Stiletto Foiler on Horizon

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Stiletto X

Illustrations courtesy of Stiletto Manufacturing

This summer, Stiletto Manufacturing will be launching the all-new Stiletto X-Series, including a foiling catamaran, with the first boats expected to splash about the time this article went press. Carrying on the Stiletto tradition, the 10-meter X-Series models are being marketed as high-performance boats that are fast, beachable, trailerable, and affordable, as well as easy to handle and ideal for coastal family getaways.

The X boats are longer and beamier than Stiletto Classic, measuring 32 feet, 10 inches long with a 17- foot, 8-inch beam. The base X model pricing starts at $89,999, and the all-carbon-fiber Xf foiling model starts at $189,999. Both models are available with cruising packages (Xc and Xfc). The base prices include standing and running rigging; Dacron full-batten, flat-top mainsail; a hanked-on, self-tacking solent sail; winches; nav and interior lights; and mattresses on the twin midship bunks.

The Stiletto reputation for high-quality, high-tech construction is also being honored in the new designs. While the X-Series foiler will be all-carbon, the non-foiling boat will feature a hybrid core that combines honeycomb Nomex (Stilettos signature material), foam, and carbon. The boats, which will use varying prepreg laminating schedules and carbon stringers, is said to be stiffer than the Stiletto Classic, and much easier to trailer. Aluminum spars and folding aluminum crossbeams are integrated into the Xs cockpit for easy trailering. (Imagine: No more wrestling a heavy bridgedeck and being able to fold down the cat with the touch of a button.)

We plan to test sail an X this summer; stay tuned for a full review. For more information, visit www.sailstiletto.com.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.