x yachts great britain

Yachting World

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Boat test: X-56 The Xtra mile

• Rupert Holmes
• March 14, 2022

The X-Yachts X56 is built to be the marque's new flagship, designed to combine luxury, style and power with a practical and seamanlike approach for extended cruising

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

Large cruising yachts are enormously appealing, but it’s imperative that they’re easy to tame in deteriorating weather. Yet if this is achieved through making the boat underpowered it will be a disappointment in lighter winds. Striking the balance between the two is therefore a key factor in establishing a successful new model, as X-Yachts would clearly like the X-Yachts X56 to be.

My first sail on the X-Yachts X56 was in very light airs, with just 3-7 knots of true wind, but even this revealed important insights about how well the boat might handle challenging conditions. With the Code 0 set we made speeds that belied its near 20 tonne displacement, hovering at around 80% of the true wind speed at an apparent wind angle of 45-50°. We achieved 2.8 knots of speed in just 3.5 knots of true wind, rising to a very useful 6.2 knots in 7 knots.

At the same time, it felt like sailing a smaller, lighter and surprisingly nimble boat. We even had enough steerage to tack with only the mainsail set in just five knots of wind.

A boat that’s so easily driven allows sail to be shortened well in advance of worsening weather, without losing much speed. At the same time, this design’s very high stability, achieved through a combination of deep draught with low-slung ballast and massive form stability, means fewer sail handling operations are needed – each sail plan works over a wider range of wind strengths.

Therefore an increase in wind of a scale that might force other boats to tuck in an extra reef can often be handled simply by trimming the sails to depower a little.

For my next trial, a few days later, we had 15-17 knots, accompanied by a large and confused sea. Upwind with full sail we made around 7-7.5 knots, with a comfortable motion, despite the sea state. There was no hint of slamming – the boat simply shouldered the seas aside, providing an impressively dry ride.

Bearing off just 5° saw the X-Yachts X56’s speed jump to 8.0 knots, demonstrating an ability to make good daily runs while on passage. On bearing away further, to a true wind angle of 110°, and deploying the Code 0, we accelerated to a relaxed and effortless 9-10 knots in 17 knots of true breeze.

Making good speed in light airs under Code 0. Photo: Mikkel Groth

X-perienced feedback

The test boat we were sailing is the 10th X-Yacht for this particular owner, having started with a 26ft X-79 many years ago. It’s set up for very long distance short-handed sailing – including transatlantic crossings – with the autopilot expected to be in use 99% of the time.

Because of this the X-Yachts X56 has twin parallel systems for redundancy, each with a permanently connected hydraulic ram resulting in a heavy helm without much direct feel. Even so, the boat itself was responsive at all times and was nicely balanced, with just a fraction of weather helm upwind.

X-Yachts offers a number of headsail configurations, with an 88% self-tacking jib on the main forestay as standard equipment. Our test boat, however, is set up with a more flexible arrangement, including a larger, marginally overlapping headsail, plus an inner forestay with a self-tacking furling staysail, and in-boom mainsail reefing. The latter is an option chosen by around 70% of owners buying a Pure X model from the X43 upwards.

We also had the benefit of a Reckmann electric top-down furler for the Code 0. This is mounted at the inboard end of the fixed bowsprit and makes the sail almost effortless to wrap away. Asymmetric spinnakers can also be flown from the tip of the sprit.

This means it’s easy to select the appropriate sail area for different conditions, with very little compromise on sail shape. It’s an excellent combination that should enable small teams to translate the boat’s potential into numerous easy 200-plus mile days.

Plenty of canvas both for sailpower and protection. Our test boat was set up to make sail handling easy, without compromising sail shapes. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Although the primary purpose of the self-tacking staysail is to avoid having to use an inefficient deep-reefed headsail in winds well over 20 knots, it also offers the enticing prospect of easy handling in confined waters.

Even in only 13-14 knots of true wind and an awkward sea state, with the staysail and full main we made around 6 knots close-hauled and, of course, were able to tack repeatedly without touching the sheets. It’s a great arrangement and illustrates how versatile it is to have a boat that will maintain speed, even when under-canvassed.

The standard rig has a keel-stepped triple spreader mast with oversized discontinuous rod rigging, while carbon spars are optional. Lines are led aft to winches on the cockpit coamings well ahead of the helm stations. In our case these were the beefy optional electric Andersen 72 units, which make for speedy sail handling and eliminate the need for powered headsail furlers.

Positioning the winches on the coamings minimises the number of deflections in each line that add friction and loads. The downside, compared to winches on a pedestal further inboard, is that they are harder to work, especially when short-handed.

I’m often critical of boats where sheets can’t easily be trimmed from the helm, but the loads of a yacht of this size make this impractical for much of the time. Once you accept that, it makes sense to position the winches where there’s ample space to work them.

There’s plenty to hold onto in the cockpit when the boat is well heeled. Photo: Mikkel Groth

Cockpit solutions

Three options for the mainsheet are offered: a German system with a simple padeye in the cockpit floor, or a recessed traveller. The third option, as fitted to our test boat, is a central pedestal with an electric winch. It’s an arrangement that works well and frees up the remaining winches for other operations.

Maximum beam is carried right aft, yet the cockpit doesn’t feel as though it’s defined by the wide open spaces of many of today’s broad transom, twin rudder yachts. This helps confer a feeling of safety and security at sea, yet there’s still plenty of space. On one of my test sails we had seven people on board, with no hint of it feeling crowded.

