Xc 45 Next Generation

An updated classic continues to thrive

- Zuzana Prochazka

There are a lot of reasons why a boatbuilder will reintroduce an existing model. Most of them have to do with cost savings. Reusing hull molds and adding a few cosmetic changes is a good way to launch a “new” model, the newness of which is sometimes for marketing purposes only.

That said, there are other reasons to refresh a classic: namely when the original design served its purpose so effectively that large changes were unnecessary. Such is the case with the Xc 45 “Next Generation,” a classic cruiser from Danish builder X-Yachts. Approximately 200 of the original model were sold in Europe, so it only made sense to update what was also a strong design to appeal to today’s sailors, while retaining the boat’s performance and ocean-crossing capabilities.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 

X-Yachts builds three lines—the Xp performance line, and the X and Xc cruising lines—and the difference is not in name alone. The Xc yachts, for example, have deeper hull sections for more interior volume to accommodate more tankage and stowage for extended cruising. Their V-ed hulls are also more sea-kindly, especially when sailed to weather, and the heavier displacement allows for a bigger, L-shaped keelm, while an integral steel frame spreads the loads from the keel-stepped rig. All heavy equipment, like tanks and batteries, is mounted deep in the hull to lower the center of gravity and make the yachts less tender.