The X4⁹ – Best Full-Size Cruiser for 2019 – Awarded by Cruising World judges!

Tuesday 18th December 2018

Read all about the the 2019 Boat of the Year:
CW BOTY Spread

In 2019, yachts over 48 feet were eligible to compete in the unlimited Full-Size Cruiser class, which drew three entrants (including two from the same builder): the X-Yachts X4⁹, X-Yachts Xp 55 and the Hanse 548. All three could also fall under the classification of performance cruisers, and they provided the judging panel with some of the best pure sailing experiences during this year’s round of sea trials.

In terms of performance, the helm was just scary how ­balanced it was“.
/Tim Murphy

Tim Murphy also said:

We’d had a day and a half of light air, and when we stepped aboard, I was afraid we wouldn’t have enough wind to sail,” said Murphy. “But then the breeze filled in a little. True wind was 5.2, and I scribbled in my notes, ‘Boat speed 5.7, 6.’ We were in not very much wind, and we were exceeding it when we steered above 90 degrees apparent! This boat just lit me up. It was absolutely joyful, and it would be a great passagemaker for that reason.”

Without question, it was the best-sailing boat we tested this year,” said Ed Sherman. “In terms of actual performance, the helm was just scary how well balanced everything was. It was even quick under power — our fast cruise speed was over 8 knots, which I consider pretty good. It was one of the quietest boats too, below 70 db. People need to understand that a lot of that is indicative of the quality of the build — no vibrating doors or rattling stovetops. That’s just not happening on this boat.

About the X49, Alvah Simon said:

My impression during the dockside inspection was fairly positive, but sailing the boat reaffirmed those feelings,” said Alvah Simon. “It reinforced why we must always test-sail the boats. The sailing was just fantastic. It was a joy, and I think that’s what people who purchase this boat will be buying into, the joy of sail.

Read more about the X49