Helm station pods have ample space for big MFDs, plus controls for thrusters, windlass, Code 0 furler and so on. Photo: Mikkel Groth

Although the transom is open, helm stations are forward of the stern rail and there’s a central two-person bench seat aft that incorporates liferaft stowage. The back of the boat therefore doesn’t feel unduly exposed. Particularly wide side decks, secure deep bulwarks and a low profile coachroof all help to make it easy to move around when going forward. The optional low-profile sprayhood gives an aerodynamic shape and has obvious appeal to anyone with a racing background, but the sleek shape means there’s not full standing headroom beneath, so many owners are likely to opt for the full-height standard version. Both stow neatly beneath teak faced deck panels when not in use.

External stowage includes a large tender garage that will accommodate a 3.0m RIB, with a crane for launch, recovery and stowage. There are lockers under each of the cockpit benches, while the sail locker forward has enough room to be fitted out as a skipper’s cabin if required.

The cockpit table is a conventional central unit with two folding leaves and space for a drinks fridge. This means there’s no central walkway from the transom to the companionway but it doesn’t seem to matter, as the table is large enough for several people to sit on one side, keeping the other side clear other than at meal times.

Joinery is of a high standard, in a choice of Nordic oak or teak. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Pace with space

For a performance yacht with a hull length of just under 55ft there’s an impressive amount of internal volume, and with the X-Yachts X56 the yard has aimed to lift the style and level of interior finish to a notch above the existing models in this range. As standard the joinery is in a very attractive Nordic oak, with teak as an option. There’s a wide choice of soft furnishings and X-Yachts is happy to work with owners to create a style to suit their tastes.

Delving around the details of a new yacht’s interior can reveal much about how well it’s set up for long distance passagemaking and living on board for extended periods. X-Yachts has clearly spent a lot of time and budget to get this aspect of the X56 right, although the standard tankage is on the small side for anyone contemplating long periods of autonomy. Two choices are offered for the galley layout, with the test boat having a conventional U-shaped arrangement. The other option is a more open layout with a central island unit, but less worktop and stowage space.

The owner’s cabin is bright and well appointed. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Both should work well at sea, while allowing space for the cook to have assistance when in port. Stowage is very well organised in both cases and there’s provision for a huge amount of refrigeration, including a double-size top and front-loading unit, a drinks fridge and a further unit at the aft end of the central section of the galley. Our test boat also has a small dishwasher.

The full-width saloon has separate dining and lounging areas to port and starboard respectively. The latter has a deep domestic style settee with thick cushions, which helps make this a lovely space in which to relax, yet it’s a very practical arrangement for a serious sea-going yacht. There’s also a proper forward-facing navstation, although this is too far forward for easy communication with the cockpit.

The owner’s cabin is well lit thanks to a pair of hull windows, two opening overhead hatches and forward facing coachroof windows. There’s stowage to starboard in a big cabinet, under the aft end of the bed and in four useful eye-level lockers each side. Nevertheless, the total stowage volume is not overly generous for those who plan to sail in cooler climates and there’s no dressing table or desk area. On the plus side, the en-suite is nicely appointed, a good size, and with a separate shower stall.

Galley layout with the island unit option. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

As standard a large single heads compartment aft, with separate shower, serves both the aft cabins and day time use. There’s also an option for a third heads, at the expense of some galley space and aft cabin stowage.

Both aft cabins are impressively large and don’t feel as though they are tucked away under the cockpit. They are wide enough for twin berths that convert easily to large doubles. There’s also provision for a washer/dryer in part of the port cabin’s big hanging locker.

Any yacht of this size is a complex entity that has potential to be difficult to look after, especially in far-flung parts of the globe. X-Yachts therefore steers clients towards a standard list of options. These are well proven products that engineers more or less anywhere in the world are likely to have encountered already and have established supply chains for spares. It’s a commendable policy that ought to reassure owners. In extremis, if neither a local engineer, nor the local X-Yachts dealer, is able to solve a problem, the yard can fly a staff member out to a boat anywhere in the world.

On a more detailed level, time and effort have obviously been expended on ensuring deck gear is easy to look after. For example, fastenings for turning blocks and other fittings are accessible via access panels in the deckhead, which facilitates maintenance.

The construction of X-Yachts is also worthy of note. Since 2018 this has been of epoxy infusion, with hulls baked at 70˚C for 24 hours. It’s much more expensive than using conventional polyester resins, but results in more reliable laminates, as well as a lighter vessel that’s both stronger and stiffer.

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Overall the concept behind this design and its general set up is very impressive. The X56 is a real sailor’s boat, but one that also offers enormous comfort and style. It’s bang up to date, yet the execution is extremely seamanlike and well thought through, making it one of the most appealing yachts of its size that I’ve sailed for a long time. A slippery hull shape combined with powerful rig will minimise the amount of time spent under power, yet the massive stability will be enormously reassuring in heavy weather. The sail plan of our test boat suits this design perfectly, providing plenty of power when necessary, while allowing the boat to be safely snugged down well ahead of challenging weather.

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Search for a X-Yachts on TheYachtMarket today. We have X-Yachts brokers and sellers from around the world at great prices.

History of X-Yachts

X-Yachts is a Danish based company that was founded in 1979 with a vision to create exceptional sailing boats. It started out as a small scale production of eight boats a year but has grown to become an internationally recognized and respected manufacturer of sailing and racing yachts.

Since then X-Yachts has let its passion guide its boat building approach, taking every detail into account and continuously optimizing performance and outcomes. Innovation is at the heart of the company’s DNA, constantly collaborating with renowned Naval Architects, Yacht Designers and leading experts who are all pushing for excellence and striving to keep the boat performance consistently high.

Today X-Yachts is the largest independent, or non-group owned, producer of sailing yachts in Europe. It is also the only yacht builder in the world to have won the four most prestigious yacht races in the world: the Rolex Fastnet, Middle Sea Race, Sydney - Hobart and the Gold Cup Race. X-Yachts is the sailing world’s leading boatbuilder in terms of design, quality and performance.

