MONOTYPE THAT PASSION i.e. the all the same…or almost the same / 1

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 our website under “boat ads” and topboatmarket.com.

Meteor
Never would the Dutch designer Van De Stadt have thought in 1968 that that small boat, perfect for sailing on lakes, would become the most popular and famous monotype in Italy. Today the Meteor, a six-meter boat, has become a way of sailing with little expense, ease of transportation, fierce racing with dozens of boats, convivial association gatherings (www.assometeor.it), and sailing schools. In short, a formidable integrated sailing system. The Meteor is still manufactured by Nauticalodi, and there is a large second-hand market at affordable prices not exceeding about 10,000 euros. Length. 6.00 m; width. 2.13 m; first launch 1968. www.assometeor.it – www.nauticalodi.it

J/70
In 2012, U.S.-based J Boats launched the J 70 and it was immediately a worldwide success, renewing the glories of the J 24. The reasons for the success are simple: an ultra-modern 7-meter boat that is fast and simple, even affordable for those who are not experienced sailors. In Italy today it is one of the most active monotypes, the J 70 Italian Class organizes the Alcatel J 70 Cup circuit with stops in the most beautiful and windy places. Easy to cart, affordable cost that makes you feel the thrill of speed, with a rigid monotype that makes the boats all look the same. Length. 6.93 m; wd. 2.25 m; first launch 2009. www.j70.it – www.jboats.it

Melges 24
Harry Melges, designer and builder, launched his Melges 24 in 1993, the first monotype of the new generation, anticipating what would be the high-performance boats of the following years. In Italy it caught on immediately and even today the fleet is one of the most substantial with a circuit of regattas throughout Italy with rankings for professional and amateur helmsmen. Melges Europe, which is based in La Spezia, also organizes boat transfers to the race courses and and boat management for owners. Good availability of used boats at prices ranging from 15 to 30,000 euros depending on condition. Length. 7.23 m; width. 2.50 m; first launch 1993. www.melgeseurope.com

J/24
About 7,000 have been produced since 1977, making the J 24 the most widespread monotype in history. The idea came to U.S.-based Rodney Johnstone to race small, inexpensive, but still real bulbous boats with 4 to 5 crew members on equal terms. Hundreds of J 24s are sailing in Italy and Europe, and there are still many fierce regattas and a very active class. It is a fast boat in light winds, which becomes difficult to steer in strong winds. Below deck four berths for short cruises as well as fun day sailing. Easily wheeled. Still in production. Used by less than 10,000 euros. Length. 7.32 m; width. 2.72 m; first launch 1977. www.j24.it – www.jboats.it

Fun
The French shipyard Jeanneau in 1982 introduced its one-design cabin cruiser, designed by the French Joubert/Nivelt, who specialize in high-performance hulls. Aggressive lines, easy glide, and a movable drift that can be lifted with a convenient mechanism that facilitates transport and improves performance at wide swaths. Even today it is still produced by the famous Lillia shipyard in Italy on Lake Como, where it is widely used, especially on lakes with a very active class. To keep costs down, sails must be rigidly made of Dacron; they can be found used from 5/6,000 euros. Length. 7.50 m; wd. 2.45 m; first launch 1982. www.classefun.it – www.lillia.it

Este 24
In 1994 the D’Este shipyard launched the first example of the Este 24 designed by the great German Frers signature. Very successful with 150 built to date. Easy to carry with the retractable bayonet keel, and even the mast, resting on the deck, can be dismantled without the need for a crane, making it easy to cart on the road. There is a very active class and the fleet is mainly concentrated in Lazio, as well as an event during the Barcolana in Trieste. Guaranteed cruises for sportsmen thanks to four beds in two separate rooms, chemical toilet, sink, stove. Used equipment can be found from 8/9,000 euros. Length. 7.50 m; wd. 2.50; first launch 1994. www.este24.it – shipyardsvalideste.it

Surprise
The Surprise has been in production since 1976 and to date there are 1550 boats produced. Excellent spread on northern Italian lakes and in Switzerland, with an active class association. The Surprise, designed by Joubert&Nivelt, has always been able to modernize; in 1992 the deck was modified to make the cockpit more streamlined and comfortable for cruising use. Below deck, four bunks. Two versions: fixed-keel and drift keel. Is wheelable with ease. Used from 10,000 euros. Length. 7.65 m; width. 2.48 m; first launch 1977. www.aiprosurprise.it

Platu 25
It comes from the pen of Bruce Farr, magician of monotypes. Water lines and appendages, sail plan, materials and construction techniques combine simplicity with high technology. The cockpit is large and provides freedom to maneuver. It has been used in international match racing events because of the rigid monotype. There is a good spread in Italy with a national circuit of regattas. Giant cockpit, little space below deck, fixed bulb. Manufactured by Beneteau, used from 10,000 euros. Length. 7.50 m; wd. 2.54 m; first launch 1997. www.platu25.it

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