A regatta sailboat for protected waters
The Aeolos P30 is the first sailboat from the Dubai-based manufacturer Aeolos Composite. It is a 30-foot (9.14 m) racing yacht optimized for ORC rating built in series in carbon prepreg. The manufacturer would like to make it a one-design series like the L30 or the Farr280. Optimized for single or double-handed sailing, in winds between 12 and 14 knots, on short and medium distance races (up to 500 miles over 2/3 days), the Aeolos P30 can also race between 4 buoys on an inshore course with 6 crew members or take part in offshore sailing (category A homologation) with an additional equipment. The program remains however to sail in rather protected waters, such as the Baltic Sea or the Solent.
A bow that does not go unnoticed
Designed by Hans Genthe, her modern design is reminiscent of the IMOCA Bureau Vallée 3 (ex-Occitane en Provence), designed by Sam Manuard. The inverted bow is aggressive with a pronounced chine, while the hull lines are clean with an inverted deck and a flat transom very low to the water. The Aeolos P30 is delivered with a single rudder, but for longer races or in stronger winds, the shipyard recommends a twin rudder configuration. It is possible to switch from one configuration to the other quite quickly.
A construction that reduces costs and weight
If the design breaks with the codes, so does the construction, especially for a mass-produced model. All boats are baked from carbon prepreg, a process similar to the automotive industry that increases build quality without increasing costs too much.
This method of construction also saves considerable weight. A finished and equipped boat weighs 1.5 tons, or 30 to 50% less than a boat of the same size made of polyester. For example, a Dehler 30 weighs 2.8 tons, an L30, 2.13 tons. The 2.30 m long keel is retractable to reduce the draft to 0.50 m and has a bulb of 800 kg, i.e. a ballast ratio greater than 50%, improving the ORC rating.
A first test navigation
The first sailings were an opportunity to test the speed of the Aeolos P30, even if the conditions were weak. Upwind, with 10.7 knots of apparent wind, the 30-footer was sailing at 6.3 knots. Downwind, the top speed was 8.4 knots in light air. The set of sails includes a gennaker, a code 0, genoa or spinnaker with foresail.
It is possible to install an electric motor (pod system) or a simple 2 to 6 hp outboard motor, the manufacturer advising against the installation of an inboard motor for a question of weight; this one would strongly weigh down the boat.
A simple layout
The interior is simple with a Breton bed in the front, two benches and a removable central table which also serves as a map table and two benches in the back. A system for the stove and a toilet installed in the companionway complete the interior facilities.
A boat that can be transported on a truck
The imposing bowsprit is foldable and can be easily lifted, especially for transport as the Aeolos P30 can be transported on a trailer (9.14 m x 2.91 m).
A future one-design?
Hans Genthe, the project leader who thought of this design during the 2020 containment, hopes to quickly make the Aeolos P30 a one-design class. He also hopes to perpetuate "the idea of the legendary, unusual and revolutionary X79, which most people considered ugly because of its massive transom." Five Aeolos are already under construction and several orders have been placed for a basic model (with sails) announced at 99,400 euros HT.
