Sacs Rebel 40: power, safety and great comfort

On Test. Sacs Rebel 40, a fully-equipped powerful, safe and comfortable Maxi Rib

The two chaises longues at the bow, where we felt like in the front row at a drive-in movie theatre, were so comfortable that we didn’t want to get off: sailing with the wind in our face at over 40 knots was really exciting. But, at lunch time, we were a little hungry. Although we headed to the Marina di Varazze with an empty stomach, we can say that we had already made a bellyful of adrenaline on board the new Rebel 40.

What Sacs Marine staff invited us to test on a wonderful autumn day is the inboard version. While favouring the deck spaces – specially the beach area thanks to the presence of a stern platform that can easily accommodate a jet ski or a water toy – this configuration does not sacrifice the performance of an indissolubly racing-oriented boat. As you will see later, the two Volvo D6 diesel engines, 380HP each, nestled between the mega bow sundeck, will not disappoint our desire to mess up our hair.

Exteriors: an open-air lounge, two huge sundecks

Resoundingly rebel (as suggested by the name itself), elegant and aggressive, the Rebel 40 combines the best of a Maxi Rib with the most refined characteristics of a traditional boat.

The first impression you have when climbing on board concerns dimensions, exaggerated but cleverly arranged.

The huge stern sundeck, on the starboard side, leaves a passage on the left that leads from the beach area to the cockpit, introducing an abundance of wide and comfortable spaces that characterize the deck covered with synthetic teak.

The living zone, equipped with a galley, is an open-air lounge. The comfortable L-shaped sofa invites us to sit around the folding table while the two inboards start to warm up under our feet: the Rebel 40 has just left the port and we sit in the cockpit to write down performance.

The steering console protected by a sturdy hard-top and a wide 45-degree inclined windscreen that offers a really perfect view, is equipped with a technologically assorted and user-friendly push button panel. The triple pilot seat is a hymn to comfort: it’s like sitting on cinema seats.

The exterior layout, born from the masterful pencil of Italian designer Christian Grande, enhances the concept of “walk-around”, offering easy circulation and great safety even when sailing at high speed.

This is clearly suggested by the large side-decks which, accompanied by the handrails places on the fiberglass sides, guarantee excellent freedom of movement.

The above-mentioned bow sundeck is the deck section mainly devoted to relaxation and sunbathing activities.

The impressive anti-collision D-shape tubes are wrapped in classic Hypalon neoprene. The fiberglass V-hull is segmented by four longitudinal spray rails, two on each side: a structure that allows the Rebel 40 to glide over the waves without hesitation.

Interiors: the elegant and cozy sleeping zone is worthy of a cruiser

The Rebel 42 does not betray the typical family feeling of Maxi Ribs but goes beyond, entering the cruiser segment and offering unexpected spaces below deck.

Not surprisingly, as we open the sliding door of the hatchway, we are impressed by the depth and width of the lower deck, where an extra-luxury, comfortable and surprisingly habitable space takes shape.

A king-sized bed dominates the master cabin which, adjacent to the dinette, forms a unique open space. There are also a corner sofa in the hallway and two berths in the cabin located under the cockpit, whose headroom is enough to spend a night in total comfort.

A head with shower box and separate toilet completes the interior layout. All immersed in a context of elegant and modern design where the custom finishes and colours return an overall image of great class.

Sea Trial: racing hull, responsive handling

The sea in front of Varazze is apparently sleepy. A light and pleasant libeccio wind is blowing but does not disturb the agonistic spirit of our Rebel 40.

We push the throttles forward and, at 2,000 rpm and 15 knots – with an (excellent) fuel consumption of 52 l/h, the boat is already on plane.

Despite its 12-meter length, the boat keeps its boat parallel to the water surface and a trim that, even at 2,500 rpm and around 24 knots, is absolutely stable.

Even in the tightest turns, the Rebel 40 does not lose her balance and stays like glued on her trajectory. What a hull, guys!

Tubes do not vibrate and the deck remains perfectly dry, confirming the high level of comfort on board. All while we’re sailing between 30 and 35 knots.

Acceleration is consequential, responsive and recoilless.

Handling is strong but soft, fluid and exciting at the same time.

Now, however, it’s time to get real. So, we push the throttles all forward to discover the top speed: the display shows 41,4 knots, 3,500 rpm and a fuel consumption of around 140 l/h. We can therefore talk about surprising and excellent performance with nothing to envy to outboard models.

While Sacs boats never disappoint our expectations, the Rebel 40 has even overcome them: such a cruising-racing oriented boat is a good option for anyone looking for comfort and adrenaline, relaxation and speed at the same time. In short, all the best of a Maxi Rib.

Sacs Rebel 40: Sea trial in numbers

Sacs Rebel 40: Technical Specs

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