Once clear of the river and with both mainsail and jib fully hoisted, the crew headed offshore for a true stress test in challenging conditions. With the wind building up to 30 knots and a well-developed sea state, the boat was immediately put to the test, an ideal opportunity to assess her stability and handling. After taking in a reef, the yacht quickly found her perfect trim, remaining perfectly manageable even when heeling onto one hull, maintaining an average cruising speed around 16–17 knots and peaking at 23. Despite the strong breeze and choppy waves, remarkably, no one on board took a single splash. Once tacked, the boat began to enjoy herself, and so did we, surfing down the waves with total confidence. After an initial phase of cautious handling, one of the boat’s most admirable qualities became clear: the smooth, progressive lift-out of the hull, which makes steering fluid and predictable. To sail on one hull, the boat needs to reach a heel angle of about 15–20°, and she does so gradually, allowing the helmsman to retain full control at all times. On board, Amerigo Guardigli, Franco Manzoli, and Daniele Ricci conducted the test with great care, always keeping one crewmember dedicated to the mainsheet for safety. The helm sensations were excellent: the boat lightens up, the rudder becomes more responsive and sensitive, ensuring an immediate reaction that inspires confidence and control, even when bearing away under sudden gusts. With an average speed of 17 knots and bursts up to 23, the test fully confirmed expectations: a yacht that is fast, stable, dry, and above all, safe, even in demanding open-sea conditions.
One more blue water stress test: performance and safety under gusts
