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The new ACE 360 marks an important milestone for Skipper Powerboats, the Greek manufacturer renowned for its high-speed semi-rigids designed for offshore sailing. This 10.80 m model is the successor to the 34NC, with a completely revised platform, both in terms of hull and deck layout. Behind the 78 knots announced, the shipyard is above all seeking to improve hydrodynamic efficiency, comfort in choppy waters and everyday use of the boat.
A step hull designed to reduce drag
The technical heart of the ACE 360 is the four-step AeroQuad hull developed by Skipper. This architecture uses air inlets under the hull to limit the wetted surface area when the boat lifts off. On a fast semi-rigid, the aim is twofold. Firstly, to reduce hydrodynamic resistance to improve top speed. Secondly, to reduce fuel consumption when sailing fast, a point that has become central with the high power ratings now common on 10 to 12-meter boats.
Skipper announces a displacement of around 11 knots, a relatively low figure for a boat capable of up to 800 hp with 2 x 400 hp. This may be of interest to yachtsmen sailing in rough seas, or looking to maintain an intermediate point of sail without remaining continuously in the transition zone.
The shipyard also points to a smoother passage through the sea and drier sailing. The steps actually tend to limit impacts and stabilize certain trajectories at high speeds.
A full-width deck that modifies on-board circulation
The other special feature of the Skipper ACE 360 is its InfinityDeck architecture. Unlike many semi-rigids, whose decks narrow towards the bow, the shipyard retains a significant width almost all the way to the bow sundeck. Passageways remain wide, and usable volume has increased significantly for a boat in this category.
On sporty RIBs, the forward space is often difficult to exploit when several passengers are on board. Here, the more rectangular deck geometry improves accommodation capacity and facilitates movement between cockpit and foredeck. The boat can accommodate up to 14 people.
More storage space for day trips
Skipper announces 2155 liters of storage space distributed under the seats, in the front trunks and in the rear volumes. On a rigid hull of this type, storage management is often a sensitive issue. Between safety equipment, waterproof bags, fenders, diving gear and water sports equipment, the trunks fill up fast.
The shipyard seems to have worked on this point, with integration spread over the entire deck to avoid excessive weight concentration. On fast boats, longitudinal balance has a direct influence on dynamic behavior.
The deck layout also retains a large U-shaped aft saloon, a classic but effective configuration for convivial cruising at anchor or quick stopovers.
Removable weather protection to extend the season
The boat can be fitted with a transparent wind and spray protection system. This type of equipment is becoming common on the fast semi-rigids used in the Mediterranean or for long, high-speed sailing. At over 40 knots, permanent exposure to the wind quickly tires the crew. Well-thought-out protection significantly improves thermal comfort and reduces saltwater spray on passengers.
The choice of a removable system allows you to maintain the open spirit of the boat without transforming the cockpit into a closed wheelhouse. This type of solution is also of interest to owners who sail out of season, particularly in spring or autumn, when temperatures drop rapidly with speed.
The offshore semi-rigid market continues to gain momentum
With the ACE 360, Skipper is positioning itself in what has become a highly competitive segment, that of premium 10 to 12-meter semi-rigids capable of well in excess of 60 knots. For several years now, the market has been evolving towards more versatile units, capable of both fast day trips and longer voyages, with a level of comfort close to that of certain rigid dayboats.
The presence of Mercury or Yamaha engines also shows the importance of adapting to the habits of owners and local maintenance networks. But there is one reality that is specific to these high-performance boats. At speeds approaching 80 knots, the quality of piloting, the sea state and the experience of the crew become as important as the technical characteristics of the boat itself.
