An 18-metre full-carbon crossover drawn by Ceccarelli Yacht Design, offered as a fast cruiser, a cruiser-racer or a full racer.
One hull, three boats
Depending on the owner's choices the 520 Roma is a fast cruiser offering high average speeds on crossings, even shorthanded under white sails. It is also a cruiser-racer that Neo says converts from one mode to the other by adding sails and changing to cheaper cushions, or a full racer.
A reverse bow, and 200 kg saved forward
Neo says the reverse bow allows a longer waterline and less weight in the front. The bow chamfer saves 200 kg in the front structure and, the yard says, gives a better wind flow upwind.
Interiors that hold the boat together
The interiors are built entirely in composite and form part of the boat's structure, to reduce passive weight and maximise internal space. Three layouts are offered, and all of them include a tender garage, a chain locker and a front sail locker usable as an extra cruising crew cabin.
Twin carbon wheels and dyneema cables
Twin carbon wheels, a light alloy rudder sector and unidirectional dyneema cables give what Neo calls the dinghy feeling. Giovanni Ceccarelli has been a partner of the yard since the beginning, and drew the Neo 400 prototype that debuted in the 2014 Middle Sea Race.
“Every single line, every curve is there for a specific technical need to create minimal impact and highest efficiency through our elements: Wind and Water.”