Which models do X-Yachts produce?

X-Yachts produce a range of boats including the X-Yachts X-46 , X-Yachts X-41 , X-Yachts Xp 33 , X-Yachts Xp 38 and X-Yachts Xp 44 . For the full list of X-Yachts models currently listed on TheYachtMarket.com, see the model list in the search options on this page.

What types of boats do X-Yachts build?

X-Yachts manufactures a range of different types of boats. The ones listed on TheYachtMarket include Sloop , Cruiser , Racing boat , Aft cockpit and Cruiser/racer .

How much does a boat from X-Yachts cost?

Used boats from X-Yachts on TheYachtMarket.com range in price from £14,400 GBP to £1,120,000 GBP with an average price of £191,000 GBP . A wide range of factors can affect the price of used boats from X-Yachts, for example the model, age and condition.

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The 8 Best New British Yachts on the Water, From Sunseeker to Fairline

Quality among the top u.k. builders is always a given. it's the range of yacht designs that may surprise you..

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As an island, boats have always been the lifeblood of Great Britain. And many British yacht builders continue to uphold the country’s proud naval and maritime traditions. While there are a handful of superyacht builders, the UK isn’t known for eye-wateringly huge megayachts or avant-garde design—though that has changed as its largest international brands compete with the style-obsessed Ferretti Group and Azimut brands.

But what you do find with the Brits is well engineered vessels with a high level of attention to detail in both the interior and exterior design. From semi-custom motoryacht builders like Princess and Sunseeker to the rarefied realm of a highly sought-after Pascoe limousine, there’s something here for nearly every yachtsman.

And thanks to enduring popularity, there is nearly always a British-built sailboat from the Oyster yard, somewhere just over the horizon. In fact, whether you’re cruising the waters of the Caribbean, New England, or the South of France, you’ll find U.K. brands along with the highest luxury offerings from Italy and Northern Europe.

Here are seven of Britain’s finest, newest, and most noteworthy vessels on the water.

Project Fox, Pendennis Shipyard

This 114-foot explorer yacht, overseen by project manager Burgess and in build at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, was designed around the owner’s wishes. It has a rugged exterior that will be paired with a bright, contemporary interior by QLondon Design. The owner told Robb Report that he plans to cruise off-grid to remote areas like Norway for heli-skiing with his family and friends (thus necessitating five large staterooms). But he also wanted family-friendly features like a sun terrace, wine lobby, open-air barbecue, and DJ station. Of course, the real breakthrough here: The open stern, measuring more than 1,100 square feet can carry a large complement of toys and tenders, but also scientific equipment (the interior has space for a modular lab) for when the yacht is hosting research scientists. “Flexible cabins and connectivity are key,” said the owner.

The ubiquitous model of the Pearl lineup, the 72 received a creative new interior design earlier this year with the addition of a stateroom that gives it two master suites. The U.K. yard has always been high on haute design, offering different palettes by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, but this double-master suite idea is a first for this size of motoryacht. The yard has recently won awards for the naval architecture of its 95, which approaches superyacht status, and it will be launching a new 85-foot flybridge next year.

Fairline Targa 40

Fairline is also among England’s internationally renowned yacht brands, famous for seaworthy hulls and top-tier creature comforts. It hasn’t built yachts as large as competitors Princess and Sunseeker but has been equally creative with the design. The new Targa 40’s cockpit is a case in point. It has an enticing exterior layout, with the cockpit featuring a foldout terrace to starboard and a U-shaped dining settee to port facing the rest of the deck, not to mention the two sun lounges on the stern. The 40 is effectively a dayboat, but with two staterooms, it also works as a family weekender. There’s a master in the forepeak and guest cabin amidships which is best suited for children. The galley below decks is also very functional. Top speed for the Targa is 36 knots with the optional Volvo Penta D6-380 upgrades.

Princess Y80

Along with Sunseeker, Princess Yachts is the other heavyweight of British yacht building. These cruisers and motoryachts have proven to be perennial favorites on both sides of the Atlantic. The Y80 debuting at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival looks to continue the tradition. The Y80 brings to the table an “infinity cockpit” with a glass transom and modular furniture for multiple setups. It also has a flybridge that spans about two-thirds of the yacht’s nearly 84-foot length, effectively creating a legitimate third deck. The Y80’s owner’s stateroom is amidships and full beam, while it has a VIP in the forepeak. Two other guest cabins are to port and starboard. The Y80 has an impressive top speed of 30 knots, but at 10 knots the range is an even more impressive 1,000 nautical miles.

Cockwells Duchy Sport

The 37-foot Duchy Sport from the Cockwells’ yard in Cornwall, famous internationally for its custom tenders, is designed for watersports enthusiasts. This Sport offers multiple towing points for waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing, with interior space for nine guests. Bow and cockpit sunpads will be popular spots for tanning, while a Bimini covers the amidships. Standout features include a wetbar, retractable swim ladder, bowthruster with joystick control, and of course ample water-toy stowage. The Duchy Sport comes with twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LVs which can get it up to a top speed of 42 knots—a speed befitting of this model’s name. Cockwells is also building a new Duchy 60, a stylized motoryacht that should rival Downeast offerings from U.S. builders Hinckley and Malaysian builder Grand Banks.

