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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Y Yachts’ Y7 review: This powerful carbon cruiser is guaranteed to excite

• Toby Hodges
• March 5, 2020

Michael Schmidt’s powerful new Y7 combines genius ideas with a keep-it-simple theme, says Toby Hodges

Product Overview

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What is your idea of simple sailing? To a wooden yacht enthusiast it may be the pleasure of hand hoisting and trimming sails via block and tackle alone, where an owner of a modern glassfibre yacht might baulk at the amount of upkeep timber demands and prefer the ease of push button sailing.

Others might look back whimsically to their youth and the joy of simply dragging a dinghy down the beach and sailing without any maintenance or financial woes.

Michael Schmidt ’s latest creation is his solution to simple sailing at the luxury end of the scale. The decorated sailor who founded Hanse Yachts believes in a keep-it-simple philosophy with his models, which you may find hard to believe when looking at this new 70-footer and the levels of technical complexity that must lie beneath its carbon fibre/epoxy skins.

We tested the Y7 off Mallorca in 7-12 knots. Photo: Nico Krauss

But having sailed the Y7 in precisely the light wind conditions for which it was designed, and felt the thrill of helming a perfectly balanced, potent and contemporary fast cruiser, I can vouch that it does have a theme of simplicity, which becomes dangerously enticing.

“Sailing fun is made possible by a simple ship that has been reduced to the bare essentials without sacrificing comfort,” Schmidt believes. We’re not talking a yacht stripped to engineless minimalism here. The Y7 is, to all intents and purposes, a scaled-down superyacht , which has been kept approachable, performance-oriented and comparatively easy to manage.

I quote Schmidt not simply because he is the founder of the company, but because he is a veteran boatbuilder, sailor and visionary of the industry. Having built up and then sold Hanse Yachts, and extensively cruised its largest model at the time, the 630e, he searched fruitlessly for a larger, lighter boat that could better harness the softer breezes typically found in the Mediterranean.

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Michael Schmidt Yachtbau, now Y Yachts, is the brand of luxury carbon cruisers he created, a German firm that aims to use the best technology available to simplify the sailing. Schmidt also believes a yacht needs aesthetics that will distinguish it from the pack.

This philosophy underpinned his first model, the Brenta 80 (now Y8). Schmidt has since cruised that test boat, Cool Breeze , thousands of miles. And while many reportedly liked that concept and design style, they found it too large for their needs.

‘A 70ft yacht you can sail alone’ became Y Yachts’ target. The result is a fast cruiser with no backstay(s), a self-tacking jib and winches and lines that fall to the hand of the helmsman.

Toby helms and trims from the leeward deck. Photo: German de Soler

The design echoes the style of the Y8 and sees Schmidt maintain his penchant for high topsides (from his Hanse days), combined with a flat, low coachroof. Schmidt doesn’t like having to rely on crew and typically sails two-up.

Nevertheless the beamy and voluminous Y7 includes a crew cabin within the interior (rather than stuffed in the forepeak), with private access to the cockpit.

Bill Tripp was tasked with targeting lightweight performance to ensure the boat would offer enjoyable sailing in single figure windspeeds. A key attribute of the Y7 is that it shouldn’t need to motor in light airs.

That said, it can motor very efficiently thanks to the inclusion of two engines; Schmidt values low fuel consumption, good manoeuvrability and systems redundancy.

Carbon construction

Carbon sandwich construction with an epoxy outer skin results in a moderate/light displacement of 29 tonnes and a good balance of impact protection and noise control. Although Schmidt built some of the earliest carbon race yachts, he now subcontracts hull and deck moulding to specialist lamination yards in Poland and Slovenia, then fitting out in his new 3,000m 2 facility in Greifswald.

The structural work and finish of the first Y7, Bella , is certainly to a high standard, and the sub-€2m starting price for this 70ft carbon composite cruiser explains the appeal of the new design and demand to see it in action. The second hull has been handed over, the third is in build and the yard is now set up to produce one boat every four months.

The Y7 has similar styling and features to the Y8, including the high freeboard and low, flat coachroof. Photo: Nico Krauss

The price is a significant factor. The Y7 represents is a lot of carbon yacht for the money. At this price point, potential buyers might be tempted to compare it to a large semi-production cruiser such the CNB 76 or Euphoria 68 . However, those who are looking for comparable performance would need to look at lighter composite yachts – and the Swan 65 , for example, costs another €1m.

