A first sailboat for Stem Marine
The Stem 50 marks the first step into yachting for Italian shipyard Stem Marine. Based near Parma, the manufacturer is more accustomed to building professional rescue and patrol boats. With this know-how behind them, they wanted to transpose it to this 50-footer, as naval architect Nicolas Purnu, who designed the boat for the yard, explains: "There's a real commitment on the part of the shipyard's management. The idea is to make a fairly safe boat, given the history of lifeboats, with simple, durable and accessible solutions. For example, we're taking advantage of the yard's capabilities to make a milled keel, which avoids welding and allows for a fairly slim profile."
Modern exterior styling
While the Stem 50 has no intention of revolutionizing the style of aluminum sailboats, its profile is modern and rather elegant, with a discreet coachroof and inverted glazing on the dynamic bow. The optional protective doghouse has become a must, even if it tends to break up the lines a little. Nicolas Purnu explains: "The yard insisted on the plunging line on the planking, and left me quite free for the rest of the styling. It's an aluminum ocean cruiser, but it's also an Italian boat, which also sails in the sun! So we did a lot of work on the large sundeck and the blocks behind the helm stations with the outside galley. We also added a paddle box under the cockpit."
With its traditional layout, the Stem 50 offers two fairly protected helm stations, with winches for mainsail and headsail control. A piano on each side of the companionway handles all other maneuvers. The cockpit is protected by generous coamings.
Well-roofed, with 140 m2 upwind and a claimed light displacement of 13.2 T, the Stem 50 should deliver excellent speeds.
Planning frameworks for all programs
The use of aluminum and short production runs give real flexibility in the choice of fittings. The 1st Stem 50 is designed for a yachtsman looking for maximum safety on long cruises. He therefore opted for a large chart table immediately below the companionway, with a small workbench next to it. Nicolas Purnu continues: "For the rest, the emphasis is more on conviviality with a large saloon and a beautiful galley than on the 3 cabins. Other versions are designed for large departures or more comfort in the cabins."
Currently under construction, the 1st Stem 50 is due to be presented at the Genoa 2024 show.
