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The SKAW [A] will not be moored at the Cannes Boat Show from September 8 to 13, 2026. After a launch initially planned for May, then postponed to July, the first boat only recently hit the water in Lorient in early September. SKAW Sailing is therefore presenting its project in Cannes, along with the first images from its test runs and, most notably, a stunning video of its maiden voyages.
A scow hull combined with a retractable keel
Measuring 11.95 m in length, 4.87 m in beam, and with a reported light displacement of 6 metric tons, the SKAW [A] features a scow design that has already been extensively tested in offshore racing. Its significant beam, extending all the way to the forward sections, is intended to provide excellent structural stability. The boat also features a retractable keel, allowing the draft to vary from 3.50 m to 1.20 m. This configuration is designed to maintain a deep draft for cruising while facilitating access to anchorages.
Retractable foils to limit heeling
The SKAW [A] can also be equipped with two retractable foils. The goal is not to make the boat fly, but to generate vertical lift in order to increase the righting moment and sail on a flatter keel. SKAW Sailing reports a maximum righting moment of 19 metric tons-meters. These appendages are optional and can retract completely into the hull. Their practical value for cruising will now have to be weighed against the constraints of use, maneuvering, and maintenance.
The project aims for an average speed of about 15 knots, a figure that has yet to be confirmed under real-world conditions. With a 64 m² mainsail, a 45 m² J1, and up to 184 m² under an asymmetric spinnaker, the SKAW [A] has a substantial sail area.
The first test sails in Lorient should now make it possible to assess the core of the project: adapting a scow hull, deep keel, and foils derived from offshore racing to a liveaboard cruiser that can be operated by a small crew.
