Aesthetically Mediterranean, this Polish boat has a Nordic touch.

Read the full test in our August/September 2024 issue.

If you thought you were spoilt for choice in terms of fast open sports boats, you would not be far wrong. So what makes this new Polish contender stand out from the ever-expanding competition? Well, it is claimed that it offers a low carbon footprint, which is achieved in two ways: firstly, it can be specified with twin 300hp Evoy Storm electric outboards; and secondly, it uses the latest incarnation of the Swedish-designed Petestep hull. The reality of 450kW (600hp equivalent) of electric power pushing a planing boat at speeds of between 40 and 50 knots is that frequent dockside recharging is required. It can be specified with some large solar panels on the T-top version, but these will simply run your on-board domestic needs, and keep the batteries in shape when the boat is moored. This is not the first sports boat to be fitted with the Evoy as Axopar already offer it as an option, and this Norwegian engine is proving itself within the Nordic commercial sector.

Walkthrough video

Virtue V10 - The T-top stanchions are carbon fibre.

The T-top stanchions are carbon fibre.

Virtue V10 - The carbon-fibre dash looks superb.

The carbon-fibre dash looks superb.

Realistically, the Petestep hull is a more significant feature. This hull channels water aft towards the transom, rather than letting it escape laterally to become spray. The original design of the Petestep used two prominent spray rails raked aft from a point on the keel at the bottom of the forefoot, forming a delta shape. They are relatively unobtrusive and only easily visible when the boat is planing, but their profile is such that they tuck in slightly towards the centreline. However, this design has been refined since the original concept and uses more than just one rail on each side, and with the V10, the design now incorporates twin hull steps. The aim is to increase pressure beneath the hull to enhance dynamic lift, improve stability, soften the ride and boost hull efficiency. Gains of up to 30% are claimed, but it is fair to say that the first-generation Petestep hulls used by Yamarin gave an efficient dry ride, and subsequent Petestep hulls have proven equally effective. It is, to all intents and purposes, a deep-vee hull, just with some patented tweaks, which certainly provide a drier ride and appear to improve performance and ensure a softer composure in rough weather. The fossil fuel engines are either twin 250hp Hondas or twin Mercury Verados up to 300hp, and you can spec the boat with just one engine, but who would want to? The Honda and Mercury offering is a bit chalk and cheese, and although one of the first boats has been fitted with 250hp Hondas, I suspect the lighter V8 Verados will prove more popular.

Virtue V10 - Fold-down bulkheads give a great waterside feel.

Fold-down bulkheads give a great waterside feel.

Virtue V10

Virtue V10 - Mood lighting throughout.

Mood lighting throughout.

The build quality is of a high standard, using vinyl ester resin and a vacuum infusion lay-up process. The reverse-angle bow is typical of this ‘Nordic-style fast weekender’, as are the super-clean lines that leave no stone unturned in terms of minimalistic exterior appearance. Typically for such a boat, it has trip-free drop-down cleats, but less typical is the hidden flush-fitting vertical anchor hatch that sits on the top of the stem. With the anchor winch deployed, the hatch opens and the anchor rolls out before dropping clear of the bow. This very neat feature is generally only seen on bigger boats. Like many of its contemporaries, it sports those all-important fold-down bulkheads, hugely enhancing the on-water experience while expanding the cockpit considerably. The dinette can comfortably seat eight, but it can also convert to a gigantic four-person sunbed by dropping down the table to provide an infill, and then folding down the seat backs of both settees. I would go so far as to say that this is pretty much a class best for a 10m boat. Behind the helm sits a transverse galley, fitted with a sink, a griddle and two full-height fridges of around 60L in capacity. Deck access is generous and the enclosed side decks leading round to the forward sunbed enjoy inset oval handrails, and overhead grab handles on the T-top. The foredeck has a double sunbed on the forecabin coachroof, upholstered in the same high-quality waterproof fabric-like material used elsewhere. Sitting under the carbon-fibre supported T-top, the helm is no less impressive with its extensive carbon-fibre dash. Two 12in Raymarine MFDs are complemented by a stylish primary switch panel. This houses stainless push buttons and has an outline of the boat, the elements of which light up in accordance with which switch you press. The twin shock-mitigating seats, which are fitted with bolsters and an angled footboard, enable you to get an even more elevated view should you choose to stand.

Virtue V10 - Anchor deployment does not get much cooler than this.

Anchor deployment does not get much cooler than this.

Going below takes you to the typical weekender cabin complete with a heads compartment to starboard. The steps lead down to an area with full standing headroom, though over the bed, height, not surprisingly, is limited. The bed is long and tapered, so you will need to sleep with your head at the aft end of it. There are no forward portholes over the bed, though an escape hatch with the central section of the forward sunbed raised will allow natural light and cooling breezes in. There are windows on either side of the aft standing section of the cabin, and a decent-sized window sits in the fairly compact heads compartment. The heads can be specified with a shower as well as a toilet, and a stylish basin with Corian surface.

Virtue V10 - A long double bed, with headroom aft.

A long double bed, with headroom aft.

Virtue V10 - The system switches are easily accessed.

The system switches are easily accessed.

Virtue V10 - The heads is nicely finished, though space is slightly limited.

The heads is nicely finished, though space is slightly limited.

This boat is competing in a highly contested sector of the market, so choosing it over something like an Axopar is going to be down to personal preference, needs and taste. It is certainly not your full-on adventure craft and does not try to be. What it does aim to provide is a degree of individual style and finesse – for example, plentiful use of carbon fibre – so as a stylish Med sports boat with a practical Nordic twist, it does very well.

Virtue V10

Virtue V10 - layout

Specifications

  • LOA: 9.89m                    
  • Beam: 2.90m
  • Draught: 0.84m
  • Displacement: 3.6 tonnes, light load
  • Fuel capacity: 420L
  • Fresh water: 60L
  • Black water: 60L
  • Berths: 2
  • CE rating: C for 8
  • Engine options: Twin 250hp Honda outboards or twin 250hp/300hp Mercury Verados    
  • Electric engine options: Twin 300hp Evoy outboards    
  • Performance: 55 knots claimed with twin 300hp outboards              

Contact

www.s6marine.co.uk