Sessa C3X sea trial
Hard not to be immediately fascinated by the beauty of the new Sessa C3X .
The top version of this new model is certainly the T-Top, and today we are going to sea trial it together, in a world preview.
With an overall length of more than eleven metres and a width of around three and a half metres, the Sessa C3X offers the space of a much larger boat.
Access to the cockpit is via a step up from the large aft platform. On the left is a generously sized sundeck which, thanks to a fold-down backrest, also becomes the aft sofa of the U-shaped dinette with central table, which is counterbalanced by a mobile bar that can hold everything you need for a day at sea.
On the starboard side there is a very well arranged helm station, with excellent all-round visibility and capable of containing all the necessary electronics.
This whole area is overlooked by a large sliding full-beam roof which, when open, effectively regulates the air flow when under way and, when closed, shades the open space outside.
Lastly, access to the bow is via two symmetrical side-decks which, on another positive note, are much wider than average and allow for a very safe passage to the huge sundeck that awaits us.
But it is going below deck that we are literally speechless. The space is enormous, it’s like being aboard a 40-footer.
On the starboard side, there’s a second L-shaped dinette with a central folding table that can also be used as another bed. Next is a galley with wall units which, by exploiting the forward bulkhead, extends over an area that is simply unthinkable for boats of this size, and which can easily accommodate the provisions needed for medium-range cruises.
On the left is the head which, equipped with a separate shower cubicle, is cleverly positioned amidships, thus also serving as a day toilet.
Completing the unusual interior of the new Sessa C3X are two cabins which, in terms of size, finish and equipment, can easily be identified as two masters. The forward cabin has a raised central bed and is served on both sides by wardrobes, shelves and plenty of walking space. The stern master, on the other hand, has a king-size bed positioned across the beam and even has a hallway with wardrobes, shelves and a sofa.
In short, a boat of truly unexpected dimensions, perfect to enjoy long and comfortable cruises, with the family or a couple of friends.
Sitting comfortably in the helm seat, I engage the gear and push the gas. The visibility all around is really good and it’s very easy to manoeuvre, even in tight spaces.
Once out of the harbour we speed up and the Sessa C3X gets up on plane quickly, already at 12 knots she comes out of the water, pulls away from the wake and spreads out naturally. This characteristic also makes it possible to find a series of “low cruising speeds” which will prove to be important for cruising in rough seas or, more simply, for travelling without haste and enjoying the views.
But the Sessa C3X can offer much more, it’s an open yacht and, despite the richness and size of the interior, it must also be able to offer sporting sensations, so let’s stop hesitating and let’s put the throttles down.
The boat accelerates without any apparent effort up to 35/36 knots and then, with a little trimming of the engines, it accelerates again to almost 40 knots, which isn’t bad for an open boat like this that we’re testing with a full load.
I reduce speed to around 20 knots and then turn sharply, the boat tilts and the adrenalin rises as the hull does its job keeping the Sessa C3X firmly in its trajectory. I counter-turn until I meet our own waves, which the boat crosses without impact.
Then I get back on a straight course at about 30 knots and enjoy the comfort.
This new Sessa C3X goes very well.
| RPM | Speed in Kn | lt/h | Lt/Nm | Range in nautical miles |
| 600 | 1,7 | 5,3 | 3,1 | 241 |
| 1.000 | 3,7 | 10,2 | 2,8 | 272 |
| 1.500 | 6,1 | 14,4 | 2,4 | 318 |
| 2.000 | 7,6 | 22,1 | 2,9 | 258 |
| 2.500 | 9,1 | 36,0 | 4,0 | 190 |
| 3.000 | 11,5 | 49,9 | 4,3 | 173 |
| 3.500 | 15,5 | 59,4 | 3,8 | 196 |
| 4.000 | 19,8 | 75,7 | 3,8 | 196 |
| 4.500 | 27,0 | 105,0 | 3,9 | 193 |
| 5.000 | 32,1 | 126,7 | 3,9 | 190 |
| 5.500 | 35,6 | 144,4 | 4,1 | 185 |
| 6.000 | 39,4 | 189,9 | 4,8 | 156 |
| LOA | 11,19 m |
| CE lenght | 9,93 m |
| Max Beam | 3,45 m |
| Passanger capacity | 12 |
| Berth | 4+1 |
| Fuel | 750 l |
| Max engine power | 700 hp |
| CE Category | B |
| Design & Project | Sessa International |
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