Simply seductive

Bella certainly looked very much at home nestled among the superyachts at Port Adriano marina in Mallorca. The flat coachroof was adorned with sunbeds and a table and chairs were set up on its large flush foredeck.

The large bimini shading it hung from the mast, forestay and shrouds – a clever idea to use the foredeck to create a shaded area away from dock. Bella also has a removable cockpit bimini, mounted on four carbon posts.

30º aft swept spreaders allow for a backstay-less rig. Photo: Nico Krauss

When sail trialling a yacht, you always hope to get the type of conditions for which it is primarily designed. I favour moderate winds to ensure I can get a proper feel for the boat. So I did fret a little as we motored out of the marina and met a sloppy sea and a gentle breeze.

However, that long afternoon and evening we spent under sail proved perfect for demonstrating the Y7’s capabilities, and particularly for appreciating its ability to be able to keep on sailing in light winds.

In just 10 knots of breeze, typical midsummer Mediterranean conditions, we were already heeled and powered-up, sailing at 8-8.5 knots. The modern, beamy hull shape, with a long waterline and generous sail area, all help produce such speeds. The sail area to displacement ratio is a huge 33.4, a figure that confirms this design’s significant power aloft. Consequently, she will need to be reefed early.

Lines are led under deck to winches fore and aft of the wheels. This shows the starboard aft winch with shorepower connections below. Photo: Nico Krauss

The square-top fully battened mainsail has 184m 2 of sail area alone, which could be a lot to handle without sufficient crew. An upgrade to the winch package would be on my option list, as it took an age to hoist this sail from the lazyjacks.

However, the helmsman feels the benefit of this sailpower immediately. Tacking the boat is an addictive, one-person affair. The 30° sweptback spreaders avoid the need for a backstay, and allow the use of a self-tacking jib.

We found more breeze once out into the bay and continued our beat west away from the island. The outboard position of the wheel pedestals helps give the helmsman clear views over the flat, low coachroof.

The huge aft deck raises on struts to reveal an enormous watertight garage for a 3.45m RIB, which is launched using a carbon pole off the boom’s aft end. The design allows the garage to remain sealed when the swim platform is lowered. Photo: Nico Krauss

The helm is generally light, as you’d expect with twin rudders, but with a pleasant increase in weatherhelm when the boat heels and powers up. There is also plenty of grip from these rudders, which are positioned relatively far outboard.

It is less comfortable for crew, however. Such is the beam aft (over 18ft) that it can feel unnerving to cross the cockpit or to stay seated to windward when at a high heeling angle. Comparable yachts of this size tend to have a mainsheet winch plinth with rails or a support/crash bar between the wheels. Y Yachts says it can offer the latter, which is an option I’d certainly recommend.

The long cockpit with split tables has room for eight to sit around, with more space on the large aft-facing seats. The portside seat has access to the crew quarters neatly integrated beneath. The aluminium frames that form the backrests for the cockpit seats are freestanding of the coamings, a clear indication that this boat is aimed at warm weather sailing.

Clear decks with lines led within reach of the helmsman. Photo: Nico Krauss

Push button reaching

I thought the Y7 might be all about the upwind sailing experience, keeping the apparent windspeed up and heel on, but then we hoisted a Code 0 for the long reach back.

At the push of another pedestal button, an electric furler fitted in the end of the bowsprit unleashed an enormous amount of sail (acquired, it transpired, from a Maxi 72). With this code sail set, we picked up pace and were able to match the 7-11 knot wind speeds all the way home.

The single point mainsheet is led forward to the mast and aft to one winch. This arrangement, together with the other sheets and halyards, results in a mass of rope tails in the cockpit. Unusually (and commendably), there are generous-sized rope tail lockers between the winches to keep all these lines from getting too unruly.

The deck is stepped in line with where the guest cockpit meets the sailing cockpit, so there is easy access out onto the sidedecks. Here, the double guardrails reduce to single rails to meet the bulwark and pushpit.

This low rail invites the helmsman to sit right out to leeward and enjoy the clear views forward. However, the wide-open aft deck and low rail do little to promote a secure feeling if you are in the sailing cockpit.

Nevertheless, as I perched to leeward, and with a light hand on the wheel, the sailing was truly memorable, and we footed along effortlessly under the Code sail.

