1st island-inspired boat
In the new area dedicated to "small" boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the Cap Creus 850 catches the eye with its convoluted bow, undoubtedly indicative of a rethinking of the hull. Sylvain Ortiz, the man behind this 8.50-meter hull, explains his approach: "It's a boat inspired by the boats found on islands, very low to the water. The aim is to be versatile, for daytime lounging, comfortable dining for 6, sleeping for 2 inside, with 2 extra people outside with a camping kit, fishing with a livewell, or towing for sport. We worked with Felix Blanco, who was technical director of the Rio shipyard, on the hull and architecture of the boat."
A large outdoor living space
Two small bathing decks, flanking the outboard motors, provide access to the water or dock. Forward of these, a hoop accommodates rod holders or a skier's pull.
A first island incorporates a livewell and cup holders, and supports two double bench seats, one forward and one aft.
Moving forward, a beautiful wooden table allows the cockpit to accommodate 6 people for a meal, and in the lowered position to make a beautiful double bed.
The next block, which supports two seats for the pilot and co-pilot, conceals a complete galley. On the starboard side, a fridge opens sideways, and under the port seat is a sink and two burners.
The compact console incorporates two screens, allowing anglers to keep an eye on their depth sounder. The windshield, which is generously high and can tend to give a strange look to the overall silhouette, will protect both pilot and co-pilot.
Two narrow gangways with two steps lead to the foredeck with its sunbathing area.
For those who sleep on board, a sliding door gives access to the cabin. There's a fitted forepeak, complete with crews.
A fully equipped unit
As a distributor under the Passion Nautisme banner, Sylvain Ortiz is well aware of the problems involved in presenting prices to customers. By choosing to launch his own brand with the Cap Creus, built in Spain at Empuria Brava, then equipped at Canet-en-Roussillon, he is bucking the trend, with a fully equipped boat from the outset. The Cap Creus 850 comes as standard with a Flexiteek deck, towable sports bar and livewell.
Capable of accommodating 9 people in category B, it can accommodate two 225 hp engines at maximum power. According to the manufacturer, the prototype model reached 44 knots with just a 300 hp outboard.
The Cap Creus is priced at ?160,000 including tax at the 2023 rate.
