on 28 May 2019
The 70m German sailing yacht combines Nordic design, comfortable sailing and competitive performance
After success at the Palma Boat Show, the German shipyard Y/Yachts handed over the first Y7, named Bella, to its owner and is looking forward to further orders.
Bella was developed in cooperation with US designer Bill Tripp, who has already launched numerous yachts between 15 and 86 metres in length. Like all Y/Yachts models, Bella was manufactured in Greifswald by Michael Schmidt Yachtbau. Proving its endurance, it mastered the transfer to Palma de Mallorca without any problems.
(Photo: Y/Yachts)
The aim in developing Y7 was to combine comfortable sailing behaviour with competitive sailing performance, also in the regatta circuit. This was achieved by reducing the weight of the yacht during construction and her interior fit-out as well as by the dispension of a backstay – the profile of the mainsail (with Fathead) thus achieves a better profile and more square metres. At the same time, the carbon fibre mast can become somewhat shorter, affording the yacht more stability and speed.
All halyards, sheets and stretchers on the Y7 run hidden to the control columns. The helmsman can operate the Y7 alone at any time – not an issue of course for a 70-foot yacht. With a weight of around 28.5 tons and a sail area of almost 300 square meters at wind, the Y7 has sufficient propulsion even in light winds and correspondingly offers sailing fun.
(Photo: Y/Yachts)
The furling system and anchor are elegantly integrated; the up to 3.45-metre long dinghy disappears into the rear garage. It is launched with a patent-pending lift integrated into the carbon fibre boom.
Manoeuvring into the marina becomes child’s play with the Y7. Two engines, a bow thruster and the joystick control make it possible for the yacht, almost 22 metres long, to be driven transversely. The two Nanni diesel engines with 59 kW each drive the Y7 very economically under engine.
(Photo: Y/Yachts)
The interior of the first Y7 Bella was designed by Norm Architects from Copenhagen, a newcomer to yachting. The Danish architects, who usually work in furniture and residence design, created a more minimalist design with few colour tones. The Nordic design is characterised by subtle restraint and maximum closeness to nature. An owner’s cabin in the bow area and two cabins aft of the saloon accommodate a total of six passengers; the crew of two sleep in another cabin in the stern. The layout, though, can of course be adapted. The Y7 is built in eleven segments, which are variable in size and cut. Four guest cabins and a separate crew chamber with its own entrance can also be realised.
Following the Y7 Bella, which attracted numerous visitors at the Palma Boat Show, Y/Yachts is now planning and building further yachts up to 90 feet in length.