Jackie Setton’s latest day-boat launches from French yard Multiplast...
The 18m (60ft) high-performance sloop Ciao Gianni, named in homage to the late great Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli, is intended for single-handed day-sailing. She succeeds Setton’s other famous day-sailor, the 16.8m (55ft) Tomtit, which was a tribute to France’s most famous sailing adventurer Eric Tabarly. Check out the reversed stem and the picture of her sailing!
JUNE 2009
For those that need reminding, French businessman Jackie Setton has been behind all manner of boundary-pushing yachts. For instance, he was responsible for the likes of unconventional superyachts such as Simpson S, a ’73-built ice-class tug that was converted to rugged go-anywhere 77m (255ft) yacht in ‘94, and the explorer-style 57m (187ft) Fr Schweers-built Senses that launched in ‘99. Oh and there was Pioneer, one of the first maxi ULDB (ultralight displacement boat) racers that he had built in the early '80s.
This latest creation Ciao Gianni was designed by Mani Frers, son and partner of Argentina’s most famous yacht design German Frers
“She combines power, efficiency and acceleration,” says Frers. “Her reverse bow makes for an immediately recognizable silhouette, lightens her extremities and reduces spray drag... Then there’s her high aspect ratio rig... Her speed potential is very high.”
She was built at Multiplast. She has a carbon/epoxy construction. Her carbon spars and rigging are by Hall Spars and her sail wardrobe is by North Sails France; she’s got plenty of 3DLs from which to choose.
After having been launched from the yard in Vannes, and a few days of sea trials in the Quiberon Bay off La Trinité sur Mer, Ciao Gianni will be delivered by road to the Mediterranean. Her home waters will be off Saint-Tropez.
Basic Spec – Ciao Gianni...
LOA: 18.28m (60ft)
Max Beam: 3.65m (12ft)
Displacement: 9.0 tonnes (178,000lbs)
Draught: 3.80m (12ft 6in)
Sail Area: 180 square-metres (1,937 square-feet)
Designer: German Frers Design
Builder: Multiplast, France
Launch Year: 2009
For more, www.multiplast.eu.
© Phil Draper
