Now here is something a little different coming from RM-Yachts who builds their plywood and epoxy boats in La Rochelle, France. That’s right, marine plywood and epoxy construction. This technique, which is more often used in one-off custom yacht designs, has served RM very well for more than 30 years.
They now build five models from 30 to 45 feet, with the new 1380, at 45 feet, being their flagship. RM boats are all designed by the Marc Lombard Design Group and all reflect Lombard’s long experience building high-performance racing boats, particularly for single and double-handed crews.
The 1380 looks similar to modern French, Pogo-style, light racer-cruisers with a slightly reversed bow and bowsprit, a flat sheer and a pronounced chine that runs the full length of the boat. And a generous 14 foot, nine-inch beam.
The boat, being built from flat plywood panels, has double chines and in this build method the chines act as stringers that make the hull very stiff while also keeping it light. The 1380 weighs in at 21,600 pounds, which is svelte by modern standards.
RM offers three keel configurations on the 1380. You can go with a standard deep fin that will give good all-around performance. Or, you can specify twin keels –not bilge keels—that are angled out at 15 degrees; these will provide excellent tracking and will allow the 1380 to stand on its own two feet when on the hard.
Finally, RM offers a hydraulic drop keel that gives you added depth for increased sail carrying ability and thus higher speeds and, when retracted, a shallow depth that will allow for gunkholing in hidden and shallow coves. But, with a $45,000 price tag, the drop keel will be a real luxury.
RM wanted to make the 1380 a planning hull, so the underbody is very flat and does not have much fore and aft rocker. Off the wind in breezes over 15 knots, an eager crew flying a spinnaker will be able to get this fast cruiser up onto a plane, not something many modern cruisers can achieve.
The 1380’s rig is similar to those found on French shorthanded racing boats, with a large main, a slightly overlapping genoa, a staysail and the ability to fly Code sails and asymmetrical spinnakers from the bowsprit.
The 1380’s cockpit is set up slightly different from most. All halyards and control lines lead to line stoppers and winches on both sides of the companionway. This is normal. But, the primary sheet winches are also forward and mounted on built-iin pedestals on either side of the companionway.
The mainsheet traveler sits right in front of the twin helms and the sheet runs to winches on both sides. Personally, I am not a big fan of in-cockpit main travelers on cruising boats, since they always present an accident waiting to happen during an unplanned jibe or when reefing. That said, it is the only option with this cockpit design.
Down below, the 1380 provides a three-cabin layout and is as bright and modern as you could imagine, with white painted ceilings, bulkheads and cabinets. There is enough varnished wood to offset the white with a pleasant warmth.
Photographe La Rochelle Sylvie Curty 06 18 95 83 82
In the saloon, the galley has a deep U-shape and plenty of counter space for working. This deep U will work well at sea, particularly in bouncy conditions when you need to brace a knee and a hip so you can work with both hands.
The 1380 does not have a ton of storage and locker space, but for a couple living aboard, they will find the spaces sufficient.
For sailors who love to sail fast and well and even plane in the right conditions, the new 1380 will strike a real chord. It is big enough and well built enough for lengthy passage making and solid enough to be just fine for a fast and fun circumnavigation.
RM 1380 specifications
LOA 47ft 3 in., Hull length: 43ft 7in Beam 14ft 9 in., Draught (twin keels): 6ft 5in, Draught (lifting keel): 4ft 9in to 11ft 0in, Displacement (twin keels): 21,600lb, Displacement (lifting keel): 9,700kg 21,400lb Working Sail area: 1,195 sq. ft.
Fresh water: 59.4gal., Diesel: 33 gal Base price: $370,000
Builder: rm-yachts.com
