Canelli plays on transparency, aesthetics and sensations to seduce.

Begun in 2017 with the 39-footer, the Canelli adventure led by Guy Papillon is gaining in recognition thanks to highly polished designs and nautical performance. While the controversial design of the first model quickly gave way to a wiser but no less exciting version in 2021 with the 43, the Canelli 30 combines all the ingredients of a walk-around dayboat that can hold its own against its competitors. Canelli is a family story that began in the 60s in Belgium with Guy's father via Polymac Marine, instilling in the entire Papillon family a passion for boats and adventures at sea through the building and importing of vessels. Guy took up the torch, and added his know-how, pursuing the dream of developing a sporty boat without sacrificing luxury and safety on board. This has now been achieved with this seductively curved day cruiser. From the outside, the Italian-built 30-footer catches the eye with plexiglass openings in the walls, a wide bow and protective bulwarks; its hull with inverted bow and steps promises dynamic cruising. An overview. Embarkation takes place from the uncluttered aft platform, and you immediately feel the sense of purity that you'll experience throughout your visit. There are no cables or cleats to catch the eye, which naturally settles on the large aft sundeck, convertible into 3 distinct configurations. This houses two large lockers: the first, mounted on two powerful jacks, is accessible from the rear. The second, further forward, can be used to store swimming equipment or cushions. The volume of these two spaces is considerable, allowing you to keep the deck uncluttered.

ABOLISHING THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

The boat's only two steps mark a clear separation between the outside and inside areas, enhanced by the two side gates. The Canelli 30 is built with safety in mind. As the father of a family, Guy Papillon is well aware of the constraints associated with family sailing and the safety that goes with it, especially with children. Discreet but effective, the gates play their role perfectly, and once open allow the eye to cross the deck plan unhindered. Each one is mounted against a side panel well integrated into the wall, and opening onto the transparent Plexiglas panels already fitted on the 43. They stretch right up to the start of the console, bringing the sea figuratively into the boat in a highly successful manner.

The young Spanish designer in charge of the project, Carlos Vidal, explains: « The basic idea was to create a dayboat with wide spaces to facilitate movement on board in the most practical way possible. The wide hatches provide a better connection between the user and the sea ». Unobstructed vision is a plus when maneuvering. The leaning station incorporates a discreet but well-equipped galley, whose hood is mounted on verrins. With a choice of burners, hob or grill, sink and large fridge, there's plenty to keep the whole family well fed. Side handrails would be welcome, however, both for the kitchen and on the sides of the seat. The alcantara seat is designed for 2 to 3 people. It's very high-quality to the touch, but if you have to choose, you'll opt for the bolster seats for better support when sailing. Alcantara is also found on Canelli's handsome 3-blade steering wheel, and on the upper part of the console, adding a luxurious touch to the overall look. Storage compartments, cup rests, Mercury controls, Simrad electronics, bow thruster, adjustable steering wheel - it's all there, but without drowning the user. Intuitive handling is evident. The black windshield fits in well, covering almost the entire leaning area. Access to the bow is via two wide gangways. The first seat, for two people, is positioned forward of the console. Fitted with armrests, it is comfortable and enveloping. Opposite and with its back to the step, a beautiful U-shaped square seats 4 people in front of a telescopic table. This space proves to be very convivial and will undoubtedly be one of the most popular areas on the Canelli. Large lockers are located under the front bench seat, while the bulwarks feature fold-down cleats, a rail for the awning and fairleads. The anchor locker is deep enough to accommodate 6 to 8 fenders, and allows for easy chain stacking. The anchor is mounted on a telescopic davit. In addition to the advantage of shifting the pull point, it can also be used as a gangway for disembarking from the bow. The feeling of space on the C30 is indisputable, and the layout is optimized without sacrificing practicality. This feeling is heightened once the cabin door is open. Descending the 3 steps, you'll find the toilet on the starboard side, the V-shaped double cabin forward and the mid-cabin aft, perpendicular to the direction of travel. The volume and comfort of this space make it easy to envisage several nights on board, with natural light, privacy and a highly successful layout. This comfort on and below deck obviously has consequences for the boat's weight. This is where design and engineering come into play, so as not to sacrifice sailing and helming comfort. 

UP TO 2X450 HP AND 80 KNOTS!

Sasha Vlad, naval architect of the Canelli 30: "We offer more than any other 30-foot boat, but we wanted a high-performance boat despite the weight, which led me to choose a double step and a deep V for the hull after hundreds of hours of CFD (computational fluid dynamics). The hull and structure (infused vynilester) are designed to support 2x450 horsepower and reach a theoretical top speed of 80 knots. The stress on the hull at this speed is 3 times greater than at 35-40 knots, which is why this boat can take a lot of cycling and abuse over the years. I challenge you to find a boat with as much interior and exterior volume that can pass through a meter of swell at over 50 knots". The test was carried out from Ventimiglia on the Italian border in the direction of Menton, with choppy seas of 70-80 centimeters, no wind and 3 people on board. The boat is equipped with a 2x350-hp Mercury Verado outboard, but you can also choose to mount it with 2x450 maximum, 2x250 or 2x300 V8.

The controls are easy to grasp, the position of the tiller on the footrest is natural, and the feel of the alcantara on the steering wheel is very pleasant. The engine response during release maneuvers is smooth, as is the gradual increase in revs. The Canelli loses some of its horizon during the 6.9-second launch, before settling into its lines. Stability is appreciable, and the cruising speed, around 24 knots, enables us to maintain a clear conversation at the helm. The boat doesn't roll or churn excessively, and is well set on her strakes.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT STEPS

When cornering at medium speed, the boat has an excellent grip. Steering is precise, and the boat settles edge-to-edge without forcing. Even during sudden course changes, the Canelli 30 proves healthy and predictable. No unexpected heeling or lurching. The engine-hull torque is well-balanced and sufficient to maintain high speeds without being caught out. If you change speed several times in relation to the direction of the swell, you'll notice that the boat doesn't get wet. No spray falls on the deck, and the side panels remain dry. This encourages you to push the engine to its limits at 6,300 rpm, with a top speed of 54 knots. Remarkable considering the weight and quantity of equipment. The hull steps come into play throughout the ride, producing a race-boat effect below the waterline. This translates into appreciable steering stability. 

The steps combine several advantages: firstly, by reducing the wetted surface area, they increase hull efficiency; secondly, they allow better water flow to the propeller, making it more efficient; and thirdly, by introducing a little air under the hull, they increase comfort. The combination of these factors reduces overall fuel consumption, significantly increases speed and makes helming a pleasure. This pleasure is felt throughout the sailing experience, which is both supple and sporty, adding even more charm to this unit. A winning formula both in terms of design and overall sportiness.

EDITORIAL OPINION

A well-balanced boat with a highly efficient engine-hull combination. Livability and good circulation on board are features to remember, as are its overall lines. Beware, however, of the flat seating, which can prove unstable at high speeds and in rough seas.

+

Equipment quality 

Circulation on board

Pleasure at the helm

- 

Console seat

No console handrails

Folding cleats

We took note of the comments and integrated standard 3 SST handgrip on the center console. 

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