SPECIAL YACHT

NOMINEES: Aira 22, Domani S30, LITE XP, RS21, Saffier SE 37 Lounge

This category assembles a varying mix of interesting craft, many of which we might otherwise not have had the chance to sail, and this year’s nominees shared a collective ability to delight the helmsman.

Take the Aira 22, for example, an unassuming looking dayboat, designed to replace the popular Polyvalk school/club boat in the Netherlands. I had so much fun sailing this Martin Voogd design in wind and waves off Port Ginesta, both surfing and punching upwind, I refused to head in until our raw hands could take heaving sheets no longer. It’s a bit uncomfortable, particularly perched up on the weather rail, but the

Aira’s rudder never lost grip, its central mainsheet is easy to play and it has a cockpit that can host an army of friends.

The RS21 is another blast to sail. Designed to race with two to four crew (inboard – no hiking) and for everyone to have a role aboard. I had a memorable sail, two-up in Sweden, in the last of the evening breeze. With the gennaker hoisted we could still power it up in the single-figure ‘gusts’ and bear off onto the plane.

The control lines are well laid out to allow all crewmembers to be active and enjoy the experience. The optional, retractable central Torqeedo pod is a smart solution, part of a focus on sustainability that I applaud – RS use bio resin and the core foam is made from recycled plastic bottles.

The Domani and the Saffier, meanwhile, are two highly attractive new additions to the luxury daysailer market. The Saffier we featured in a full test in the August issue, and I salute the model for its looks, build quality and performance. Its innovative cockpit layout, with wheels and winches forward of the huge lounging area, really works well and makes it a doddle to sail solo.

Where the Domani lacks some of the performance and stiffness of the Saffier, it’s an attractive looking package with a neat Torqeedo electric engine installation and a smart interior. This is a relatively light, good-sized sporty dayboat that seems well built and finished for the price.

Aira 22

An affordable, fun, light boat (750kg) with a simple retractable keel, available in three versions including with an optional economic electric pod drive.

Price ex VAT: €11,900

Domani S30

A trailable sportsboat with a slick roadster look, the Domani is well finished, comfortable, fun to sail and has a neat interior. Price ex VAT: €86,900

RS21

An attractive, new, all-round performance offering to the club racing keelboat market from dinghy leaders RS, this is a blast for all to sail.

Price ex VAT: €22,500

Saffier SE 37 Lounge

A luxury sports car of the sea, with top-end looks and quality and an intelligent cockpit design, the Saffier promotes pure sailing pleasure in stylish comfort Price ex VAT: €209,500

A celebration of simple sailing pleasure, this explorer boat is a blast to sail and will keep you fit.