The Oyster 495 is a 52-foot, 8-inch sailing yacht that entered the U.S. market earlier this year. A new design from the keel up, the U.K. builder was thinking global circumnavigation, or at least serious offshore cruising, from the onset. The yacht is also meant to be able to be singlehanded by a capable sailor. The plumb bow and teak decks imbue the 495 with a definite saltiness with performance and aesthetics. The cabin is noteworthy for being both ergonomic and well-lit. Reported top speeds for the 495 crest the 10-knot mark under sail, while a 100 hp Yanmar diesel pushes it along happily at 9.5 knots.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Sunseeker is one of England’s brands that has a global following. For good reason. The Poole builder has a range of vessels that extend from 38 to 161 feet. Sunseeker is known for good oceangoing performance and creative design. The Superhawk 55 is a reimagining of the Superhawks that enjoyed popularity with performance enthusiasts in the 1990s and Aughts before being discontinued in 2009. Sunseeker introduced the Superhawk 38 in 2020, which had echoes of its go-fast past. This 55, however, is more of a performance cruiser than a day boat. With twin Volvo Penta IPS950s the new Superhawk has a very respectable top end of 38 knots and a feature even Miami Vice hot-boat aficionados will appreciate—slow-speed maneuverability offered by pod propulsion. An aggressively raked profile complemented by stiletto-sharp hullside windows augment the Superhawk’s sporty vibe.

Pascoe E-Limousine Electric Tender

Pascoe tenders reside in the garages of some of the world’s biggest and most glamorous superyachts, thanks to the yard’s dedication to customization. The E-Limousine is the builder’s first fully electric vessel, the result of six years of R&D. Top speed is reported to be an impressive 40 knots, with a range of 60 nautical miles at a fast cruise of 20 knots. The builder says not only is this boat greener than a traditional tender but will also offer a smoother, quieter ride thanks to the construction used to mitigate vibration.

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• Princess Yachts
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Yachting Monthly

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Sailors aged 14 and 82 finish circumnavigations around Britain

• Katy Stickland
• August 25, 2021

Murdoch McGregor, 82, and Katie McCabe 14, have become the oldest and youngest sailors to have circumnavigated around Britain

Katie McCabe and Murdoch McGregor met at Oban while each attempting their own circumnavigation records. Credit: Murdoch McGregor

Katie McCabe , 14, and Murdoch McGregor , 82, have finished their circumnavigations around Britain, and sailed into the history books.

Katie now takes the mantle of the youngest person to have sailed solo round Britain via the Caledonian Canal from Timothy Long , who achieved the feat last year, aged 15. He has been supportive of her challenge.

It is an unofficial record as Guinness World Records doesn’t acknowledge records set by those under 16.

McGregor is now the oldest person to circumnavigate Britain, and the family is still waiting for ratification from Guinness World Records.

Murdoch McGregor has done plenty of solo trips, including from Scotland to London and then inland to Oxford. Credit: Murdoch McGregor

He will set the benchmark for the feat as the organisation currently doesn’t have a record for the oldest person to circumnavigate Great Britain by sailing. He sailed via Cape Wrath.

Katie’s voyage aboard her 26ft 1950s Morgan Giles-built West Channel One Design sloop, Falanda started from the River Exe on 30 June and took seven weeks and four days.

Due to insurance purposes, her father, David also had to sail the anticlockwise route, keeping two miles behind her in his 33ft yawl. 

It was not her first long singlehanded trip. The teenager sailed Falanda , which she restored herself, from the River Exe to the Isles of Scilly and back in 2020, again shadowed by her father.

Katie McCabe refit her 26ft West Channel One Design sloop, Falanda herself with the help of her dad. Credit: Tom Hurley

Katie said the only challenging bit of her circumnavigation was going through the Menai Strait , having arrived later than planned. 

‘You really should arrive there at slack water but because we were late we got whizzed through. It is best not to have any tide at the Swellies but we ended up going through at 12 knots which was a bit terrifying,’ said Katie, who has spent most of her life living and sailing aboard the family’s 50ft converted fishing trawler, Ros Ailither .

She said the voyage went smoothly, with several overnight passages; the only gear failure was a broken water pump and impeller which was fixed at Fishguard.

Asked why she loved solo sailing, she said: ‘It’s just really nice and calming. I can be on my own for a bit and think.’ 

Katie returning to the River Exe after sailing solo around Britain via the Caledonian Canal. Credit: Tom Hurley

Memorable moments included sailing with dolphins on passage from Milford Haven, Wales to Newlyn, Cornwall.

‘ We had phosphorescence in the water. It was like glowing green dust, and then the dolphins arrived. All you could see were the outlines of the dolphins in green; they were like torpedoes shooting through the black water,’ she said.

Katie is a passionate environmentalist and has managed to raise over £15,600 for the Sea Shepherd UK charity.

At 14, Katie McCabe has taken the unofficial record for the youngest sailor to circumnavigate Britain from Timothy Long, who was supportive of her challenge. Credit: Tom Hurley

Donate to Katie’s fundraising appeal for Sea Shepherd UK here.

She now plans to ‘try a bit of racing’ and sail further solo trips including Biscay . 

Katie met Murdoch McGregor at Oban, while both of them were circumnavigating.

The octogenarian described their meeting as the highlight of his voyage, praising her seamanship skills and declaring that ‘ she is the most exciting young person I have ever met.’

A seasoned boater, Murdoch only started sailing at aged 72, and decided to circumnavigate clockwise around Britain via Cape Wrath after his solo trip to Norway was postponed due to COVID-19.

Murdoch McGregor only started sailing at the age of 72. Credit: Murdoch McGregor

He left his home port of Alloa on the River Forth in Scotland aboard his Hunter Horizon 232, Artemis on 5 June, finishing on 22 August, the same day as Katie.

The Forth Cruising Club member has previously solo sailed to St Kilda, Shetland, the Baltic Sea as far as Poland, after meeting German sailor Rudiger Engel and his son Alex in Shetland, and from the Forth to London and then inland to Oxford.

He has also circumnavigated Scotland via the Caledonian Canal, his first major solo adventure. Initially he had intended to sail 70-miles up the coast to Stonehaven, but with the encouragement of his friend, Nigel Holl, who initially persuaded Murdoch to start sailing, he ‘kept going and going’.

