Photo: Linssen Yachts
The Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop shares a lot of features with the 500. Developed in-house, their patented Variotop constitutes a large proportion of this. The 450’s silhouette with its unique aluminium Linssen designer mast and its presence are just as powerful and distinctive as the 500’s.
For example, the same hull shape, the Softchine Prestressed Hull (SPH), is used. This ensures high initial stability and excellent sailing characteristics as well as additional space in the interior. The new drive concept with freely suspended propeller shafts and rudders is also used in the 450.
The same technologies, components and modules are used in the engine room, such as the LIPPCON system (Linssen Integrated Propulsion and Power Configuration). Noise and vibration are kept to a minimum thanks to the excellent soundproofing measures.
Wheelhouse
The 450’s wheelhouse is almost as spacious as the 500’s. The double helmsman’s position allows you to manoeuvre comfortably and easily in all conditions.
With a single press of a button you open the wheelhouse roof and within a few seconds you are in the open air steering your Grand Sturdy 450 AC. If the sun is too strong and you need a little more cooling, you can close the Variotop by 80%. This means you won’t be in the sun any more, but you can still enjoy a breeze flowing through the opening.
The wheelhouse has two doors at the rear that can open to an angle of 180 degrees. In this way, you create an open connection with the aft deck, which increases its length considerably.
There are, of course, differences between the new Linssen 450 AC Variotop and the 500 AC Variotop, but both Variotop models have identical DNA. They deliberately stayed very close to the 500 when they were sitting at the drawing board designing the 450. With a length of 13.75 metres and a width of 4.65 metres, the 450 is shorter and narrower. However, these are the perfect dimensions for applying their Variotop. This makes the 450 the smallest family member in Linssen's Variotop series.
Grand Sturdy 450 AC Variotop: Centre Line Traffic
If you look closely at the artist’s impressions, you’ll discover that it differs from the Linssen 500 AC Variotop on the upper deck. Whereas the 500 has two decentralised staircases at the rear, the 450 - just like the AC yachts of the smaller Grand Sturdys - is equipped with Centre Line Traffic. In other words, a single convenient and central access point to get the maximum space out of the slightly shorter aft deck.
Two cabins vs three
When you enter the saloon on the 450, you’ll hardly notice any difference compared with the 500. You get the same feeling of space, with an amply proportioned lounge sofa, a spacious pantry with all facilities and a dinette in which to enjoy a meal with family or friends.
The stern is almost the same size and has a spacious owner’s cabin with a large double bed, plenty of storage space and cabinets and an en suite toilet and shower.
The bow is slightly different from the 500. Due to the lack of a guest cabin, there is room in the front of the yacht for a spacious forward cabin with a separate toilet and shower and a lot of cupboard and storage space. Comfort, luxury and convenience at its best.
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