Y7 is the best-selling model of the German shipyard Y Yachts, founded by Michael Schmith
The Y7 is 70ft long.
“Keep it simple" is the motto for the construction and navigation of this sailboat, which achieves an optimal balance between performance, quality and price.
We have seen a growing trend in the +70ft sailboat market and Mexico is not far behind. Clients who have chosen a sailboat to enjoy the comforts of a yacht have several reasons: aesthetics, onboard activities and environmental awareness, a different lifestyle.
With an avant-garde design, the result of a collaboration with Bill Tripp as designer of the exterior lines, the model is focused on good performance and ease of maneuvering in a wide range of wind intensities and directions.
The interior was designed by the Danish firm Norm Architects of Copenhagen, with a purist style of simplicity and harmonious proportions. They worked hard to create four possible configurations to suit all types of clientele. Either three or four guest cabins plus a crew cabin. The shipyard offers a design team that works hand in hand with each owner for customization.
Both the hull and the mast are made of carbon fiber.
Total technology
Technically, this project combines several technologies. Both the hull and the mast are made of carbon fiber, a very light and resistant material (much safer than fiberglass). Two engines and a pair of rudders for redundancy at sea are always appreciated and make maneuvering in the marina easier.
Luxury is not sacrificed on the Y7, as it offers the services of a yacht: air conditioning, laundry, fully equipped galley, watermaker, etc.
As for its performance under sail, it is very efficient; with little wind you can sail at a good speed and when the sea shows its strength, the Y7 takes it with great safety. The advantage of having the halyards and sheets below deck means that children and guests can move freely while sailing, and all the control is done from the helm, where there are four winches to control the sails.
The headsail is self-tacking and roller-furled, making it easy to handle and allowing two people to steer the boat in any wind. The bow spinnaker pole has two main functions, to have the anchor away from the hull and more square meters in the gennaker.
The interiors were designed by the Danish firm Norm Architects of Copenhagen.
Cool factor
Now that we have touched on every part of the boat, let's talk about the cool factor of this sailboat: from the moment it leaves the marina, it is a vessel that attracts attention and forces you to look at it; its elegance invites you to want to be on board. At anchor, its platform brings social life close to the water. And another kind of fun begins thanks to the fact that it also has a garage where water toys live (dinghy, paddle boards, seabobs, electric foil or whatever each owner is interested in).
The range of activities and moments to enjoy, such as the simple fact of sailing without destination, for the pure pleasure of going in total silence and in contact with the wind and the sea is an activity in itself, either at the helm or in any of the social areas that the boat has.
The interiors were designed by the Danish firm Norm Architects of Copenhagen.
The real life at sea is on a sailboat
We had a chance to interview one of the Mexican owners and he told us:
Amura (A): Why buy a Y7?
Owner (O): It is a young shipyard, but with a lot of knowledge. The line of the boat is very avant-garde and timeless. And the interiors are very spacious with a minimalist but warm style. It is also a boat that is very competitively priced and gives you a lot for your money.
A: Yacht or sailboat?
O: The real life at sea is on a sailboat. We have children and we like to invite friends and make life together much more participatory. It gives our children a sea education.
It is perfect for sailing in the Mediterranean; it has ideal dimensions for our needs. And we plan to sail the Caribbean in November.
A: How do you live the shipyard's motto: "Keep it Simple, It Should Look Good and Sail Nicely"?
O: We have simply sailed the boat between two people, it is the most reliable boat I have ever owned and we sail most of the time because of its good performance.
We will certainly see more yachts in the Mexican market, either this Y7, or the Y8 or Y9 model.
Water toys can be stored in the garage.
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Text: Javier Navarro ± Photo: Y Yachts