Sasga Menorquín 68 FB

Menorcan boatbuilders Sasga Yachts have just launched a new flagship, the Menorquín 68 FB, designed by Barracuda Yacht Design. Greg Copp gives us the details …

The new flagship of Sasga Yachts, the 68 FB, has a traditional design heritage, which comes from the original Menorcan Llaüt design and features a trademark distinctive canoe stern. These Balearic multi-chine, double-ended fishing boats, known for their good seakeeping ability, are still being used today.

Optimised for economical cruising in the 10- to 12-knots region, with higher passage speeds in the region of 16 to 24 knots, the 68 FB hull is a deep-V semi-displacement design, providing a soft ride in the big seas that can quickly blow up in this boat’s home waters. The construction of the hull is vacuum-infused GRP resin to make it stronger and lighter.

In common with the Menorquín 42 and 54, the 68 has a generous flybridge, fitted with an external elevated helm position, complete with a galley and ample seating, plus the essential fixed-arch bimini. The vertical stem, high freeboard, rounded canoe stern and generous beam have created a voluminous and usable interior. Knee-high bulwarks, sturdy handrails and shallow-height steps with wide foot treads are examples of the kind of small, safety-orientated touches that characterise this boat. The accentuated roof overhang of the saloon is a Menorquín characteristic, and provides a good dose of shade while keeping the living space as cool as possible. Extending over the aft-deck terrace area, the extended roof provides the aft deck with pillarless overhead protection and uninterrupted views to the rear and sides. Once the 4m tender has been removed from its platform, the 400kg tender-lift system doubles as a large swim platform.

Inside, the saloon space has been maximised and is dominated by tall, elegant windows for all-round visibility and plenty of natural light. The dining table and combined U-shaped seating is to starboard and the inside helm position is immediately forward of it. Opposite, on the port side, there is a coffee table, an L-shaped seating arrangement, waist-high cupboards and an audio/TV area. Owners can choose to have the furniture exactly how they want, with extra cupboard storage if needed, or even a bespoke wine cooler, for example. Accessed via stairs down from the main saloon, the galley is located next to the main dining table area and aft-terrace patio. This fully fitted U-shaped galley has plenty of cupboard and countertop space, providing a showpiece of the boat’s design.

Accommodation is offered in two layout options. The six-person option (plus two crew berths) comprises a full-beam master stateroom amidships, with a double en suite and large interconnecting shower. There is also a vanity desk and separate settee/coffee table area. Guests have the option of a twin-berth cabin to starboard or a double-berth VIP cabin in the bow section. Option two is an eight-person layout (plus two crew berths) comprising two separate, double-berth VIP cabins amidships, a twin-berth cabin to starboard and a double-berth master cabin in the bow.