The Y8 was the first and foundational model of YYachts, marking the beginning of the brand’s success story in 2015.

The German manufacturer positions this sailboat as a family cruiser: spacious and comfortable for large groups, reliable in all weather conditions, and simple and safe to handle—in short, a “feel-good yacht.”

The Y8 was originally designed by Lorenzo Argento and David Chipperfield. Each model range includes a Custom Division option, specifically for clients who want a bespoke design. Two years ago, Javier Jaudenes from Surge Projects, the designer behind WinWin and the recent Baltic Café Racer series, updated the yacht’s exterior. He was happy to do it again for company founder Michael Schmidt and his vessel, Calabash. Jaudenes himself owns a Y7, making the shipyard feel like home to him.

“The concept is different from previous models. It’s about a new interpretation of the deckhouse and cockpit, created by the designer and owner,” Schmidt explains.

Javier Jaudenes elaborates: “We aimed to create a lightweight vessel with a displacement of 40 tonnes... Through meticulous hull analysis, we optimised the lines to enhance performance, stability, and manoeuvrability under sail. The sail plan configuration strikes a balance between delivering significant propulsion power and reducing heeling.”

He increased the beam of the yacht at the transom, which also widened the sides, while the spacious garage now accommodates a large tender and still leaves ample storage space.

The hull of the Y8 measures 23.99 meters in length (22.4 meters at the waterline) and 6.58 meters in width. Constructed from carbon fibre, the yacht is approximately 30% lighter than comparable fibreglass models. Its displacement is 38.8 tonnes when empty. The keel is fixed with a draft of 4.3 meters, though an optional lifting keel is available, allowing the draft to vary between 4.3 and 2.8 meters.

From a performance perspective, Jaudenes and YYachts anticipate that the new Y8 modification will excel in light wind conditions. The yacht features a standard sail plan optimised for various wind scenarios: the mainsail measures 196 square meters, the self-tacking jib is 152 square meters, the Code Zero is 245 square meters, and the gennaker is 389 square meters.

Like its predecessors, the Y8 is sloop-rigged yacht. The mast is equipped with 30° swept-back spreaders, eliminating the need for backstays. This design choice enhances safety and convenience, especially for movement towards the stern. Additionally, the hidden routing of halyards and sheets minimises the risk of injury, as all lines are led to organisers near the helm stations. This ensures that guests walking on deck won’t encounter loose ropes.

The helm is duplicated on both sides of the yacht, allowing for seamless control. In cruising mode, the yacht can be operated by a crew of just two people. The onboard electronics are based on the CZone system, which enables remote troubleshooting in case of any issues.

When designing the deck, the aim was to create a sense of spaciousness and ensure easy movement from the transom to the bow, including the ability to step onto the coachroof. Aesthetic considerations took precedence over practicality in the design of the transom. The aft guardrail is relatively low, and the mooring winches are concealed in lockers to maintain the yacht's minimalist exterior design. The garage is large enough to house a 4.95-meter Williams jet tender.

The cockpit is sheltered by the roof of the coachhouse and features two symmetrical dining areas, separated by a central passage leading to the cabin. A bimini top provides protection from the sun and wind, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience.

The yacht’s interior volume is 20% larger than its predecessor's, giving the design team more creative freedom when planning the layout. Owners can now choose the location of the master cabin, either in the bow or aft section of the hull. The yacht offers configurations with three, four, or even five guest cabins, as well as the option of an open or enclosed galley. Additionally, there are two separate entrances from the deck: one leading to the guest living area and the other to the crew’s quarters.

While the Y7 is designed to be owner-operated, possibly with occasional assistance from a skipper, the YYachts Y8 requires a professional crew of two for operation. Their cabin, equipped with bunk beds, is located aft on the port side.

The interior of Calabash, crafted by Danish designer David Thulstrup, is described by the company as "a refined blend of contemporary and Scandinavian elements." The design heavily features wood, and for the third generation of the Y8, owners can choose from four veneer options for wall panels and furniture. In the case of the Calabash, elegant mahogany with carefully selected grain patterns was chosen, giving the interior a sense of sophistication, warmth, and a welcoming, homely atmosphere.

Thulstrup describes the minimalist interior as an intriguing creative challenge. He approached the design with Michelangelo's philosophy in mind—removing everything unnecessary. Naturally, functionality remained a top priority. His solution was to integrate built-in cabinets and pull-out drawers wherever practical, with facades that seamlessly blend into the wall panels, maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.

In the design of the salon, Thulstrup masterfully incorporated the mast base as a striking focal point. Seen through the doorway between the lounge and dining area, it serves both as a central axis for the overall layout and as a sculptural element that naturally draws the eye. The lounge features only a movable sofa, allowing for flexible arrangements. The dining area is recessed, while the lounge floor can be hydraulically raised to provide access to the engine.

This clever design places the engine room beneath the salon floor, optimising the yacht's balance by lowering its centre of gravity, which in turn enhances stability.

In June 2024, Calabash made its racing debut at the prestigious Superyacht Cup in Mallorca. The yacht is now available for charter, while the shipyard is already constructing the second hull of the new version, scheduled for completion in May.