The primary purpose of any yacht, motor or sail, is to maximize an owner’s enjoyment of the water. If Iñigo Toledo, director of Barracuda Yacht Design, has his way, this performance sailing yacht will triple the buyer’s enjoyment. Measuring 180 feet LOA, the design emphasizes speed, minimal heeling, and of course interior comfort.
The superyacht is partly inspired by the work the firm did on two Spanish entrants in the America’s Cup race. There’s a canting keel with lead bulb, accompanied by adjustable daggerboards. This, along with 35 tons of transferable water ballast, should reportedly permit the 180 to achieve 15-knot speeds upwind, even when the breeze is 20 knots. To underscore the significance of the performance, Toledo says that the all-aluminum yacht will be capable of running in just 8 knots of wind with no difficulty – and that similar-size, traditional sailing craft typically need 15 knots or more.
Those numbers should appeal to any owner who would like to participate in the popular superyacht regattas held worldwide. But if he or she needs further convincing, the attention paid to the heeling angle should be satisfactory. Barracuda Yacht Design says that even in high winds, the maximum upwind heel should never exceed 10 degrees.
That will keep everyone on deck comfortable whether racing or cruising, as should the large flybridge. There are dedicated areas for sunning, dining, or simply relaxing, along with twin helms. The owner and up to eight guests should feel equally catered to inside, with generous spaces for lounging and dining. They’ll also get to enjoy some interesting visuals: The design team plans for a glass partition to separate the dining room from the hallway, which contains the stairway/elevator. Barracuda Yacht Design is leaving the choice of the stairway vs. elevator up to the eventual owner.
Speaking of the owner, take a look at the layout for the master stateroom, the full-beam suite located aft in the lower-deck arrangement here. It features a private lounge space opposite the bed, his and her heads, and a sauna (fully aft to starboard). The standout detail, however, is what Barracuda Yacht Design calls a “beach zone.” Situated right above the water to port, it’s intended to let the owner cool down in the fresh air upon exiting the sauna.
Add to all of this 1,400 square meters (more than 15,000 square feet) of sail area and a garage capable of holding a handful of watertoys, and the 180 certainly seems to put the “performance” in “performance yacht.”
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