‘I was reporting in every day, and they were likening me to Forest Gump. Instead of shouting ‘Run Forest Run’, they were shouting ‘Sail Murdoch Sail!’

Continues below…

Katie McCabe meets Murdoch McGregor – two inspirational round-Britain circumnavigators

The youngest and oldest sailors attempting to circumnavigate Great Britain single-handedly in opposite directions – Katie McCabe aged 14 and…

Katie McCabe is sailing around Britain – aged 14

If successful, Katie, 14, could take the mantle from Timothy Long of being the youngest person to sail solo around

Timothy Long: Rising teenage star

At 15, Timothy Long sailed around Britain. He shares the highs and lows of his incredible voyage with Katy Stickland

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Despite a ‘back problem’ which left him wondering if he would have to abandon his circumnavigation and mistiming a passage past The Lizard, Murdoch said the voyage went smoothly. 

‘ I didn’t have a rigid fixed passage plan and I did a lot of homework on every section of the voyage so I knew what I was letting myself in for. I had nothing set in stone. I just let things unfold a little, which actually works a treat,’ he said.

‘The real star of the show is my boat, Artemis . She is a wee boat but a great big performer. I just point her and she takes me,’ he said.

Artemis , a Hunter Horizon 232 is the second sailing yacht he has owned. Credit: Murdoch McGregor

He hopes his circumnavigation will inspire others to follow in his wake.

‘Nigel singlehandedly started all of this, no one else had won me over to sailing. I pass his advice on to others; keep is simple and get yourself an uncomplicated boat.’

Murdoch has also raised money for charity – over £8,000 for Mental Health UK in memory of his younger brother, Jim

Donate to Murdoch’s fundraising appeal for Mental Health UK here

And his next big adventure? ‘I’ve always fancied a ride in the Grand National,’ he joked.

Enjoyed reading Sailors aged 14 and 82 finish circumnavigations around Britain?

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UK general election opinion polls tracker: Labour leading as election looms

Find out who’s up and who’s down in the latest polls – and how many seats each party is likely to win in the next general election

• UK general election: find your new constituency – and see how it would have voted in 2019
• UK general election: the seats the Tories will lose if the polls are right
• Support the Guardian’s UK election coverage today

The next UK general election is looming, with most analysts expecting it to be called late this year.

After 13 years of Conservative rule, Keir Starmer’s Labour has been consistently ahead in the polls since the start of 2022.

The latest a general election could be called is January 2025. The prime minister, Rishi Sunak , has the power to call a general election at any point before then, but facing a potential loss, experts think that he will put it off to stay in power for longer.

The Guardian will track latest polling averages, sourced from all major British polling companies, until election day.

Current voting intention

Average of polls over a moving 10-day period, showing gb voting intention, voting intention over time, latest average of all polls over a moving 10-day period, showing great britain voting intention.

The Scottish National party (SNP) is not included in the data the Guardian is using in the chart above. In Great Britain-wide polls, the SNP vote sits between 2% and 4% of national vote share. But its geographical concentration in Scotland means it will win many more seats than other small parties with a similar national vote share, such as the Greens. Targeted Scotland-only polls give a much better indication of how well it will do in the next election than the nationwide polls above.

Polls only go so far in predicting who will win in the UK’s first-past-the-post electoral system. What matters is the number of seats each party wins in parliament, which is decided by individual races in 650 constituencies.

What the latest polls could mean for parliament

Seat projections from electoral calculus.

Seat predictions differ, but the one we show above is from the pollster Electoral Calculus . It conducts its own polls, in which it also gathers demographic data from the people it surveys.

This data is fed into a mathematical model, called a multilevel regression and post-stratification (MRP) model , with the goal of estimating the connection between characteristics such as age, gender and the area where a person lives, and which party they will vote for.

Matching this up with data about what types of people live in different UK constituencies, Electoral Calculus predicts which party will come top in each constituency.

How accurate are seat projections?

In Britain’s first-past-the-post system the numbers in the polls do not correlate cleanly to seats because it depends where votes are located. Describing seat projections from general polling as a “loose yardstick”, Rob Ford, a professor of politics at the University of Manchester, said: “Labour could get a lead of 15 points and not have a majority, a lead of 10 points and have a majority. It depends where those votes are.”

If the election is close, the polls become less predictive of the outcome. Other limitations of projecting seat counts from national polling include the fact that the Lib Dem seat count is hard to infer from national polling because, while their national support is much lower than the two main parties, in certain constituencies they have a significant presence. Nor is nationwide polling very informative about what will happen in Scotland, and polls there are more infrequent.

Notes on the data

The chart shows a rolling 10-day average for the support of each party based on Great Britain-wide polls. This excludes Northern Ireland, which has different political parties. On any given day, the Guardian works out the average support for each party across any poll published in the preceding 10 days. Only polling companies that are members of the British Polling Council are included.

The seat projections are sourced monthly from Electoral Calculus , which applies a model to polling and demographic data to estimate the number of seats each party may win. They update this projection monthly.

Illustrations by Sam Kerr

• Opinion polls
• General elections
• Keir Starmer
• Rishi Sunak
• Conservatives

Most viewed

Over the years nearly 60 designs have been built; ranging from hugely popular ISAF One-design classes such as the X-99 to large and luxurious performance cruisers such as the X6, X-65, IMX 70 and X-73. With 15 yachts in the current range, Previous X-Yachts Models can be seen below

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Previous Models

The X6⁵ steps into the future of modern performance cruising. Designed for the discerning sailor who dreams of luxury blue water and coastal cruising without compromise.

