In the category of 9 to 10-meter cruiser-racers from the 90s—affordable both financially and technically—the X302 isn’t the first sailboat that comes to mind. Yet, this boat could well be the ideal cruiser for those seeking an elegant and seaworthy sailboat to sail along our coasts with family, or even further.
9-meter sailboats have many advantages for those of us who sail year-round, whether for a weekend, a few weeks, or just a day. Their size allows us to easily sail solo or with family while managing the boat alone. They are perfect for family cruising, offering a certain level of comfort for everyone. At the same time, their size helps maintain a reasonable maintenance budget:
- Hardware
- Sails
- Engine maintenance
- Antifouling
- Mooring fees and insurance
Among these sailboats, we’ve already suggested several lists of standout models, including this selection of sailboats under €25,000 or this list of 3 cruiser-racer sailboats. Typically, when we look at these selections, we see the same shipyards: Jeanneau, Gib’Sea, Bénéteau, Feeling, Bavaria, and others. Meanwhile, some shipyards are overlooked, as if their boats don’t fit into this “everyman” category. The Danish shipyard X-Yachts is one of them. Indeed, X-Yachts generally has an elitist image. Either their boats are pure racers not suited for everyone, like the X99, or their prices are so high that we can only admire them in glossy magazines, like the X4.
And yet, it’s possible to be mistaken. In fact, X-Yachts is capable of producing excellent cruiser-racers that are seaworthy and easy to handle, even with a reduced crew. The X-302 is one of the best examples.
X-302: An Elegant and Seaworthy Sailboat
The X-Yacht shipyard was founded by Niels Jeppesen. This Danish racing enthusiast is also an architect. In the late 1970s, he decided to design high-performance, robust liveaboard sailboats for racing. It was in this spirit that the X79, X102, and then the X99—released in 1985—were born, the latter becoming a true star on the buoy racing circuits.
From the outset, the shipyard stood out with its high-performance, lightweight yet rigid and robust sailboats, thanks to its galvanized steel keel.
In 1994, the shipyard decided to replace its 9-meter cruiser-racer, the X312. This marked the birth of the X-302. Like all others, this sailboat was designed by Niels Jeppesen himself. However, this boat is different. Unlike its predecessor, there are no running backstays and more comfort. Indeed, compared to the X312, the 302 is intended to be more accessible from a technical standpoint. While the shipyard’s DNA remains, the boat is much easier to handle.
The result is a very powerful boat under sail and stiff. This is important for family sailing without needing everyone on the rail. At the same time, the boat is easily manageable and maneuverable in all weather conditions. We are therefore dealing with a true cruiser-racer suitable for many sailors. Impressive for an X-Yacht. But beware, this doesn’t mean the boat isn’t capable of racing—far from it. It remains a sailboat designed for racing, as proven by its presence at many events like the Spi Ouest France.
In fact, the X-302 is perfect for those seeking an elegant and high-performance cruising sailboat. The X-302 enjoyed modest success, with over 110 units sold by 2004. The boat underwent a minor update in 1999 and was renamed the 302 MKII. It was offered with two different engine options: 9 or 20 hp. Needless to say, the 20 hp is essential for cruising.
A Comfortable and Well-Finished Sailboat
As mentioned, the X-302 is a cruiser-racer. But where there’s cruising, there’s comfort. It must be said that the interior is a success. I won’t dwell on the shipyard’s construction quality and finishes, as its reputation speaks for itself.
The layout is quite classic:
- An aft cabin
- A head at the foot of the companionway
- A chart table and galley area forward of the saloon
- A forward double cabin
Let’s be objective: the X-302 is not the sailboat with the most interior volume. Let’s say it offers what an 8.5-meter boat of the same generation would. However, the finishes are perfect, the atmosphere is very warm, and the lack of wood paneling makes maintenance easier.
X-302 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Hull length | 9.35 m |
| Waterline length | 8.05 m |
| Beam | 3 m |
| Draft | 1.70 m |
| Weight | 3,600 kg |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg |
| Sail area | 51.5 m² |
| Mainsail | 26 m² |
| Genoa | 25.5 m² |
| Category | 2 |
| Engine | 9 hp |
| Material | Sandwich |
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 6 |