Yacht RM 1260 does not fit into the usual framework. It was created for individualists who think in a modern way and prefer speed in yachting.
“RM yachts are popular with those who value contemporary design while striving for true sailing.”

Test drive of the yacht RM 1260
Test data:
- Region: Kiel Fjord
- Conditions: 4-5 points on the Beaufort scale, small waves
- Yacht type: exclusive performance cruiser
- Price: from EUR 284,410
The situation is critical. Just a few meters separate Haischreck from "Tornado", the pointed nose of which is purposefully sweeping towards the middle of our yacht. But a strong jerk of the steering wheel and a slightly deflated mainsail and genoa still forced RM 12.60 quickly roll away into the wind. As soon as this has happened, the signal comes from "Tornado" that it lets us forward. We bring our yacht to the wind and with relief we watch as at the same time the catamaran tails slightly into the wind. Very kind of him, because he has the priority right of movement.
Prior to this almost collision, maneuvering in the Kiel Fjord was calm. With 45 winds on the Beaufort scale and the sun shining, we don't have to work too hard. Although the narrowness of the Friedrichsorten (Friedrichsorter Enge) lives up to its name in every possible way and, due to heavy traffic, sometimes makes you make quick turns, but up to this point, all the turns have gone smoothly. Even the distance to the Tornado seemed to be enough to move forward calmly. And only as a result of an unexpected change in wind direction by 30 ° did we find ourselves in the described risky situation. But the tension eased when the catamaran fell into the wind and passed behind our stern. It suddenly turns out that we even know this crew. And now, under the friendly exclamations of "Hello!" we wave our hands to each other. However, due to the gusty wind, it is not possible to talk normally.
The question remains open: Were we allowed to go ahead to greet, or just wanted to play it safe in such a situation, just in case?
Because the Haischreck runs in a steep 20 ° sidewind, we inspire respect with our looks. Its unusual width of the hull, even at almost 4.35 m, gives our yacht at least the appearance of a 48-foot vessel.
Of course, the yacht attracts attention even purely out of curiosity. After all, to this day, the RM 12.60 model has not been seen in the Kiel Fjord. This is the first yacht of this type in Germany.
Though French shipyard Fora has been building RM yachts since 1990. and offers different models from 8 to 13.5 meters, yachts of this type are almost unknown here. Those who are professionally versed in yachts know that such yachts are exotic, which are created for individualists. Even its lines, quality of workmanship and appearance differ significantly from the generally accepted trends.
Fora specializes in modern yacht hulls based on the shape of racing yachts. It applies processing technologies used in individual production. She decides on an unusual interior design, which is significantly different from the classic design of yachts. This applies to both the materials of the furniture and the color scheme. In addition, she uses the original keel shapes under the hulls of the yachts.
She can afford it, as she chooses her clients among yachtsmen who want to stand out from the crowd. Yachts RM appeal to those who attach importance to modern design and at the same time want to enjoy real sailing. And best of all, if it will be sailing across the Atlantic Ocean at high speed.
With its unusual width, expressive cheekbones, a very flat underwater part of the vessel, an even pitch and a double rudder, the RM 12.60 yacht resembles a model Volvo Ocean Racerbut its discreet spar with forestay, genoa and wheelhouse with an extremely large skylight speaks volumes about its true purpose - cruising.
Thanks to the unusual curved plexiglass or polycarbonate skylight that extends from the deck to almost the mast, a lot of light enters the interior of the yacht. Together with the longitudinal side windows and small hatches in the yacht's hull, a truly all-round view is provided. Yachtsmen who prefer cave dusk will feel uncomfortable under the RM 12.60 deck: the interior is too well lit. Everyone else will be able to fully enjoy the bright atmosphere on board the yacht. It is enhanced by white walls, white bulkheads, light brown edges and recessed fittings. Nothing in the interior is reminiscent of the classic yacht design with navy blue upholstery and mahogany trim. Wood can only be seen in the floorboards, and also in the color tone of the upholstery, adorned with green cushions for variety.
It is immediately apparent that the deep double shell galley block is much larger than comparable 12m yachts. Its countertops are fully finished in durable Corian. The chart table opposite is decorated in the same way.

Test drive of the yacht RM 1260
The captain's cabin with a large double bed is located on the bow, the second double cabin is located on the left side of the stern. There is another small stateroom with bunk bunks on the starboard side stern for guests.
A bathroom with a shower, separated by a plexiglass partition, is especially comfortable. Here they deliberately abandoned everything that might remind of retro design. The Fora shipyard looks ahead and abandons everything traditional and superfluous. RM stands primarily for "realistic minimalism".
Minimalism concerns, for example, weight, which is reduced, on the one hand, by modern construction technologies, and on the other, by rational distribution. The deck and deckhouse are made of glass-plastic sandwich panels filled with foam and improved with vacuum infusion technology. The body is made of plywood with epoxy resin - a technology that is not usually used in mass production, but provides a noticeable reduction in weight with high stability. Stability is further enhanced by a steel frame.


