Following its World Premiere at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival, it was with great delight that we heard the new Minorchino 34 has been nominated within the under 35ft category in the highly respected 2016 Powerboat of the Year Awards.
Offering a refreshing alternative to the many similar looking displacement and semi-displacement boats appearing at Cannes, the ‘retro-inspired’ Minorchino 34 is built from sandwich composites by Sasga Yachts, Menorca, and designed by Barracuda Yacht Design. Barracuda took basic inspiration from the renowned sea-keeping ability and practical nature of the centuries-old “Llaüt” – traditional, multi-chine boat used by Balearic fishermen still today.
Characteristics of the original design – a plumb bow with high freeboard, rounded stern sections and generous beam width proportions carried almost the entire length of the hull – has resulted in an exceptionally voluminous and useable interior and exterior. Entered through tall ‘patio-doors’ the living area is a spacious saloon and galley combined. Dominated by tall windows and generous head-room, there is superb all round visibility and plenty of natural incoming light, with an internal steering position on the starboard side.
Simple, unadorned fabrics for seat cushions and curtains keep the mood calm and relaxed and in-keeping with the confident and pleasant nature of this extremely well built boat.
This is a two cabin model, with accommodation for 4 people, plus up to 2x occasional ‘extras’ in the saloon. The owner’s cabin in the bow is a light and airy space, with pleasing furniture and excellent standing head-room. The guest cabin is a twin berth and both cabins share a single bathroom.
Externally the new 34 has a good size aft deck, with more than enough room for outside seating and dining. There’s plenty of foredeck space too, with a large sunbathing pad and anywhere on the boat can be swiftly accessed via ‘walk-around’ side decks, with large gunwales and traditional handrails for added protection and ensuring safety for children.
A large and practical swim-platform enables easy access for swimming and diving, and around the boat subtle influences, such as a wooden stem post and wooden mast, serve as gentle reminders of the traditional look and feel and relaxing ambience that goes hand in hand with this boat.
Performance is an entirely modern proposition, however, and economical cruising speeds of between 12 to 19 knots can be easily achieved via twin 225hp Volvo Penta D4 engines, on towards a maximum speed of 21 knots. And based upon a 650 litre fuel tank capacity, a maximum cruising range of 333 nm (16 litres/hour) is achievable at 8 knots, dropping back accordingly depending upon speed. Basic boat price is 256,000 Euros.
Noise and vibration have been kept down to the bare minimum and both Barracuda Yacht Design and Sasga Yachts have turned this outwardly traditional design into a comfortable, efficient and practical option for today’s leisure user.
