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Sun Kiss 24 is a modern performance-pleasure boat. One of the main criteria taken account while constructing it was creating a yacht which would comply with European standards and which could be easily transported offer the ultimate pleasure of sailing.
The boat is designed for 4 - 5 people, and should quarrantce them space for living in the cabin as well as comfortable saling in the spacious cocpit. Therefore it does not have typical proportions for Polish standards.
The designed centerboard or daggerboard, varied ballast and various sail area enable both pleasure and race sailing.
The yacht was given very positive comments during the tests in June 2004 in Poland, by the journalists of "Zagle" (Sails) magazine.
The yacht complies with high safety standards. It is easy to navigate and fast. Its achievements in 2004.
The Champion of Poland in performance cabin yacht class.
The winner in the Cup of Poland in performance cabin yacht class.
Until recently, no pleasure boat in Poland had been designed specially for the Polish Cup race of cabin boats. Sun Kiss 24 is the first. We put her to test only one week after her debut, in which she won all races in her class.
Although designed for pleasure and recreation, Sun Kiss 24 complies with performance cabin yacht class specifications. The hull shape was chosen by the designer on the basis of statistical data on winds in areas of her intended use.
Hull
Generally, the hull shape is typical of boats intended for mild winds: small wetted surface and high rising stern. However, comparing to similar vessels, her center of buoyancy has been shifted slightly towards the stern which resulted in sharply veed bow, rounded narrow, not-too-buoyant, underwater portion of the stern.
The hull's bottom is made of polyester-glass laminate while the sides, up to 15 cm above waterline, contain additional layer of 3-mm Firet Coremat.
In the middle of the hull there is a daggerboard case, however, a centerboard is available as option.
Deck
Large cockpit, wide and easy-to-walk side-decks, functional and esthetical deck, make a good impression on the onlooker.
The deck and vertical sides of the cockpit are made of laminate with the additional layer of 3-mm Firet Coremat, while 10-mm Herex foam was used for the cockpit sole and seats and for the side-decks.
All fittings are installed on neatly moulded supports. The jib sheet guides are positioned slightly below the deck, on the side-wall protrusion.
Three fterpeaks may be accessed from the cockpit: two under the seats and one under the cockpit bottom.
Daggerboard case
The see-through upper part of the daggerboard case allows seeing the tackle inside. The daggerboard mechanism rolls and cables form a structure, which resembles strings of the harp. Admittedly, the devise operates smoothly and without jamming. Its uncomplicated construction ensures easy checking and reliable operation.
Interior
The yacht's interior offers enough room to feel comfortable. In the cabin there are five berths: one double in the forepeak and three along the sides. In the forepeak on the port side, there is a cabinet, which may be turned into a gallery. A lot of room for storage of sailing accessories is available under the berths and in the open space under the cockpit. Even the space under the cockpit side-decks is made use of lots of sailing tackle may be stowed there, including spinnaker boom, paddles and boathook. The cabin's sides and ceiling are lined with soft fabric.
Performance
Sun Kiss 24 has been tested on Polish Lake. Intended for mild winds, she had face 5-6°B wind on the very first day of the test, which allowed her to be tested in rather adverse conditions. As other vessels on the day, the yacht was sailing with the main sail reefed and full jib, yet she was running fast, sometimes exceeding 7 knots (the highest registered speed was 7,4 knots). The most advantageous (Velocity Made Good) courses were 42° - for the windward direction and fordewind - for the opposite direction. Her performance in milder winds (2°B) was slightly different. The windward course was by 5° closer, while in the opposite direction, the course was broad reach (165-150°). Even when sailing at considerable heel, the boat's performance was free of excessive luff and her directional stability was excellent which, in our opinion, contributes to her speed. The yacht's bow was pounding while sailing to windward in the waves.
The yacht stability was satisfactory in milder winds, particularly when sailing with at least 10° heel, which requires counter-blasting.
Stability
Stability test was conducted two times: with raised and with the lowered daggerboard. The test proved that the daggerboard has considerable impact on the ultimate stability, and not so much influence on the initial stability.
The righting moment attains its maximum at about 60° heel. This is a good result. The rounded hull shape, the weight of ballast and daggerboar, the height of the mast, are optimally combined to render the yacht being safe to sail.
Quality of work
The quality of mouldings is excellent. The hull/deck joint is executed with great precision, which was not easy for the type construction adopted by the designer.
Fittings (blocks, cleats, guiding elements) are properly selected, and the make (Ronstan) guarantees their long service.
Summary
Unlike other similar yachts, Sun Kiss 24 started its commercial existence as a prototype built to specifications of the racing class. Her promising debut and considerable potential for development, lying in small modifications of the rig, augur well for her success as a performance cabin yacht class racing yacht. Equally attractive is Sun Kiss 24 as a pleasure boat. By decreasing the sail area, shortening the mast and installing the centerboard, we may obtain a fast, reliable and, first of all, safe boat for inland cruising.
Sun Kiss 24 may also be deemed as a starting point for the development of a sea cruiser given that its present characteristics fully allow this.
(text according to the article in "Żagle" (Sails) magazine 09.2004).
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| At the time of publishing, all information regarding the model and equipment are up to date. The manufacturer retains the right to alter the construction or equipment details to improve the product. The constructor retains the right to make alterations in construction and fitting out as required.
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| Notice: The photos above may show variations and details that have been made to clients special wishes and are not included in the standard delivery package.
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