Five 90s “classic boats” signed Felci Yacht Design (6 to 10 m)

The signature on a boat matters more than anything else in assessing whether the boat is valuable or not. Especially among those of a certain age. There is a big name, an Italian designer who has also made history in Classic Boats, the boats at least 25 years old (launch year since 1998) that from this year are the honored invitees to the Vela Cup 2023 circuit.

His name is Umberto Felci and he began his prestigious and successful career in precisely one of the most creative and changing times in yachting history, that of the ’90s.

We have chosen five of his “masterpieces” from his debut as a designer.

Felci Yacht Design – Te Salt (m. 6.50)

After graduating with an honors degree in architecture and experience with the Moro di Venezia, Umberto Felci in 1993 began his yacht design career with a bang, designing the first Italian Mini Transat in history, the Tè Salt.

The French, inventors and masters of these 6.50-meter ocean-going boats, were amazed and then a little pissed off that he had invaded their territory: “What does theItalien do? Do you dare to beat us?”.

Their transalpine cousins were right to worry, the first Felci-designed cabin boat allowed itself to win several races, including in France. On the wave of success comes the standard Tea Salt, just over six meters by 2, 70 maximum width, available even to those on a small budget.

The standard Te Salt is a resounding success, with 35 boats built.

Thanks to this rocket start to his business, Felci in 1994 was honored by the Journal of Sailing as Designer of the Year.

And here, after his debut boat, are four more of his boats, perfect examples of Classic Boats, which are now cult objects and timeless.

Felci Yacht Design – Bravissima (m. 9.50)

Only a year passed after the launching of the first Te Salt, and the young Umberto in 1994, at the age of 30, designed another boat that is now an example of the Classic Boat, the Bravissima (m. 9.70 x 3.56).

The boat is truly something new and has a hull that Felci himself calls “magical.” Bravissima, designed to win the 100 miles of Garda, immediately hit the jackpot and won the most prestigious offshore race of the lakes three more times, until 2000. But Bravissima never ceases to amaze and continues to win on Lake Maggiore and then in the upper Adriatic.

Felci Yacht Design – Ufo 28 (m. 8,60)

The following year, in 1995, another cult object designed by Umberto Felci was born: the Ufo 28 (m. 8.60x 2.50/3.60). Ufo 28, built in series, is an innovative and radical design: it has wings, that is, a strong flaring on both sides to bring the crew as far out as possible to straighten the boat. In short, it is a thoroughbred of the Lake Garda free class, without a cabin just to experience strong sensations under sail.

Ufo 28 brings together amateur and professional crews, it is a “missile” that has more than 50 launched!

Photogenika (m. 9.60)

The name of the beautiful and winning boats signed by Felci, circulates. That same 1995 saw the arrival of another important boat, which became famous by dint of its results. We are talking about the Photogenika (m. 9.60 x 3.14), from the new ILC 30 class.

It is the first Felci project created for the then tonnage regulation, the IMS. Photogenika immediately routed his opponents, winning the Italian ILC 30 championship, and the following year he won the prestigious Copa del Rey in Spain in Palma de Mallorca and the IMS Italian Championship, which he also won in 1997.

Ufo 22 (m. 6.60)

Now Felci Yacht Design has joined the ranks of designers who matter in the world. Since its first launch in 1998, 125 boats have been built in series of theUfo 22 (m. 6.60 x 2.55), younger brother of the 28. A record for a boat of this size.

Keys to success the limited cost, boats all the same, crew of only three, ease of rigging, and roadworthiness.

Even today, thanks to its widespread use and still current forms, there are fleets of Ufo 22s all over Italy enjoying regattas.

L.O.

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