Simplicity, comfort and reliability for long-distance cruising

Why simplicity matters for long-distance cruising

The more complex the boat, the greater the possibility of some kind of system failure. Added complexity also makes it exponentially harder to understand disparate installations and successfully troubleshoot problems when they arise. These considerations naturally helped to inform the specification and choice of systems for the Pegasus 50. 

Comfortable sailing without complexity

Comfort is a core part of the essence of this yacht. The Pegasus 50 yacht integrates features that prioritise usability and ease of living on board, including:

• An interior watchkeeping station with a 360-degree all-round view (learn more about it).
• Quick troubleshooting: Segregated systems enable faster diagnostics and resolution of issues.
• An innovative yet delightfully simple gimbaled saloon (learn more about it).
• An excellent cockpit shelter (learn more about it).

Comfort is therefore effectively baked into the core design and philosophy from the outset and is not achieved through unnecessarily complex bolt-on systems and conveniences. Granted, there are pressurised hot and cold water, electric toilets, and a neat digital switching system accessed via touch screens or phone apps. But these and other essential installations have been carefully planned for easy maintenance, with key spares including pumps supplied with every new boat, or a built-in manual override mode that guarantees continued operation in the event of problems.

Avoiding the pitfalls of electric furling systems

Similarly, furling systems for the headsails, code zeros and asymmetric spinnakers all use the same Facnor systems that have identical furling lines. This means only one spare needs to be carried and, if necessary, the line for a spinnaker or code zero furler could be used for a jib.

Why not fit electric furling systems to minimise the effort associated with sail handling?

“It’s not about the additional cost, the problem is the additional complexity," says Pegasus Yachts partner and co-founder Miha Breskvar.

It's not just the furler itself – there are additional fuses, additional cabling, more fuses, extra switches and so on. They are all potential failure points. And what happens when the furler stops working in rough weather?”

Miha Breskvar, partner and co-founder

In theory, it’s possible to furl manually, but at best that is slow and inefficient, especially in a rising breeze or a sudden squall. A special bit for an electric drill might sound like a good idea to speed the process up, but then you’re using a device that isn’t waterproof in the wettest part of the boat

On the other hand, if a furling line is taken to an electric winch, as on the Pegasus 50, the sail can be furled using a conventional furler without effort. And if that winch stops working you can simply take the line to a different electric winch. “As long as you can furl easily it really doesn’t matter whether you’re pressing a button to operate a winch, or one to operate the furler directly,” adds Breskvar.

Designed for reliability and long-term comfort

A similar philosophy and rigorous thinking have been applied throughout the boat to optimise reliability, while simultaneously meeting the expectations of clients who intend to live on board for very extended periods. The outcome is a yacht that’s intrinsically comfortable and ergonomic, both at sea and in harbour, with the essential conveniences of home, yet is also reassuringly robust, reliable and as easy as possible to maintain.