RM 880 Information, Review, Specs

RM Yachts, founded in 1989 in La Rochelle, France, established its identity by embracing marine plywood and epoxy for hull construction, paired with GRP decks. This innovative choice aimed to produce light-displacement vessels optimized for performance and comfortable passage-making, while offering benefits such as excellent stiffness, insulation, and immunity to osmosis. The RM 880, introduced in 2005, continued this tradition, becoming a key part of the shipyard's expanding range of performance cruisers. Every RM yacht, including the 880, has been designed by Marc Lombard, whose design office has dedicated significant research and development to new generation twin keels specifically tailored for RM yachts. The RM 880 was offered with both fin and twin keel options, catering to different sailing preferences and cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

True to RM Yachts' reputation for "fast, light displacement, passage-making cruising yachts," the RM 880 is described as a fast 30-foot sailboat that is easy to sail and quick to set up. Its cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan, allowing for adaptable performance across a range of wind conditions. The option of twin keels, a hallmark of Marc Lombard's designs for RM, contributes significantly to the boat's stability and enables access to shallow anchorages and the ability to dry out, a valuable feature for many cruisers. The hard-chined hull design, another characteristic RM feature, is known to enhance directional stability and overall performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size with a length overall of just over 28 feet, the RM 880 offers surprising interior volume, a benefit of its distinctive hard-chined hull. The boat provides a maximum headroom of 6.13 feet, which is generous for its class, contributing to a comfortable living space below deck. While specific interior layouts can vary, RM yachts typically feature well-thought-out ergonomics and a warm aesthetic, often showcasing the natural finish of the plywood construction. The marine plywood and epoxy hull also provides inherent insulation, contributing to a more comfortable interior environment in varying temperatures. The interior generally includes a functional salon, a galley, a navigation station, and sleeping accommodations designed for efficient use of space.