Design
Beautiful design masterful construction
RM Yachts’ new 1080 is a more powerful and spacious version of one of themarque’smost successful boats…and itwill be even faster downwind
O
ver the past 35 years RM Yachts has taken a unique, yet successful, path developing increasingly innovative and refined
performance cruising yachts that harness the benefits of building in epoxy and plywood. The RM1080 is the La Rochelle- based yard’s latest little rocket and is in many ways a direct development of racing Class40s, both inside and out. It’s a Marc Lombard design that also
retains key attributes of existing RM models, including exceptional attention to detail and standard of finish, plus bright interiors with excellent natural light thanks to the trademark big forward coachroof window. There’s also an option of very efficient twin bulb keels that combine moderate draught with the ability to dry out at low water, yet without compromising sailing qualities. What are the big differences between
this new model and the eight-year-old RM1070 it replaces? While that model was very well regarded, ‘the yacht design world has moved a lot in that time,’ says RM’s César Dohy. ‘The boats are getting
more powerful and they are now much wider forward.’ The waterline beam of the new boat
is much greater, especially in the forward sections, even if displacement and maximum beam at deck level remain the same. As with many new out-and-out performance designs, the mast is also positioned further aft, with a lot more rake – five to six degrees. As a result of these
changes, ‘this boat will have the same upwind ability as the previous model,’ according to Dohy, ‘but much better reaching and downwind stability, with easy control and higher average speeds.’ That's where some of the changes to
the cockpit layout become important. Given the overall length of only 36ft, when sailing fast in heavy seas there's potential for a lot of water on deck. ‘That's why we implemented the high Class40 style coaming,’ he adds. This runs across the side deck at the front of the cockpit, then aft along the gunwale.
There's also a big fabric sprayhood over the companionway. ‘She should be very dry when reaching in big seas and above 20kts,’ says Dohy. A secondary benefit of the new
‘Much better reaching and downwind stability with easy control and higher average speeds’
coamings is that the entire width of the boat can be used for the cockpit when in port or at anchor. The backrests for the benches each side can be removed, creating enough space on each side of the boat for double sun beds. It’s another first for a performance yacht of this size. All four winches are
at the companionway, where almost all sail
handling operations can be carried out easily by one person. ‘It’s a big point,’ Dohy emphasises. ‘You can do everything there, apart from the mainsail traveller, which is controlled from the helm.’ This is a great setup for cruising
because manoeuvres, including reefing, can be carried out really easily and safely. Even if you're on watch on your own everything happens in one place, under the shelter of the large fabric sprayhood.
SEAHORSE 61
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MARC LOMBARD YACHT DESIGN GROUP
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