Production Years: 2016 — 2021 Number Built: 3 Hull Length: 19.18 m

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The smallest member of the award-winning Xc family, the Xc 35 is a compact cruiser with a big heart. She is a compact but surprisingly well equipped bluewater cruising yacht with a smooth hull line, a stylish yet practical cockpit and uncluttered but functional deck layout. Easily sailed short-handed, she can also accommodate guests with a two double cabin layout, spacious saloon and ample storage.

Production Years: 2014 — 2019 Number Built: 30 Hull Length: 10.36 m

The Xp 55 raises the bar for performance sailing yachts. This model offers an unbeatable sailing experience combined with luxurious levels of comfort. Since its launch in 2013 it has impressed reviewers and sailors alike, with test reports praising the boat for its ‘dinghy-like feel’, fast pace, and the ability to sail the boat rapidly and easily double-handed.

Production Years: 2013 — 2021 Number Built: 13 Hull Length: 16.76 m

The smallest yacht in the range, the Xp 33 is designed for pure sailing enjoyment. This model is a high stability 30-footer which benefits from the same advanced construction techniques as the larger yachts in the Xperformance range for superb sailing performance and build quality.

Production Years: 2012 — 2017 Number Built: 64 Hull Length: 9.99 m

The Xp 38 delivers an unrivalled sailing experience in a dual-purpose cruiser-racer. High stability and ease of handling makes the Xp 38 a rapid and comfortable luxury yacht to cruise with excellent sea-keeping in all conditions, as well as a high performance racing design for both inshore and offshore. It has scored a host of race victories under both IRC and ORC.

Production Years: 2011 — 2021 Number Built: 83 Hull Length: 11.58 m

The Xc 38 offers superb performance in an easily handled package, ideal for doublehanded sailing. This model was the second yacht in the Xcruising range to be named European Yacht of the Year in the Luxury Cruiser category, on its launch. The judges were particularly impressed by the spaciousness and luxurious levels of comfort in the interior.

Production Years: 2010 — 2021 Number Built: 61 Hull Length: 11.58 m

The Xc 42 was launched in 2009, following the same philosophy as the Xc 45. The second yacht in the Xcruising range, offers no-compromise comfort and impressive pace combined with ease of handling.

Production Years: 2009 — 2018 Number Built: 99 Hull Length: 12.81 m

The X-65 offered ‘Maxi’ yacht performance and cruising comfort, in an accessible 65ft package. This model was a high specification, high performance cruising yacht, which exuded X-Yachts quality throughout.

Production Years: 2009 — 2014 Number Built: 6 Hull Length: 20.01 m

The Xc 45 was the first model in the Xcruising range to be launched, and was named European Yacht of the Year in 2009. She was praised for her combination of cruising comfort, performance under sail and responsive handling. The Xc 45 incorporates the X-Yachts steel hull/keel girder for strength and resistance to grounding, with deck and sail layouts designed for ease of handling, when sailing two-up.

Production Years: 2008 — 2023 Number Built: 128 Hull Length: 13.86 m

The X-41 is another hit on the sailing scene. Sporting the latest within fast hull and appendage design; a non overlapping headsail configuration; double spreader, carbon mast and boom from one of Europe’s leading suppliers; large diameter carbon wheel; all trimlines leading to both sides of the coach roof; and a backstay adjustment run via the Magic Wheel.

Production Years: 2007 — Number Built: Hull Length: 12.35 m

The X-34 has been designed and specified to deliver the best of both worlds: Highly competitive on the racecourse as an IRC flyer one weekend. Then the following weekend capapable of taking the whole family out for lazy cruising and entertaining.

Production Years: 2007 — 2013 Number Built: 144 Hull Length: 10.36 m

The vision behind the design was to create a sporty and simple yacht to sail, with extremely pleasing lines. Below deck she provides comforts suitable not only for the crew after racing, but also for the active family during a weekend trip or for holiday cruising.

Production Years: 2005 — 2012 Number Built: Hull Length: 10.61 m

Winner of the prestigious “Yacht of the Year” in 2007, as chosen by the 10 largest European yachting magazines. The X-55 is elegant and timeless, yet very fast and comfortable, enabling the owner to specify exactly the sail handling system and details to suit his needs.

Production Years: 2005 — 2012 Number Built: 34 Hull Length: 16.76 m

X-Yachts latest one-off project, sold to an existing X-562 client. The hull and deck was laminated in the UK by Green Marine with Gurit (formerly SP-Systems) supplying laminates and engineering. The creation of this inspirational yacht has led to many new design solutions that will feature on future models.

Production Years: 2005 — 2005 Number Built: 1 Hull Length: 21.40 m

When launched she was highly praised for her stunning looks and great performance. The X-50 was another trendsetter with her flat deck, sprayhood recess and open transom. She is sleek and stylish with a modest beam for her length. Stability comes mainly from a heavy lead bulb. The X-50 is largely sold as a fast cruiser, enabling the owner and his crew to reach far horizons quickly and in comfort.

Production Years: 2004 — 2011 Number Built: 63 Hull Length: 15.24 m

A relatively narrow yet stiff 37-footer that has won a number of prestigious regattas and races worldwide. The latest notable result was a third consecutive win in the ORC 670 World Championship, with the 2008 event sailed in Lanzarote, Spain.

Production Years: 2004 — 2010 Number Built: 148 Hull Length: 11.35 m

A replacement for the exceptionally popular X-412. The X-40 is part of the second generation of X-Yachts’ Performance Cruisers. The hull model was made by extending the IMX 40 by 100mm, modifying the bow rake and adding a cruising oriented deck layout and teak interior. The X-40 has proved to be as competetive as the IMX 40, and rates more favouable in both ORC and IMS. ”Sirena”, owned and sailed by Denmark’s Peter Buhl, has won many major races in Denmark as well as the 2005 X-Yachts Gold Cup in Arendal, Norway.

