X-79 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the X-79 marked the beginning of X-Yachts, founded by brothers Niels and Lars Jeppesen, along with Birger Hansen, in 1979. Niels Jeppesen finalized the drawings for this innovative 7.8-meter (25.6 ft) sailboat on February 10, 1979, with the first boat reportedly built in Hansen's barn. Production of the X-79 ran from 1979 to 1994, with a total of 468 units built.

Niels Jeppesen's design philosophy for the X-79 was rooted in creating a fast, light, and robust sailing yacht. He envisioned a vessel that, at 23 years old, represented his ideal sailing experience. X-Yachts' manufacturing ethos, as exemplified by the X-79, focused on superior quality construction. The hull and deck were crafted using a hand-laid fiberglass sandwich construction, contributing to the boat's characteristic stiffness and quality finish. This commitment to structural integrity was central to delivering a responsive and exhilarating sailing experience, a hallmark of X-Yachts' early designs. While no specific MkI or MkII variations are widely documented, the X-79 design set a benchmark for future racing and performance cruising yachts, with its influence seen in subsequent models like the X-99.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The X-79 is celebrated for its agile and responsive sailing characteristics, a direct result of its light displacement and thoughtful design. With a length overall of 26.12 feet and a waterline length of 21.0 feet, the X-79 boasts a hull speed of approximately 6.14 knots. Owners frequently describe the boat as "aggressive" and "designed for racing" due to its very light hull, contributing to a lively performance.

Equipped with a fin keel and spade rudder, the X-79 offers splendid maneuverability, making it responsive to helm input [3,. Its design lends itself well to competitive sailing, often described as a "non-handicap racer/cruiser". For a boat of its size, it is generally considered manageable for two sailors, highlighting its ease of handling. While its lightness is a quality praised for performance, some owners note it as a characteristic that can also be perceived as a "fault" depending on sailing conditions or preferences.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its racing pedigree and compact size, the X-79 offers a surprisingly functional and pleasant interior designed for practical use, particularly noted as a reasonable sailboat for introducing children to sailing. The interior layout follows a typical pattern for yachts of its dimensions, optimizing the available space.

The cabin is characterized by being light and functional, utilizing materials such as mahogany, cork, linen, horse-cloth, and a structure coat for a clean finish. While specific headroom figures are not available, the design aims for efficient use of space below deck. The cockpit is well-protected and features two comfortable cockpit benches, a thoughtful detail for a boat of this size, enhancing on-deck comfort during sailing or at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the X-79 often praise its strong build quality and its aggressive, yet manageable, performance characteristics. Many appreciate its suitability for racing while also serving as a capable cruiser. The boat is frequently lauded for its "splendid manoeuvrability" and light hull, which contribute to an exhilarating sailing experience.

However, some common issues have been noted over time. A recurring concern mentioned by owners is the potential for "rotten structure," particularly in older models, which can compromise the boat's inherent stiffness if not addressed through maintenance. Despite this, the enduring appeal of the X-79 is evident in its active community and the sentiment that it is a "perfect boat" for those seeking a spartan, vintage, and performance-oriented sailing experience.