PY 90 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing DNA of the PY 90 is rooted in its high ballast ratio and generous sail plan. With a displacement of approximately 1,900 kg and a ballast of 750 kg held in a deep 2.1-meter bulb keel, the boat possesses a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%. This provides the stiffness required to carry its 57-square-meter upwind sail area comfortably. In light air, the PY 90 is exceptionally responsive; its low wetted surface area allows it to accelerate with minimal pressure, a trait often praised by lake sailors in Northern Italy.

Handling is defined by a high-aspect spade rudder and a fractional sloop rig. Owners and testers frequently describe the boat as having a "dinghy-like" feel—highly sensitive to trim and helm input. The use of a gennaker on a retractable bowsprit simplifies downwind handling, making the boat manageable for double-handed racing or spirited daysailing. According to design notes from Felci Yacht Design, the hull was engineered to maintain balance even when pressed, minimizing the tendency to round up in heavy gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While primarily a performance vessel, the PY 90 offers a surprisingly functional interior for its size. The "Open Space" layout avoids traditional bulkheads to maximize the feeling of volume within its 3.2-meter beam. The standard configuration includes 2+2 berths—a V-berth forward and two settee berths in the salon—finished typically in natural beech wood or white laminates to maintain a bright, airy aesthetic.

Two primary variants exist within the lineage: the standard PY 90 and the PY 90 Coupé. The Coupé version was designed with a slightly more pronounced coachroof, which increases the interior headroom to approximately 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in), making it significantly more viable for extended weekend cruising. The Coupé variant often includes more "civilized" amenities, such as a dedicated marine head with a holding tank and a more comprehensive galley block, whereas the standard model leans toward a minimalist "weekender" or "racer" interior with basic stove and sink facilities.

Popular Mentions & Media

The PY 90 gained significant visibility in the Italian sailing community through its association with professional sailors like Nicola Celon, a world-class regatta champion and owner of the PY 90 "ZZO VUOI." Celon has publically praised the model for its ability to bridge the gap between technical racing and family leisure, a sentiment echoed in various Italian nautical publications during the boat's peak production years. The model served as a technical precursor to the globally successful Esse 850, which Proteus and Felci launched a few years later.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the following technical areas, common to high-performance composite boats of this vintage:

• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect rudder places significant stress on the bearings. Check for excessive play in the helm; many owners have upgraded to Jefa self-aligning bearings to restore the original precision.
• Sandwich Core Integrity: While the epoxy/foam sandwich construction is robust, any deck hardware that has not been re-bedded may have allowed moisture into the core. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the deck and hull is recommended.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Given the deep 2.1m draft and the high-leverage bulb keel, the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass grid should be inspected for stress cracks, especially if the boat has a history of racing in shallow waters.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units are equipped with small 10 hp Lombardini or Bukh diesel engines. These are generally reliable but require specific attention to the saildrive diaphragm age and the exhaust elbow, which can succumb to carbon buildup or corrosion.

Community & Resources

The primary technical resource for the PY 90 remains the Felci Yacht Design archive, which maintains the original offsets and sail plans. Owners often congregate within broader Italian performance sailing associations, as no dedicated English-language owner's association exists. Technical support for the hull and appendages is frequently sourced through Italian composite specialists familiar with the Veronese boatbuilding tradition.

The Verdict

The Proteus PY 90 is a "purist’s" sailboat that offers Italian style and race-winning performance in a package that can still be used for a comfortable overnight stay.

Pros:

• Exceptional Agility: High sail-area-to-displacement ratio makes it a formidable performer in all wind ranges.
• Sophisticated Construction: Use of sandwich composites and epoxy resin ensures a long-lasting, stiff hull.
• Timeless Design: Umberto Felci’s aesthetic has aged remarkably well, maintaining a modern look.

Cons:

• Deep Draft: The 2.1-meter keel limits access to shallower harbors and cruising grounds.
• Minimalist Interior: The standard model lacks the headroom and amenities found in dedicated cruising 30-footers.
• Niche Market: Availability is largely concentrated in Europe, specifically around the Italian lakes and Mediterranean coast.