Production Years: 2004 — 2010 Number Built: 140 Hull Length: 12.19 m

Just two months after the launch of the all new X-43, came the unveiling of the X-46. The hull was developed by adding 30 cm to the stern of the IMX 45 hull model. The X-46 features a large sail storage cabin but otherwise is identical to the concept of the X-43.

Production Years: 2003 — 2010 Number Built: 75 Hull Length: 14.01 m

This was another trendsetter for the marine industry and represented the start of a new generation of yacht design. Her hull lines were created by a pure downscaling of the stunning IMX 45. The X-43 was smoother, heavier and stiffer than the competition. All the boats were fractionally rigged and all featured built-in hull portlights.

Production Years: 2003 — 2010 Number Built: 169 Hull Length: 12.93 m

The IMX 45 was introduced on the back of the success of IMX 40, but also incorporated features that made her appeal to a wider audience such as an interior crafted in teak, an optional anchor locker and below deck headsail furler. Production started in the spring of 2002 and 24 yachts were launched, eight of which participated in the “Copa del Rey” in Palma, Mallorca.

Production Years: 2002 — 2004 Number Built: 24 Hull Length: 13.74 m

An X-612 owner wanted X-Yachts to supply his final yacht. X-Yachts 73 took the company’s experience to new levels and integrated as many complex installation systems as possible. Two of these fantastic, true blue water cruisers were built.

Production Years: 2001 — 2001 Number Built: 2 Hull Length: 22.43 m

With the X-412, X-442 and similar models selling in high numbers, the development department found time to maintain the X-Yachts’ reputation in the world of racing. The IMX 40 was introduced as an IMS winner, sporting a carbon mast, boom and wheel as standard and introducing the ‘magic wheel’ backstay adjuster. The design won the European Championship as well as forming two-thirds of the Spanish team that won the Sardinia Cup

Production Years: 2000 — 2004 Number Built: 99 Hull Length: 12.10 m

This design closed the gap between the X-482 and X-612 and was built with the same high standard specification as her bigger and smaller sisters. In effect she was a petite version of the X-612 with the benefit of the very latest detailing. An open transom version was also developed.

Production Years: 1999 — 2004 Number Built: 21 Hull Length: 17.23 m

X-362 Sport

In 1998 the X-362 Sport was introduced. She had a deeper, lighter keel, fractional rig, enlarged wheel and mahogany interior.

Production Years: 1998 — 2004 Number Built: 156 Hull Length: 10.70 m

The X-482 replaced the X-512 and incorporated most of the deck details introduced on the X-612 such as the main sheet systems being led beneath deck and integrated storage for the sprayhood and captive wash boards.

Production Years: 1996 — 2004 Number Built: 156 Hull Length: 14.63 m

In common with the first three models in the new Performance Cruiser range, the X-382 sported a large masthead rig, a large wheel, and a teak interior with moulded teak bulkheads that ensured maximum use of space. The X-382 was mainly focused on the cruising market, but was completely in tune with the new line, offering excellent sailing performance and comfort.

Production Years: 1995 — 2003 Number Built: 141 Hull Length: 11.73 m

The X-612 represented another milestone in the company’s development. The design incorporated honey-comb-cored sandwich bulkheads and floorboards, recessed sprayhood storage and mainsheet led under benrath the deck. There was also a stern garage for a 2.8 m RIB, something never seen before on a yacht of this size. Owners included Hanseatische Yachtschule, the world’s largest sailing school. One example, “Dali”, raced in Scandinavia for several years, under the control of X-Yachts’ world-class sailors, Dan Petersen and Niels Ditmar.

Production Years: 1995 — 2004 Number Built: 12 Hull Length: 18.29 m

Replacing the X-312 using almost the same hull, though with a less raked bow and stern. The first series was delivered with a composite cast iron/lead bulb keel, which made her very stiff. A cheaper cast iron keel version was subsequently introduced with improved light wind performance.

Production Years: 1994 — 2004 Number Built: 117 Hull Length: 9.08 m

Developed in parallel with the X-302 and one of the most successful and popular X-Yachts models ever. The X-332 was unmatched in the way she combined performance and comfort. A composite cast iron/ lead bulb keel and fractional rig with discontinuous rod rigging were standard. Later a Sport version appeared featuring a deeper, lighter keel, to match developments of the IMS rule.

Production Years: 1994 — 2005 Number Built: 432 Hull Length: 10.06 m

The third Performance Cruiser also became a “classic” and remained in production for more than 10 years. She was stiffer than the competition, and soon she became a benchmark for designers and builders of this new breed of performance cruisers.

Production Years: 1993 — 2003 Number Built: 127 Hull Length: 13.51 m

This was an exceptionally stiff yacht and appealed to more conservative sailors who demanded high levels of comfort. First introduced with a masthead rig and a curved mahogany interior. A more traditional teak interior was subsequently offered.

Production Years: 1993 — 2003 Number Built: 93 Hull Length: 10.70 m

The good looks of the X-382 were obvious from the moment she emerged from the production mould. She was so appealing that the idea was born to create a new racer/cruiser that would perform well under the dominant IMS international handicap rule.

Production Years: 1992 — 2000 Number Built: 92 Hull Length: 11.41 m

X-Yachts’ first model in the new “Performance Cruiser” range where the influence of IOR had completely disappeared as IMS became the dominant international handicap rule. The X-412 became another trendsetter and remained in production for more than 10 years.

Production Years: 1990 — 2003 Number Built: 252 Hull Length: 12.90 m

40 ft One Ton

The last X-Yachts model built to win an official World Championship. Greek banker, Yannis Costopoulos was the owner of the 1988 and 1989 “World Champion” X-3/4 Ton yachts (“Okyalos IIX” and “Okyalos IX”) and ordered the best one-off One Ton that could be built. “Okyalos X” duly won the One Ton Cup in Marstrand, Sweden.

