SUNBEAM Yachts is presenting the swing-keel version of its 29.1 sailing yacht at Interboot Friedrichshafen from 23 to 27 September 2026. The Austrian builder says the variable-draft arrangement was developed partly in response to lower water levels and changing conditions in popular sailing areas.
The SUNBEAM 29.1 measures 9m long with a 2.5m beam, placing it comfortably within Leisure Boat Guide's coverage. Its compact dimensions and keel arrangement are also intended to make the boat comparatively straightforward to transport on a suitable trailer.
Hydraulic keel changes the available draft
The swing keel can be raised or lowered hydraulically, with an electro-hydraulic cockpit-operated system available as an option. Lowering the keel is intended to prioritise sailing performance and stability, while raising it reduces draft for shallower approaches and transport.
SUNBEAM pairs the keel with twin rudders and a tiller, giving the 29.1 a layout aimed at active sailing rather than simply adding shallow-water capability to a conventional cruiser. Owners still need to consider local launching facilities, trailer limits and the actual depth required by the boat in each keel position.
Modern sail plan and compact cruising interior
The standard sailing concept combines a square-top mainsail with a self-tacking jib, while the integrated bowsprit can carry a furling gennaker or Code Zero. Carbon mast and laminate sail options allow the specification to move further toward performance if required.
Below deck, SUNBEAM has designed the 29.1 as a weekend and short-cruising boat rather than a stripped-out racer. The builder emphasises efficient use of the available interior volume so the yacht can move between family cruising and club-level sailing.
Interboot puts shallow-water flexibility in focus
SUNBEAM has not described the Interboot appearance as a new model world premiere, so it should be treated as a presentation of the swing-keel configuration rather than the launch of an entirely new yacht. That distinction matters because the 29.1 itself is already an established part of the builder's range.
The show nevertheless gives buyers a useful opportunity to inspect how the variable-keel system is integrated into a 9m cruiser. For sailors facing shallow harbours or changing lake levels, the practical trade-off between draft, complexity, maintenance and sailing performance is the key question.