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X 79
Designer: Niels Jeppesen  ·  Builder: X-Yachts  ·  First built: 1979
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About the X 79

Crafted by the renowned Danish builder X-Yachts, the X 79 represents the brand's commitment to blending high-performance sailing with refined cruising comfort. Designed for sailors who refuse to compromise between speed and liveability, this modern yacht sits firmly in the performance cruiser category, making it well suited to both offshore passages and competitive coastal sailing. X-Yachts has long held a respected reputation in the sailing world for producing boats with sharp, responsive handling characteristics, and the X 79 continues that tradition. The hull form is expected to reflect the brand's signature emphasis on upwind efficiency and dynamic performance, while the interior appointments cater to those seeking extended time on the water without sacrificing creature comforts. For prospective buyers, the X 79 appeals strongly to experienced sailors looking for a capable bluewater companion that can also hold its own on the race course. The X-Yachts pedigree alone carries considerable weight in the market, and this model benefits from a brand legacy built on quality construction and sailing excellence. Those seeking a versatile, performance-oriented yacht would find the X 79 a compelling option worth investigating further.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.12 ft / 7.96 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
Beam 9.45 ft / 2.88 m
Max Draft 4.36 ft / 1.33 m
Displacement 2,965.00 lb / 1,345 kg
Ballast 1,477.00 lb / 670 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 316.00 ft² / 29.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Niels Jeppesen
Builder X-Yachts
First Built 1979
Last Built 1994
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
162
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
24.56
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
10.21
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.63
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.14
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
4.49
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 709.08
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 29.9
J (Foretriangle Base) 8.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.6
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.3
SA Fore 131.56
SA Main 184.19
How It Compares

vs. Hallberg Rassy 26, Mirage 26 Perry, Santana 26

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
X 79 ★
26.1 ft
Hallberg Rassy 26
26.1 ft
Mirage 26 Perry
26.2 ft
Santana 26
26.2 ft
LWL
X 79 ★
21.0 ft
Hallberg Rassy 26
20.7 ft
Mirage 26 Perry
21.7 ft
Santana 26
21.1 ft
Beam
X 79 ★
9.5 ft
Hallberg Rassy 26
8.8 ft
Mirage 26 Perry
9.3 ft
Santana 26
7.9 ft
Displacement
X 79 ★
2 lbs
Hallberg Rassy 26
5 lbs
Mirage 26 Perry
4 lbs
Santana 26
5 lbs
Ballast
X 79 ★
1 lbs
Hallberg Rassy 26
2 lbs
Mirage 26 Perry
2 lbs
Santana 26
2 lbs
Sail Area
X 79 ★
316 sq ft
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
313 sq ft
Santana 26
324 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
X 79 ★
162 s/nm
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
Santana 26
201 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
X 79 ★
24.6
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
17.7
Santana 26
17.6
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
X 79 ★
10.2
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
16.5
Santana 26
22.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
X 79 ★
2.63
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
2.20
Santana 26
1.85
Hull Speed
X 79 ★
6.1 kts
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
6.2 kts
Santana 26
6.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
X 79 ★
4.5
Hallberg Rassy 26
Mirage 26 Perry
2.7
Santana 26
2.4
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