Twin engine controls on one of the large binnacles. Photo: Nico Krauss

Two engines

The Y7 certainly has a slippery hull design – so much so that it was only as we approached the marina that I remembered that the Y7 is fitted with two shaft-drive propellers. Twin Nanni engines were chosen as they are simple to repair, with few electronics, and their relatively small size means the saloon sole and thus coachroof can be kept low and streamlined.

However, problems with the installation on this first boat resulted in unacceptable noise levels, an issue the yard now reports has been resolved. It says all future models will have saildrives.

Under power, the boat doesn’t quite spin on a point like a catamaran – the props are quite close together – but the twin engines certainly aid manoeuvrability and mean that you are much less reliant on the bowthruster.

Bella ’s modern open and inviting saloon. Note the sliding leather handles on the deckhead, which resemble underground train handles – a novel yet practical solution we first saw on the Y8. Photo: Sichtvorteil / Thomas Wilhelmi

Below decks, the styling matches the impressive look of the exterior, and is akin to a designer apartment. In Bella ’s case, it was customised specially for Michael Schmidt. Hull number two is said to have a much lighter, less masculine trim.

Schmidt was inspired by modern architectural designs he saw in Copenhagen, and this is reflected in the feel of the finish, from the choice of fabrics, to the lighting and overall interior shapes.

Smart thinking and styling

Multiple layout options are offered including three or four cabins, and the choice of a central transverse galley or passageway galley aft. Abaft the aft port cabin is a clever, if super-compact, crew cabin, which contains two bunks at right angles to each other, a heads and private access to the sailing cockpit.

The forward cabin with huge island berth. A step up through a watertight bulkhead leads into the generous heads compartment forward. Photo: Sichtvorteil / Thomas Wilhelmi

The semi-raised saloon creates the impression of a huge space. The yacht’s large beam accentuates this by exposing the curves and structures of hull sides. On the test boat the saloon has a wide-open space extending as far as the galley, sited amidships. To help you traverse it, there are sliding leather grabhandles on the deckhead for when moving about.

I like the use of vertical glass coachroof windows, which let in plenty of light without producing too much heat, but to provide better ventilation I would prefer to have more opening portholes and some coachroof hatches.

The galley is relatively compact and is open along the centreline, a layout that is perhaps not ideally suited to life at heel. That said, it boasts a large area of fiddled work surfaces and generous amounts of refrigerated stowage, and the yard does offer the option of a larger, enclosed galley aft, which connects through to the crew accommodation.

A central island berth in the forward cabin suggests this, too, is designed more for use in port than at sea. Hull number two has an offset berth here, which will be more practical at sea.

The Y7 is undeniably a lovely yacht to spend time aboard and one that can be handled with relative ease. The ‘keep it simple’ philosophy is felt mostly in the sailing, trimming and manoeuvring. The helmsman can easily manage lines and controls from the wheel – though would need help with setting, stowing and reefing sails. From the design of the tender garage, the installation of twin engines to a myriad of neat fixtures and fittings, the Y7 is packed with novel ideas, all born out of Michael Schmidt’s enormous experience. Below decks the Y7 feels as much like a luxury apartment as a yacht, and the style can be customised to suit an owner. I loved the exterior and interior design of Bella, although I think the layout is more set up for use at rest than at sea. The contemporary styling is bound to divide opinion. But the Y7 boasts superyacht quality at a size that is properly rewarding to sail. This powerful yacht boasts a level of performance that is guaranteed to excite.

Luxury Yacht Rental in Japan

Luxury yacht charter guide to japan.

A destination that has been enticing travelers for centuries, Japan may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think about a yacht charter, but it’s definitely a seaworthy spot that leaves a lasting impression. The southern shores are endless, with the scattered island pearls reached from Okinawa serving up turquoise beaches and gentle remote vibes. Further up following the Seto Sea can take you to big name places like Kyoto with its geisha alleyways and Zen like vibes. Tokyo on the other hand is where old meets new. No matter where you turn, Japan is sure to live up to its rare reputation.

Reasons to Charter a Yacht to Japan

Secret sights.

From the coy glance of Kyoto’s geisha to meditating with monks in mountain monasteries, the bowing deer of Nara, and the hot spring bathing monkeys, Japan is etched with secret storybook sights. For yacht charter guests looking for shrines and skyscrapers, Zen like gardens and whole islands turned into contemporary art museums, Japan seems to have a thousand secret doors just waiting to be cracked open.

