Sessa C3X: sexy, open and extra-large

Sessa C3X sea trial

Hard not to be immediately fascinated by the beauty of the new Sessa C3X .
With this boat, Sessa Marine has also created a very interesting project, which makes its modularity a great strength. In fact, there are three models resulting from this study, which intelligently combines the Open, Hard Top and T-Top versions of a design base whose key values are roominess and beauty.

The top version of this new model is certainly the T-Top, and today we are going to sea trial it together, in a world preview.

The new Sessa C3X

Climbing aboard the new Sessa C3X we can’ t help but notice that, despite the fact that the boat is homologated as a registration-free craft, its real dimensions are really exaggerated.

With an overall length of more than eleven metres and a width of around three and a half metres, the Sessa C3X offers the space of a much larger boat.

Access to the cockpit is via a step up from the large aft platform. On the left is a generously sized sundeck which, thanks to a fold-down backrest, also becomes the aft sofa of the U-shaped dinette with central table, which is counterbalanced by a mobile bar that can hold everything you need for a day at sea.

Moving towards the bow, to the left, there is a huge chaise longue which, with its great comfort, will certainly be the most sought-after place by the whole crew.

On the starboard side there is a very well arranged helm station, with excellent all-round visibility and capable of containing all the necessary electronics.
This whole area is overlooked by a large sliding full-beam roof which, when open, effectively regulates the air flow when under way and, when closed, shades the open space outside.

Lastly, access to the bow is via two symmetrical side-decks which, on another positive note, are much wider than average and allow for a very safe passage to the huge sundeck that awaits us.

But it is going below deck that we are literally speechless. The space is enormous, it’s like being aboard a 40-footer.
On the starboard side, there’s a second L-shaped dinette with a central folding table that can also be used as another bed. Next is a galley with wall units which, by exploiting the forward bulkhead, extends over an area that is simply unthinkable for boats of this size, and which can easily accommodate the provisions needed for medium-range cruises.

On the left is the head which, equipped with a separate shower cubicle, is cleverly positioned amidships, thus also serving as a day toilet.

Completing the unusual interior of the new Sessa C3X are two cabins which, in terms of size, finish and equipment, can easily be identified as two masters. The forward cabin has a raised central bed and is served on both sides by wardrobes, shelves and plenty of walking space. The stern master, on the other hand, has a king-size bed positioned across the beam and even has a hallway with wardrobes, shelves and a sofa.

In short, a boat of truly unexpected dimensions, perfect to enjoy long and comfortable cruises, with the family or a couple of friends.

Sessa C3X sea trial

The engine room has two Volvo DPS 350hp gasoline sterndrives which, I’ll never get tired of saying, are the best option for this type of boat. Much lighter (and cheaper) than their diesel counterparts, they are ideal if you don’t intend to do 200/300 hours of cruising a year. Optional diesel or outboard versions are of course also available.

Sitting comfortably in the helm seat, I engage the gear and push the gas. The visibility all around is really good and it’s very easy to manoeuvre, even in tight spaces.
Once out of the harbour we speed up and the Sessa C3X gets up on plane quickly, already at 12 knots she comes out of the water, pulls away from the wake and spreads out naturally. This characteristic also makes it possible to find a series of “low cruising speeds” which will prove to be important for cruising in rough seas or, more simply, for travelling without haste and enjoying the views.

Noteworthy are the speeds between 20 and 30 knots, where consumption is fairly constant, always less than 4 litres per mile. This is a really good result, as the hull glides over the water with little friction.
But the Sessa C3X can offer much more, it’s an open yacht and, despite the richness and size of the interior, it must also be able to offer sporting sensations, so let’s stop hesitating and let’s put the throttles down.
The boat accelerates without any apparent effort up to 35/36 knots and then, with a little trimming of the engines, it accelerates again to almost 40 knots, which isn’t bad for an open boat like this that we’re testing with a full load.

I reduce speed to around 20 knots and then turn sharply, the boat tilts and the adrenalin rises as the hull does its job keeping the Sessa C3X firmly in its trajectory. I counter-turn until I meet our own waves, which the boat crosses without impact.

Then I get back on a straight course at about 30 knots and enjoy the comfort.

This new Sessa C3X goes very well.

Test Data

RPM	Speed in Kn	lt/h	Lt/Nm	Range in nautical miles
600	1,7	5,3	3,1	241
1.000	3,7	10,2	2,8	272
1.500	6,1	14,4	2,4	318
2.000	7,6	22,1	2,9	258
2.500	9,1	36,0	4,0	190
3.000	11,5	49,9	4,3	173
3.500	15,5	59,4	3,8	196
4.000	19,8	75,7	3,8	196
4.500	27,0	105,0	3,9	193
5.000	32,1	126,7	3,9	190
5.500	35,6	144,4	4,1	185
6.000	39,4	189,9	4,8	156

Sessa C3X Technical Specs

LOA	11,19 m
CE lenght	9,93 m
Max Beam	3,45 m
Passanger capacity	12
Berth	4+1
Fuel	750 l
Max engine power	700 hp
CE Category	B
Design & Project	Sessa International

Luca D'Ambrosio

Editor-in-chief, boat tester and journalist. Luca began sailing at an early age with his father then as an adult discovered sailing regattas and offshore racing. He has been working in publishing for more than 30 years and continues to sail incessantly, especially aboard the editorial staff's boat, an old lady of the seas that he has completely rebuilt and which serves excellently as a "mobile laboratory" for The International Yachting Media.