Meet the HopYacht 30

With a single sail, electric propulsion, and easy handling on a single level, the HopYacht 30 catamaran is a noteworthy entry-level vessel for a cruising couple. Courtesy HopYacht

The HopYacht 30 is built in Cape Town, South Africa, with naval architecture by Du Toit Yacht Design. The boat is imported to the United States through HopYacht USA in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is being marketed as an entry-level vessel.

This catamaran is primarily designed for couples or families with young children—who may or may not yet be active members of the crew—and is ideal for sailing itineraries that include bay, coastal or short island hops. Ease of handling is part of the design brief.

For cruisers who want to head farther afield, the HopYacht 30 has demountable hulls and will fit into two standard 40-foot containers for shipping.

To make life on board easier, the HopYacht 30 has just one sail to manage. The genoa sheets are led to one winch at the helm station, so single-handed sailing is an option. An asymmetrical spinnaker can be added as an option.

Power is all electric, with electric sail drives as well as electric water heating and induction cooking. Cruising is whisper-quiet, and recharging is accomplished by way of four solar panels. According to HopYacht, the boat can cruise at a full-throttle speed of 6.9 knots for 2.4 hours, or at a cruising speed of 4.2 knots for more than eight hours.

Creature comforts are easily accessible because the cockpit, saloon and forward cabin areas are all on one level with standing headroom.

For relaxation time on the hook, there is wraparound upholstered cockpit seating that converts into a daybed for two people. In the cabin, there’s a walkaround, queen-size island berth. At the bow, where guests can relax on the trampoline, a cooler is built into the anchor locker with drink holders.

The galley is in the under-cover cockpit area, allowing the cook to socialize and enjoy the view—and giving heat a place to escape so it doesn’t stay trapped inside the saloon.

They don’t call it a head: The main deck has what HopYacht calls a proper bathroom, with a shower that has a bifold glass door, a Thetford Tecma Nano electric flush toilet with a macerator; and a Lewmar opening port in the window for ventilation.

Where to learn more: click over to www.hopyacht-usa.com

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