Skillful arrangement of all heavy equipment items, for example, the tanks and batteries that are below the hold provide a light weight to the portion of the yacht above the waterline. Hanging cabinets were abandoned here. In areas where you simply cannot do without them, for example, in the galley or in the shower room, there are small niches and lockers that can serve as free space. They are screwed down so that it would not occur to anyone to store something here. There is ample space on the boat for clothing or food. The unusual width of the RM 12.60 yacht miraculously provides ample space and storage space.

Test drive of the yacht RM 1260
Thanks to the sharp lines and flat underwater part of the vessel, the significant width of the yacht guarantees high stability and speed indicators that speak for themselves. Before entering the narrowness of Friedrichsorten, we first head from Labeux towards Schilksee and, moving under the Gulfwind, pick up a speed of nine knots. The feeling is pleasant.
Later, when making a turn, we feel the disadvantages of the protruding stern. When the Haischreck lands on board, the windward deck rises high up. After each turn, the crew has to climb a steep mountain, and the helmsman has to travel a long way to get to the helm, directed towards the wind. At the end of the turn, the genoa crew member crouches deep down to align the headsail sheets.
Only yachtsmen with long legs manage to sit comfortably on the cockpit bench during a roll, all the others do not reach the bench on the opposite side with their feet. The easiest way to tilt the yacht is to sit on the deck with your legs dangling overboard.
In areas with heavy traffic, such as the Kiel Fjord, you need to be ready to act at any time. Therefore, it is better for the crew to sit in a circle, or even send one member of the team to the companionway near the midship.

Test drive of the yacht RM 1260
During the long journeys for which the RM 1260 was actually created, a cozy spot can be found below deck. Thanks to the autopilot and remote control, the captain can steer the yacht from the salon. The autopilot takes on an important part of the job, especially if the yacht's crew is small. The location of the rigging and the position of the rudder allows the captain to only manage the sheets of the mainsail and shoulder carriage. You don't have to worry about the staysail sheets. The autopilot must be connected if one person is involved in steering the yacht and setting the sails. Since there are three of us on board, we can refuse the help of the "iron Gustav".
Shortly before arriving at Schilksee, we stretch the sails and change course in the direction of the Holtenau lock, which is the actual purpose of our voyage. From the moment the yacht went to sea, the wind intensified, the squalls became much stronger. From time to time the anemometer shows 26 knots, i.e. a whole 6 on the Beaufort scale. We have a genoa and a full grotto. Instead of a large genoa, one could now put a smaller sail - a small staysail. The mainsail can also be slightly reduced. Most of the yachts sailing with us towards the North Baltic Canal have already lowered their sails.
We abandon the idea of taking the reefs due to the inconsistent wind. It gradually drops to 4 points. Apart from a couple of squalls, during which the mainsail inflates only in the afterlik area and we have the front sheet ready, our Haischreck is surprisingly good at handling wind pressure.
We sail almost seven knots at a steep 40 ° sidewind, catch up with the grottoes of other upwind yachts and leave them behind.

Test drive of the yacht RM 1260
In addition to the wide hull, the keel shape is also important for the yacht's high stability. Instead of one deep T-shaped keel, a bikil is installed on the yacht. “Bi” means two narrow stabilizers with short bulbs that are located under the body, protruding slightly outward. Due to the distribution in two parts, the restoring moment is increased, which reduces the draft of the vessel to 1.95 m.
A rudder blade with a small plate at the end and both keels will survive a run aground in watts, which explains the great popularity of RM yachts on the French Atlantic coast and the south of England. And installation on a keel block for storage in winter is not difficult at all. Despite this, for the RM 12.60 there is an alternative to the bikil - a monocile with a draft of 2.25 m.
The Haischreck owners have chosen bikil and are going to use it to go much further than the French Atlantic coast. They prefer the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, I will only accompany them as far as Holtenau.

Test drive of the yacht RM 1260
Technical data of the yacht RM 1260:
- Design: Marc Lombard
- Overall length: 12.60 m
- Length at the waterline: 11.68 m
- Width: 4.22 m
- Draft bi-keel: 1.95 m
- Draft, mono keel: 2.25 m
- Displacement: 7.8 t
- total area
- sails: 99 sq.m
- Mainsail: 49 sq.m
- Genoa: 50 sq.m
- Small jib: 27 sq.m
- Berths: 6-8
- Dimensions of the berth in the captain's cabin: 2.02 x 1.30 x 1.55 m, free-standing
- Ceiling height: 1.90-1.95 m
- Engine: Volvo Penta 40 PS
- Price: from EUR 284,410
Details
1. Salon: the large skylight and side windows provide a 360-degree view and allow plenty of light into the minimalist white interior. Light brown edges and recessed fittings create a subtle contrast. Wood is only used in floorboards.
2. Cache: there is always a supply of drinks in the table of the cabin for a cozy pastime on board
3. Central control post: The navigation corner at the chart table is minimalist, but makes a good impression. Thanks to the available electronics, all gaskets can be made quickly
4. Cockpit: the liferaft is located in the cockpit floor and can be quickly retrieved through the inspection hatch. But in an emergency, the cockpit table can become a hindrance.
5. Storage compartment: halyards and hoists are hidden in a large locker in front of the companionway and do not interfere if the lid is closed
Test conducted by: Silke Springer
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21.01.2013
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