The massage itself was just the amount of pressure I like—a lot—without verging into too much . Afterward, the steam room and sauna were offered to me, but I was eager to heat up by the pool instead.

What about activities and entertainment?

You won’t find a theater or auditorium onboard Ilma and that’s because life is best lived on the decks, so I found—catching sun by one of the two pools or taking advantage of the adult playground that is the “aquabana”—a floating lounge space off the aft of the ship where you can swim in the sea, kayak, paddleboard, or relax with your feet in the water under one of the cabanas. These are common on private yachts, and in keeping with giving passengers a taste of the yachting lifestyle, Ilma acquired the largest one made yet (so I’m told).

There was plenty of live music throughout the voyage: a DJ by the pool deck or a live band in the Living Room— Ilma ’s central lounge space with a coffee bar and rotating gelato flavors by day and a busy cocktail bar by night.

When you’ve had enough sun (hard to imagine, I know), there’s not only a gym but spinning and movement studios, all expanded on Ilma , due to their popularity on Evrima . I had the best intention of spending one morning testing out a treadmill, but whenever I walked by, it seemed like the other guests had it under control.

Instead, I power-walked the decks, taking in all the art—you can find an original Hockney, Warhol, and Picasso onboard—and window shopping at the Bvlgari boutique.

How was the experience for families?

Surprisingly welcoming! I did not expect to see so many families on board, but there was dedicated programming for children through Ritz Kids , as well as a number of children simply enjoying the amenities alongside the rest of us: dancing, swimming, and sipping juices.

Where did it sail and how were the excursions? Did anything stand out?

We sailed from Barcelona to Saint-Tropez, where we anchored overnight, before disembarking in Monte Carlo. The overnight port call in Saint-Tropez gave us plenty of time for both planned excursions, which ranged from winery tours to a pastry-making class, and taking the tender into town for your own exploring.

For my excursion, I took a tour of nearby Port Grimaud, a planned community built in the ‘60s with a network of canals meant to mimic Venice, followed by a seafood tasting at a local restaurant before grabbing an digestif along the harbor back in Saint-Tropez with some of my fellow tour mates. What I really appreciated was how much time to wander we were given on our tour—we had portions of planned activities, like a boat tour through the aforementioned canals, but plenty of time for our own discovery.

Are there any stand out sustainability or green initiatives about this cruise?

Ilma is the first build in the collection to have a specialized gas system installed, which makes it flexible for current—and future—sustainable fuels, like bio- or synthetic fuels, and the next member of the fleet, Luminara (launching in 2025), will have the same.

Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

A voyage on Ilma is worth booking to experience the luxury of the yachting lifestyle wherever, whenever—with the full service of a hotel.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

X-Yachts Brokerage

Search our used boats for sale

Loading - Please wait

• Boat Model: All X-Yachts Models --> All Models
• Location: All Countries
• Dealer: All Dealers X-Yachts Australia X-Yachts Austria X-Yachts Benelux X-Yachts Bosnia Herzegovina X-Yachts Brazil X-Yachts Bulgaria X-Yachts Canada (East) X-Yachts Canada (West) X-Yachts Chile X-Yachts China X-Yachts Croatia X-Yachts Cyprus X-Yachts Denmark X-Yachts Estonia X-Yachts Finland X-Yachts France X-Yachts Germany X-Yachts Germany (South) X-Yachts Great Britain X-Yachts Greece X-Yachts Hong Kong X-Yachts Hungary X-Yachts Ireland X-Yachts Israel X-Yachts Italy X-Yachts Japan X-Yachts Latvia X-Yachts Lebanon X-Yachts Lithuania X-Yachts Macedonia X-Yachts Malta X-Yachts Mexico X-Yachts Netherlands X-Yachts New Zealand X-Yachts Norway X-Yachts Peru X-Yachts Poland X-Yachts Portugal X-Yachts Qatar X-Yachts Romania X-Yachts Serbia X-Yachts Slovenia X-Yachts Spain X-Yachts Sweden X-Yachts Switzerland X-Yachts Taiwan X-Yachts Turkey X-Yachts UAE X-Yachts USA X-Yachts Ukraine
• Build Year:
• Order By: Date Added (New - Old) Date Added (Old - New) Price (Low - High) Price (High - Low) Build Year (New - Old) Build Year (Old - New)

This website requires javascript for full functionality. Please enable javascript.

Join our Mailing List

Join our monthly email mailing list to get all the latest information and news from X-Yachts directly in your inbox.