Scenic Landscapes

Cast your glance over the snowy peaks of Mount Fuji, fall in love with frothy pink cherry blossom, and get your fill of ornate temples, shrines, and the cool towering shade of bamboo forests – Japan is a joy to behold. From skiing to snorkeling, the tapestry of scenic landscapes invites you to sun yourself on tropical beaches, hike up vertical mountains, or to stand in awe gazing at poetic architecture of castles and temples stashed away in soft undulating hills.

Enchanting Culture

From Kawai dress up to the famous sushi bars and fish markets, the bubbling beauty of a steamy Onsen at the end of a long day, and the morning joy of a gentle cup of Matcha tea, Japan always seems to simmer with some new enchantment. No where captures this better than the juxtaposition of immersing yourself in Tokyo and Kyoto. While one is a thrum of bright lights and liveliness, the latter is soft, elegant, and a maze of hidden alleys and traditional tea houses.

Where to Visit in Japan

Endless adventure awaits in the bright lights of Tokyo, whether its stumbling out of all-night karaoke bars in Shinjuku, dining on Michelin starred sushi, catching a sumo wrestling match, or splurging in the shopping district of Harajuku. Few cities in the world offer as much varied appeal and epic scale of things to do than Tokyo. Be sure to hit up the Tsukiji Market for an early morning display of monstrously sized tuna, admire the temple and shrine architecture of the Senso Ji and the Meiji Jing, see Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms close by, and eat your way through the finest restaurants and quirkiest pop culture cafes.

Nicknamed the Hawaii of Japan, Okinawa and the islands in the south are a gauzy glorious vision of tropical vibes, coral clad dives, primeval forests, shimmering peaks, and lost mangroves. It has a different feel to the rest of Japan despite being peppered with perfect ramen dishes, bustling fish markets, and historic shrines. Okinawa is super yacht centric thanks to its sublime sailing playground and sugar white sands. But even beyond the beach, there’s more than 160 islands to explore.

From the inland Seto Sea to Kyoto takes you on a voyage just like the traders of old, mapping out a traditional journey to one of Japan’s most authentic cities. Kyoto is a world away from Tokyo, offering gardens, geishas, temples, and tea houses. Boasting a wealth of UNESCO sites, ancient festivals, and the chance to wander through the ten thousand torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto serves up so much history and Japanese folklore to feed your richest fantasies. Speaking of feasting, Kyoto is also home to Japan’s traditional haute cuisine.

When to Charter a Yacht to Japan

For those looking to see Japan in her best cherry blossom dress, the best time to sail to the Hanami heaven is between the months of March and May. If you prefer to see the temples peeking out of vibrant foliage then the autumn months of September to November are also magical. Typhoons can be a problem particularly in Okinawa between the months of July and August.

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A land of extraordinary beauty, steeped in history and awash with vibrant culture, Japan is a fascinating cluster of islands that will leave you enchanted under its spell. Charter a yacht here and discover endless possibilities.

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Your Guide to Japan

AWASH WITH VIBRANT CULTURE

The hustle and bustle

A land of extraordinary beauty, steeped in history and awash with vibrant culture, Japan is a fascinating cluster of islands that will leave you enchanted under its spell. Experience the hustle and bustle of the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo; the delicious tako-yaki in Osaka; large swathes of tranquil forest on Kamikochi island or even Naoshima’s world-class contemporary art. There really are endless possibilities on a trip to Japan where you will experience a place like no other and you will be hard-pressed to find somewhere with as rich a history.

Hot Springs and Sumo Clashes

Tokyo – the most populated capital city in the world, is constantly pushing what it means to be a modern city with the explosions of pop culture, shopping, entertainment which are packed in pockets around the city which make no two experiences the same. Whilst you’re there, it would remiss of you not to experience local cuisine and culture, meaning you have to watch a Sumo match and see two giants clash against each other. Move away from the bright lights into Japan’s stunning countryside and go in search of an Onsen, something locals swear by - hot springs created by the various highly volcanic areas dotted around the Japanese archipelago.

Spiritual Enlightenment

Delve deeper and you will find the likes of the Daibutsu of Nara, a 15m-tall bronze Buddha stature that was built at the dawn of the Japanese empire in the 8th century, seek spiritual enlightenment on the Kumana Kodo, a network of trails linking three important Shinto shrines. If this isn’t enough for you, gaze at the awe inspiring and world-famous Mt Fuji, Japan’s perfectly symmetrical cone and highest peak.

