Vaartest Speedlounger 8500

The SpeedLounger 8500 test was published in Zeilen 06/2019. The SpeedLounger 8500 is a good and fast sailboat. The designers and shipyard have created a beautiful product, based on the conviction that you can also sail fast with a touring boat, or in other words: slow sailing is not a symptom of comfort. The result is a boat with allure. The boat looks solid, stylish, and a touch rugged. The racing look and sporty rig contribute to the sturdy appearance, but it's the construction method that really draws attention. Aluminum looks solid and robust. The rock-solid appearance of untreated aluminum doesn't suit the concept of a daysailer used only in good weather. The width and initial extreme rudder balance also don't fit the comfortable picture. The builders indicate that the rudder balance is easily adjusted. A little rudder pressure actually makes sailing easier because you don't have to keep your mind on the boat. In the beautiful weather and flat water on the test day, the boat sailed like a dream. At the same time, in stronger winds, sail area will have to be removed early to control the heel and the resulting wetness and drift. The concept of this boat is a two-pronged one. As a daysailer, will you still be on the water when the wind picks up and the waves are heavier? Are you prepared to sail sportively and actively in those conditions? Are you willing to spend €152,000 on a daysailer with planing potential? Then the SpeedLounger 8500 is the boat for you.