X4 Tested for you. Ready for the new X Factor?

Wind from the north never exceeding 8-9 knots, rain and long wave from the south. These are the conditions that await us in Chiavari for the testing of the new X4. This boat is the second-born (younger sister of the X6) of thenew range from the Danish shipyard X-Yachts, which is intended to be a synthesis of the two lines Xp (Performance, compared to which it is heavier and bulkier) and Xc (Cruiser). The best in onboard performance and maneuvering taken from the racing world, combined with details that ensure maximum comfort while cruising. A sporty boat then, with X-Yacht’s characteristic build quality and attention to detail, and which is described as follows by its daddy, Niels Jeppesen: ” “The hull was designed to satisfy sailors who want to sail well in all conditions. Being able to ensure high comfort even upwind was one of the basic requirements. Unlike many of today’s other designs, the X4 is meant to be fun and easy to take more than just to the windward side. Upwind performance and seaworthiness played a key role in choosing the design parameters in which to move. The boat has another ballast-to-displacement ratio instead of a large hull area, and this ensures comfortable stability. The wetted surface and drag are minimized, which is critical for light wind performance.”

BUILD QUALITY IS EVERYTHING
The X-Yachts phenomenon can be summed up in two aspects: the resurrected lines designed by Niels Jeppesen and the ingenious gimmick of the structural “spider” made of galvanized steel. That is, a checkerboard that is glued inside the bottom of the hull. This provides extraordinary stiffness of the entire lower part of the hull without having to disproportionately increase the thickness of the fiberglass, thus achieving significant weight savings. In the case of the structural “spider,” the dunnage rests directly on the top face of the spider, which, being somewhat close together, makes it possible to make really light, though solid and stable, dunnage. The hull is constructed in vacuum infusionwith epoxy sandwich lamination.

NAVIGATION: A NICE SURPRISE
Although conditions were not ideal for a hull of the nearly 9,000-pound displacement, the boat brought out an unexpected responsiveness on the rudder. In spite of the wave and light wind we recorded respectable speeds. As soon as we left the port of Chiavari, we hoisted the gennaker (an A2) to go in search of a little more pressure in the middle of the sea. With 115 real degrees in the wind and a real strength of 8.5 knots the boat’s SOG rarely dropped below 7.5 knots getting up to 9.5 knots with the help of a few Tramontana gusts. At the helm, the sensitivity on the wheels was always very good, thanks in part to the great work done on the transmission circuit. The boat responded well to the inputs given by the helm, giving pleasant sensations. We can subscribe to the same impressions for upwind sailing as well. The boat was always light on the rudder, easy to go with on the wave thanks to the support of a 106% genoa, although, as Matteo Reboli of North Sails explained on board with us during the test, “the jib rigged today is an all pourpose sail, designed for cruising and not specific, in shape and weight, for light winds.” With a true that never exceeded 8 knots, the X4 sailed well, frequently rising above 6.5 knots and providing a good true angle to the 40-degree wind.

RACER EQUIPPED DECK
The model we tested was equipped with Axxon carbon through-mast and boom (also available in aluminum), North Sails 3Di 760 Aramid Dyneema sails, rebar rigging, T-keel with intermediate draft (2.20 mt, but you can also choose an L-keel in two other sizes 1.85 and 2.5 meters ), Gori two-blade folding propeller for a 75-hp Yanmar engine. The mainsail sheet circuit, with carriage recessed on deck, is split and sent back to two dedicated winches; four other winches are then provided for genoa sheets and rigging. In the stern are the raft stowage area, four spacious lockers, a standard swim platform and hydraulic backstay.

BELOW DECK THE CRUISER KINGDOM
Oak interior (also available in teak), forward master cabin, double bathroom and two aft cabins. The feeling below deck is that there is absolutely no lack of space: the height of the dinette is 1.95 m, while in the forward cabin the meters are 1.85: these volumes are ensured by the important deckhouse, characterized by the step forward of the mast (where a window has been placed that increases the internal brightness and at the same time streamlines the deckhouse). The kitchen is located on the left broadside and is equipped with a double sink and Corian countertop. In addition to the layout featured in the test (three cabins and two bathrooms), three other configurations of two to three cabins, one to two bathrooms are available. Below deck, therefore, there is no shortage of comfort: you won’t miss home aboard the X4.

THE BOWSPRIT/DOLPHIN IS CUSTOM
The latest trend among shipyards is to supply the boat already equipped with a dolphin boat. The advantages are many: this nose at the bow does not make the anchor beat against the hull of the increasingly vertical bows, it allows the point of the now indispensable carrier and light wind sails such as gennaker and Code 0 to be moved to the extreme bow, so that they can be rigged without obstructing the forestay where the jib is rigged. In addition, to simplify maneuvering, a whisk can also be mounted on the dolphin boat. The Danish shipyard is riding high on this trend. In fact, aboard the X4, the owner can choose the bowsprit/dolphin even in three different configurations. The first picture shows the standard fiberglass layout with the integrated anchor. The second drawing shows the carbon bowsprit with integrated anchor. In the last one, however, the carbon bowsprit remains, in the black variants, but without the system for attaching the anchor.

X4’S NUMBERS
Length f. t 12.91 m
Length at galleg. 12,50 m
Maximum beam 3.95 m
Standard draft 2.20 m
Displacement. no-load (approx.) 8,850 kg
Ballast (approx ) 3,800 kg
75 kW motor
Diesel fuel capacity (approx) 200 lt
Chap. Water (approx) 340 lt
Cabins 3 / 2
Bathrooms. 2/1
Sleeps 6/8
Altez. in the dinette (approx) 1,95 m
Upwind sail sup. 970 sqm
Gennaker 101.14 sqm
Spinnaker 150 sqm
Designer Niels Jeppesen
Importer www.x-yachts.com/it
BASIC PRICE e 284,500 excluding VAT ex site