Xquisite Yachts and Phoenix Marine announce new model

Xquisite Yachts and Cape Town-based Phoenix Marine have announced their new model, the X5 Plus. But the first nine hulls of this new model are already sold, which means the next available hull would be delivered in 2023.

The companies say they’ve been working on the X5 Plus design for quite some time, and the first two hulls are already in production. The main goal has been to improve sailing performance as well as to incorporate feedback from existing X5 owners.

Main changes include vacuum infusion build and composite bulkheads allowing for a significantly lighter build and, the companies say, a much more powerful sail plan for fast and comfortable passage.

Besides the great sailing performance, says the companies, probably the other most important improvement is regarding the electrical system. The new generation 22kWh Li-ion batteries and new high-tech solar panels from Germany are standard now with a total of 2.3kW high efficiency solar array, which work much better in low light conditions as well. The new panels are built with tempered ‘walk-on glass’ making it easy to work on the coach roof, and the new 24V electrical system includes high output alternators, battery chargers and 6kW inverter.

The build time of a new X5 Plus is almost a full year at 40,000 working hours, so only four boats are built each year.