The sailing yachts of the major ocean racing events, such as the Vendée Globe, inspire designers all over the world. The Speedlounger 8500 is an example. It is manufactured by the Dutch shipyard Alufleet, a specialist in aluminium construction. For this original dayboat, it was the Dutch firm FCYdesign that designed the hull, deck and interior.
Presented in 2019 at the Boot in Dusseldorf, the Speedlounger 8500 is one of the most successful boats in the fair's aisles. It must be said that it is as intriguing as it is seductive with its radical lines.
The use of aluminium offers design possibilities that composite does not allow easy implementation.
A radical look
This dayboat has an aggressive look that is not unlike the Imoca Hugo Boss. With its marked angles on the dead works, its futuristic roof and its modern rigging, it does not go unnoticed.
What a look on eau?!
The Speedlounger 8500 is a luxury dayboat. For designers, the design of the boat is of paramount importance, a dayboat must be a beautiful object, a work of craftsmen. This sailboat is intended for hedonistic sailors looking for an atypical sailboat.
The freeboard, reduced to a minimum, ensures elegance to the overall design. However, this characteristic reserves this boat for sheltered water bodies. In fact, it is approved in category C.
A boat gliding
But the designers also designed an efficient and pleasant sailing boat. "Of course the Speedlounger 8500 glides" explains Arjen Keer, one of the designers. And he adds "We have been careful to build a light boat to offer boaters the joys of sliding." The powerful hull and the weight of 2150 kg for 8.5 m actually show a planning potential.
Aluminium design
The Speedlounger also demonstrates all the aluminium working know-how of the Alufleet yard. "You can do what you want with aluminium, all shapes are possible," explains Arjen Keer. Obviously, it would be very difficult to make this boat out of composite.
The slightly "raw foundry" finish is intentional. The designers of FCY Yachtdesign claim the industrial nature of aluminium processing. The unreworked welds are suitable for the image of strength they want to give to their boat.
Everything in this cockpit is atypical
To obtain maximum space in the "loung" cockpit, the roof is quite advanced. Thus the mast is placed in front of the descent. When reefing, this configuration will be very appreciated.
This large relaxation cockpit is equipped with a table that hides the electric motor block. This area is perfectly suited for family outings, especially if there are children on board.
The steering station is particularly well worked
The wheel steering column pivots from port to starboard. This configuration avoids too large a bar or double bars. All the manoeuvres are hidden from view by passing under the bridge in chutes. The ends come out in front of one of the two winches. We hope that there will not be too much friction to avoid returning the manoeuvres fatigantes? and prematurely wearing out the ropes.
A cosy interior
A dayboat is not intended to accommodate a crew, but only to offer a minimum of comfort for a short stopover.
Inside, you can sleep, go to the toilet, cook and make coffee, it's perfect for a day sailing program.
The flanges are painted with a coating that also acts as insulation, which helps to prevent condensation.
The Speedlounger 8500 is an interesting boat without any real competition: an ultra-modern daysailer with a very large cockpit, designed for fast sailing and practically maintenance-free, thanks to its aluminium construction.
The basic price announced is ?152,000 including VAT.
