MONOTIPO THAT PASSION i.e. the all the same … or almost / 2

From 6 to 19 meters, ranging from a few thousand euros to large sums, for the most popular monotypes in Italy. A vast panorama for boats all alike with here to enjoy sailing and racing on equal terms. To find the used boat take a look on giornaledellavela.com under “boat ads” and topboatmarket.com.

HERE THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE REVIEW

J/80
When it was launched in 1992, it was state-of-the-art, and it is still a current monotype, easy to steer while not penalizing sailing performance, which is remarkable; in wide gaits it reaches 20 knots! In regattas, there is no limit on the number of crew members, but the maximum weight cannot exceed 338.6 kg. In Italy there is a class association that organizes regattas mainly in Liguria. European championships are also fierce. Used from about 20,000 euros. Length. 8.00 m; width. 2.51 m; first launch 1992. www.j80.it – www.jboats.it

Arpège
It is not really a monotype, but thanks to the Mythical Arpege association, which organizes gatherings with sailings in the Adriatic, we elect it as a “mythical” monotype. With Arpege, the modern sailboat was born in 1967: 1,500 hulls were produced from 1967 to 1976. On deck large open space above the deckhouse. Inside, open space with as many as six beds: four are in the square, two on each side in stacked bunks. The other two bunks are on the sides, under the cockpit. Used from 10,000 euros. Length. 9.25 m; width. 3.00 m; first launch 1967 . www.arpege.it

Farr 30 (Mumm 30)
They are now called Farr 30, named after the designer, but under the original name Mumm 30 experienced good success between 1995, when it was launched as a one-design, until the arrival of the Melges. Nine meters long, with a carbon mast and wafer-thin appendages, it has been featured in breathtaking circuits. Now it is a monotype that still has an excellent European spread, with competitive racing but without excess. A perfect boat for use as a day sailer and for sport cruising. Used from 25,000 euros. Length. 9.43 m; width. 3.07 m; first launch 1995. www.farr30.org

Melges 32/20/40
Melges is the one-design yard par excellence. In addition to the most popular in the world, the 24, there is also the small 20 and the “cool” 32 (pictured). In addition, the king of high-performance one-designs, the 40, equipped with a canting keel that weighs only 3200 kg, is on its way. Rocket! All Melges are managed by an association, which is very efficient. Melges 20: Length. 6.90 m; wd. 3.00 m; first launch 2007. Melges 32: Length. 9.70 m; wd. 2.13 m; first launch 2004;Melges 40:Length. 11.99 m; width. 3.53 m; first launch 2017. www.melgeseurope.com

X 35
With the X 35 you enter the monotype category with which you can race all the same boats in exciting competitions and go cruising with the same boat. Denmark’s X Yachts has had great success with this performance and comfortable boat with eight berths, a large saloon and the comforts of a modern fast cruiser. The class is very active in Italy, even organizing a crowded Italian championship. Used from 60,000 euros. Length. 10.61 m; width. 3,27 m. first launch 2005. www.x-35.it – www.x-yachts.com

Swan 42/60
Two monotypes unique in cost and type of events. We are in the world of Swan, the Rolls Royce of sailboats. The Swan 42 (pictured) is a very elegant Frers design that allows active class racing in the Mediterranean and cruising with a two- or three-cabin boat. The Swan 60 is even more exclusive, sponsored by Russia’s Gazprom. Swan 42: Length. 12.98 m; wd. 3,93 m. first launch 2005. Swan 60: Length. 18.85 m; wd. 5,09 m. first launch 2006. www.nautorswan.com – www.swan42.org – www.gazpromswan60class.com

Swan 45
The first of the one-designs built by Swan in 2001 set the standard. Today some 50 examples compete in the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean, brought together by a class run by the Finnish yard. Beautiful boat, fast but also comfortable, with timeless lines that are still relevant today. The 45 also has a dual soul., in addition to class racing it also becomes an excellent cruising boat with all the comforts of quieter boats. Used values from 200,000 euros. Length 13.83 m; width 3.91 m. first launch 2001. www.nautorswan.com