Production Years: 1990 — 1990 Number Built: 1 Hull Length: 12.12 m

Entering the 50ft market for the new Performance Cruiser range, sporting twin wheel steering, a large masthead rig and a comfortable teak interior.

Production Years: 1990 — 1995 Number Built: 17 Hull Length: 15.57 m

Designed to replace the X-95 she was kept simple, yet practical. The X-312 sported a fractional rig and tiller steering and was the first X-Yachts model to benefit from a stern integrated bathing platform.

Production Years: 1989 — 1994 Number Built: 64 Hull Length: 9.24 m

Originally sold as a one-off to a Swedish newspaper publisher, with the rights for X-Yachts to put into production. She followed the X-79/X-99 design philosophy, featuring a T-keel and became popular among those who wanted a very fast, non-handicap racer/cruiser.

Production Years: 1988 — 1992 Number Built: 74 Hull Length: 12.00 m

IOR had become less important as handicap rules were more locally based and didn’t take the stability into account. This allowed for the production of a much stiffer yacht than the IOR-designed X-102 and X-95. A masthead version was offered but almost all clients chose the fractional rig.

Production Years: 1988 — 1994 Number Built: 105 Hull Length: 10.21 m

Built in the same hull mould, this luxury version of the X-452 was very much oriented to cruising. A variety of layouts, including three- and four-cabin versions were offered and became popular around the Mediterranean.

Production Years: 1987 — 1991 Number Built: 20 Hull Length: 13.92 m

With the demand for IOR cruiser/racers fading, the X-372 was designed without consideration towards handicap rules. A Sport version was offered with tiller steering and fractional rigging while the popular Prestige version had wheel steering, teak decks and a masthead rig.

Production Years: 1987 — 1992 Number Built: 120 Hull Length: 11.28 m

X-One Ton Mk1

Based on the same hull as X-402, but with new deck layout, keel and rudder as well as a lighter interior and modified sail plan. The Irish owned “Alliance” finished eighth at the first One Ton Cup, with IOR’s upper rating band of 30.55 ft, sailed in La Trinité, France. In 1985 Hull 05 “Maitresse”, together with two other X-One Ton yachts, formed the first ever Danish Admiral’s Cup team and came fifth. X-One Ton “Euro” was the third best scoring individual yacht.

Production Years: 1986 — 1986 Number Built: 12 Hull Length: 12.12 m

X-One Ton Mk 2

The successful modifications made to the X-3/4 Ton were also introduced to the X-One Ton. The prototype was nicknamed “Dolly Parton” as her measurement bumbs were quite impressive! Hull 14 “Andelstanken” won the One Ton Yachts World Championship in Mallorca in 1986, skippered by Henrik Søderlund of North Sails with tactics by Niels Ditmar from X-Yachts. The X-One Ton “Seaways” came fourth.

Production Years: 1986 — 1989 Number Built: 12 Hull Length: 12.12 m

X-3/4 Ton Mk 2

With a modified hull (including added measurement bumps), a new semi-elliptical keel and rudder and increased stability and sail area, this version came first, second, fourth and fifth in the Three Quarter Ton Cup World Championship. A winner was born!

Production Years: 1985 — 1990 Number Built: 51 Hull Length: 10.03 m

Launched in July 1985 as a big sister to the X-79. More than 100 units were presold and initially four yachts had to be built each week to satisfy the hungry market. The X-99 became X-Yachts’ first ISAF recognized class, and still hosts annual World Championships. X-99/155 “Hong Kong X-Press” owned by X-Yachts Hong Kong importer Rick and Inge Strompf, participated in the X-99 World Championship in Copenhagen in 1987 and the following year in Vejle, Denmark, where they won the title with Volvo 70 “PUMA” skipper, Ken Read, at the helm.

Production Years: 1985 — 2004 Number Built: 605 Hull Length: 9.96 m

The first 40ft model was a true trendsetter with Hull 01 “X-Large” having its World Premiere at Copenhagen International Boatshow in January 1984. Sporting a large diameter wheel and rod rigging as standard, she was offered with both masthead and fractional rigs and opened up the more luxury oriented market for X-Yachts. The masthead version proved the most popular.

Production Years: 1984 — 1990 Number Built: 79 Hull Length: 12.09 m

X-3/4 Ton Mk 1

Based on the hull mould of the X-102, with a new deck, keel and rudder, as well as a new interior and sail plan. Hull lamination was also improved incorporating unidirectional carbon and R-glass fibres in both hull and deck. Came fourth at the official “Three Quarter Ton Cup” in Kiel, Germany, in 1984, beaten by the first Dehler DB2.

Production Years: 1984 — 1990 Number Built: 84 Hull Length: 9.98 m

The third model was a scaled down X-102, and was designed to race in the popular Half Ton class. Won the World Championship for production half tonners in 1983 in Hankö, Norway.

Production Years: 1982 — 1988 Number Built: 153 Hull Length: 9.25 m

The second X-Yachts model launched was a true cruiser/racer sporting a centre cockpit. It was designed for IOR’s 3/4 Ton upper rating limit of 24.55ft. Hull 07, “Soldier Blue”, won the 3/4 Ton World Championship in 1981 and was skippered by Ib Ussing Andersen, helmed by Jens Christensen with tactics by Lars Bo Ive, all now of North Sails fame. In 1982 “Lille du” won the same title and gave X-Yachts a head start in the international yachting arena.

Production Years: 1981 — 1987 Number Built: 173 Hull Length: 10.02 m

Launched on May 9th 1979 and instantly became a successful Northern European one design class that is still active in five countries. See the refurbushing project of the very first X-79 here

Production Years: 1979 — 1994 Number Built: 468 Hull Length: 7.96 m

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