Neo 515 (16 m), the Made in Italy thoroughbred

Paolo Semeraro, founder and CEO of Neo Yachts, tells us about the new Neo 515.

Neo 515: the new fast cruiser according to Ceccarelli

For now I show you the renderings, but soon you will see it sailing. The first Neo 515 was ordered by a customer from outside Europe! Let me explain the highlights of this fast cruiser that will be built in Italy (in Bari) by Neo Yachts & Composites to a design by Giovanni Ceccarelli.

At 15.85 meters long (with a beam of 5.00), the Neo 515 meets all the standards that make the Neo recognizable: not only fast and performing, but comfortable. And by comfort, rather than the “homey” comfort of the volumes of the so-called “seaside villas,” I mean the comfort given by the performance and seaworthiness of our boats.

As with all our fast cruisers, the first ‘brief’ revolves around final displacement. We know that that boat, within that size, shall not exceed tot kilograms in weight. In this case 8,950 kg of light displacement. All subsequent work, which our engineering department does closely with the designer, must be subject to the weight element. Then, there are the other indispensable points for not failing the original Neo concept, namely:

• The full-carbon composite and epoxy infused construction;
• Thehigh righting moment;
• the important ballast;
• the generous sail plan (171 sqm in the “Sport” version).

About the keel: it will be made of Weldox (a special grade of stainless steel that allows great elastic deformation), with molded carbon fiber shells to give perfect hydrodynamic profile. The bulb, machined, will weigh 4,000 kg: the keel accounts for 50 percent of the yacht’s total displacement. These factors, combined with the significant draft (3.5 or 3.6 m in the fixed version, but it is also possible to have it liftable or telescopic with a draft that is reduced to 2.1 m), generate acceleration, speed and less skidding. Simply put, performance and marinity.

Let’s talk a little bit about lines and the deck. I like to say that the Neo 515 “shows its muscles with elegance.” Maybe it is not your style, maybe it is too modern compared to what you are used to seeing but I would like to point out that every single line, every curve is there for a specific technical need to create minimum impact and maximum efficiency. In nature, everything efficient is simple and also extraordinarily beautiful.

The cockpit is large, and the dual carbon rudders control either a single (for those choosing the all-round option and for coastal sailing) or a double blade (for those sailing offshore). The inverted bow allows a longer waterline and less weight at the front of the Neo 515: the pronounced flaring saves 200 kg of weight as well as providing better wind flow when sailing upwind. The low freeboard and long waterline result in a lower center of gravity, increasing righting moment and decreasing pitching for greater comfort on waves, increasing speed through the water for the same overall yacht length.

The integrated forward cabin that disappears into the bowsprit provides interior height but minimal surface area to wind and waves. The interiors are constructed entirely of composite and play an important role in the overall structure of the boat because they reduce passive weights, maximize interior space, need less maintenance, and are more durable. We offer three different layouts, each of which can be customized by the owner. All include a garage for the tender, an anchor locker, and a bowside calavel that can be used as an additional cabin for the cruising crew.

Neo 515 – Data Sheet

Overall length 15.85 m
Length at waterline 14.45 m
Maximum beam 5.00 m
Pescaggio std. 3,50/3,60 m
Pesc. lifting keel 3,60/2,10 m
Pesc. telescopic keel 3,50/2,10 m
Light displacement 8,950 kg
Ballast 4,100 kg
Sup. Mainsail (Sports) 100 square meters
Sup. Mainsail (Cruise) 95 square meters
Sup. Flake 71 square meters
Sup. Staysail 35 sqm
Sup. Code 0 160 square meters
Sup. Asymmetrical 300 square meters
Engine Volvo Penta D2 60 hp
Fuel 200 l
Water 300 l
Website neoyachts.com

Paul Semeraro