On board the Y8 Calabash: the sailing flagship of the Genova Boat Show 2025 – Photos by DN

With its overall length of 23.99 metres, the Y8 Calabash is the sailing flagship of the Genova Boat Show 2025. Daily Nautica went on board to share with our readers the details of this sailing yacht, a perfect expression of the Baltic Sea-based German shipyard’s mantra: “Keep it simple: look good, sail easy”.

EXTERIOR

As soon as we stepped on board the Calabash, what struck us the most was the simple elegance of this carbon fibre hull curated by Spanish designer Javier Jaudenes and his team from Surge Projects, defining it as “a yacht of happiness.” Created for both family holidays and racing, the Y8 can also be sailed with a limited crew.

On deck only essential elements for sailing can be seen: the dual wheels, the four winches with deferred main manoeuvres and at midships, behind the keel-stepped mast, a lounge area where a semi-soft awning can be mounted. The carriage for the self tacking jib, opposite the mast, is hidden from view in a groove on the deck, contributing to the relaxing simplicity of the boat. There are two ways of going below decks, one to the stern for the crew and a main one, to the bow outside the outdoor saloon. Like all YYachts, the Y8 Calabash is equipped with a large garage for storing dinghies and transversal storage for the tender.

INTERIOR

The interior was curated by David Thulstrup and the shipyard’s Design team. When going below deck, the brightness of the open space owner’s saloon is striking, thanks to the many windows and calming colours chosen for the decor. The interior layout of the Calabash includes a sofa and two soft armchairs and, going down two steps, to the stern of the keel-stepped mast, is the dining table.

From here, two mirrored entrances lead to the spacious owner’s cabin with en-suite bathroom, guaranteeing extreme privacy. On the sides of the kitchen, in the stern, are two double cabins with en-suites, while the bow is dedicated to the crew, with a double cabin with bunk bed and a table in the relaxation area. A charming detail below decks are the leather handles, used to move around safely even in more difficult weather conditions.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – Y8 CALABASH

Length (overall): 23.99m     Draft (fixed keel): 4.30m  Beam: 6.58m  Displacement: around 38.50t Engine: Yanmar 4LV195, 143 kW
• Fuel tank capacity: approx. 1300 L
• Fresh water tank capacity: approx. 1300 L
• Mainsail Surface area: approx. 179 m²
• Self tacking jib surface area:: approx. 146 m²
• Code 0 surface area: approx. 245 m²
• Gennaker surface area: approx. 517 m²

by Francesca Pradelli