YOUR GUIDE TO JAPAN

Japan's iconic mountain.

Plethora Of Fauna And Flora

Walk on the wild side when you visit Japan’s most northerly island, Hokkaido, an untamed volcanic landscape filmed with turquoise blue water lakes and sulphur-rich hot springs. The plethora of flora and fauna make it the perfect place to explore at a slightly slower pace compared to the rest of Japan. For those who are keen to reflect on the past, a trip to Hiroshima is a heart-breaking reminder on the cruelty of war but heart-warming when you see how strong a community was built in the wake of the disaster.

Crystal-Clear Waters

Japan’s vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes continues southwards where you will find Okinawa and the Southwest Islands – a semi-tropical archipelago where you will find Japan’s best sugar-white sand beaches on both Ishigaki and Kerama islands which lead into crystal-clear waters.

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23-year-old Japanese begins round-the-world yacht journey

11:55 JST, November 13, 2022

NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo (Jiji Press) — A 23-year-old man set sail from Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on Saturday, aiming to become the youngest Japanese to sail nonstop around the world alone on a yacht.

Hirotsugu Kimura, a corporate employee in Nishinomiya, will head south in the Pacific Ocean before traveling eastward, sailing some 45,000 kilometers over six months.

The current Japanese record for the youngest round-the-world yacht trip of 26 years and 10 months is held by marine adventurer Kojiro Shiraishi, 55.

“I finally got the feeling that I’ll be traveling around the world after I came to the venue,” Kimura said at a press conference before starting his journey from a yacht harbor. “I want to accomplish it so that I can know my limits.”

“I want to enjoy the ocean, the blue sky and the scenery of nature,” he added. About 80 friends and colleagues gathered at the port for his departure.

Kimura, born in Hiji, Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, joined his high school yacht club and came in 15th place at a national competition in his third year.

He began dreaming of sailing around the world after watching Shiraishi competing in a yacht race on television.

Kimura joined the Maritime Self-Defense Force after graduating from high school, but his desire to achieve a round-the-world trip grew as he sailed on yachts on his days off.

He was able to begin his challenge thanks to support from the president of Kimura’s current employer, who was one of his yacht friends.

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Japan April 2024 machiery orders story (June17, 2024)

--Core Orders Post 2nd Straight Y/Y Rise After Marking 1st Rise in 13 Months in March

--Cabinet Office Keeps View Ater Last Month’s Upgrade: Machine Orders Showing Signs of Pickup

(MaceNews) – Japanese core machinery orders, the key leading indicator of business investment in equipment, posted their first drop in three months in April with a 2.9% fall on a pullback in manufacturing and taking a breather after stronger-than-expected gains of 2.9% in March and 7.7% in February, data released Monday by the Cabinet Office showed.

The latest figure was largely in line with the median economist forecast of a 2.8% decrease (forecasts ranged from a 7.2% drop to a 0.8% rise). Despite the drop in April, the three-month moving average of core orders rose 2.4% in the February-April period after rising 3.0% in January-March.

The Cabinet Office maintained its assessment after upgrading it last month for the first time since its April 2022 report, saying, “Machinery orders are showing signs of a pickup.” Previously, it said orders had “weakened.”

Orders from manufacturers slumped 11.3% on the month, hit by declines in engines from shipyards and computers from electric equipment makers, after a 19.4% surge in March. Those from non-manufacturers rebounded 5.9% after posting the first drop in three months with a 11.3% slump in March, led by higher demand for computers from the financial industry and for buses and trucks from transporters. Orders for computers have been strong but mixed, with those from the wholesale/retail industry and leasing firms down in April.

Core machinery orders, which track the private sector and exclude volatile orders from electric utilities and for ships, marked the second straight year-over-year increase, up 0.7%, after rising 2.7% in March for the first rise in 13 months. It was firmer than the consensus forecast of being unchanged.

Last month, the Cabinet Office forecast that core orders were likely to slip back 1.6% in the April-June quarter for the first drop in two quarters, which are expected to be pulled down by both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors in payback for recent gains.

Core orders fell to ¥886.3 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in April after surging to ¥913.0 billion in March, which was the largest since ¥920.1 billion in January 2023. Companies have solid capex plans for fiscal 2024 that began on April 1, backed by strong demand for automation amid labor shortages as well as government-led digitization and emission control.