By Mary-Clare Tomes, Co-founder, HopYacht
When we first started designing the HopYacht 30, I have to admit we were focused on the big, headline-grabbing features: electric propulsion, the simplified single-sail rig, the walk-around queen-size bed. However, as someone who loves sailing yet values comfort above all else, and having spent years in regions where weather can shift from brilliant sunshine to driving rain within an hour, I became obsessed with something far less glamorous: the cockpit awning system.
I know, I know. Awnings don’t sound exciting. But this is where the HopYacht 30 absolutely shines for those of us who want to quality of life onboard, not just endure the elements.
"The cockpit is your living room."
On the HopYacht 30, the cockpit isn’t just a place to sit while you sail. It’s where the galley is located. It’s where you dine, entertain, relax with a book, and yes, it also incorporates the helm station! This is your main living space afloat. And in changeable weather, an unprotected cockpit would mean you are constantly at the mercy of wind, rain, and temperature swings.
The design team at North Sails understood this completely. So they created a modular awning system, using premium Italian Sunbrella all-weather fabric. This transforms the cockpit into a genuinely liveable space, regardless of what’s happening outside.
"Two layers ... for more versatile living."
Each awning panel features a simple dual-layer design that’s incredibly effective. The outer layer is mesh, allowing air to flow freely through the cockpit. This means on warm days, you get excellent ventilation without sacrificing protection from gusty winds. The inner layer is clear waterproof material that keeps rain out completely.
What I love about this system is its adaptability. On a breezy but dry day, you can drop the mesh layer to cut the wind while still maintaining airflow. When rain threatens, drop the clear layer and instantly you’re in a protected space where you can continue cooking, eating, or simply enjoying your sundowner without getting drenched.
"They're modular so you still have a view."
The awnings are designed as separate sections, which means you’re never forced into an all-or-nothing decision. If the wind is coming from starboard, drop that side’s awning while leaving the port side open to preserve your view and sense of openness. You can configure the protection exactly as conditions demand.
And remarkably even with the awnings fully deployed, you can still see through them. The clear panels maintain excellent visibility, which is crucial not just for enjoying the scenery, but for the practical matter of helming the boat. From the helm station, you retain clear sightlines for docking manoeuvres, even with full weather protection in place.
"For horrible weather sailing ... stay all zipped up!"
For those of us in regions where weather can be genuinely challenging, the full helm enclosure option is transformative. This attaches to the Bimini top on all four sides, creating a completely enclosed helm station, still allowing access from the side deck. The entrance can be rolled up for easier movement when casting off or coming alongside.
There’s a zipped window opening providing access to the winch, meaning in really foul weather, you can sail the boat single-handed from inside the full enclosure. No need to venture into driving rain to adjust the sail.
If a full enclosure feels like overkill for your part of the world, we have a tonneau cover as part of the standard specification. Inspired by vintage open sports cars, this covers just the helm station area, providing targeted protection and is quick and easy to fit.
"Make the boat lighter and brighter ... even on a bad day."
What truly amazed us all is how the full enclosure handles light. All the panels are made from clear see-through material, and when you’re sitting in the protected cockpit, the natural light flooding through is extraordinary. It’s like having a skylight in your house, making the space feel bright and welcoming rather than claustrophobic. Even in miserable weather, the cockpit remains a genuinely pleasant place to be.
'No faffing around ...that's what I like!"
The engineering of the awnings shows real attention to detail. The rolled-up sections are secured with flaps that zip together, creating a neat, tidy appearance rather than the sagging bundle you see on some boats. The attachment system uses a combination of press studs, turnbuckles, elastic loops, and hooks with large nylon zips featuring pull tabs. All easy to deploy and secure, even when you’re doing it single-handed, in challenging conditions.
"Shade, shelter, and don't forget ambience.
The HopYacht 30 is fundamentally about lifestyle afloat. We designed it for people who want to enjoy sailing without the constant physical demands and discomfort that can make traditional yachts feel like an endurance test. Our awning system is a huge part of delivering on this promise. Whether you need shade from intense sun, shelter from wind, protection from rain, or simply want to create a more intimate, comfortable atmosphere in the cockpit, the awnings give you the tools to craft exactly the environment you want. You’re not fighting the weather; you’re managing it on your terms.
The galley integration in the cockpit makes perfect sense when you have this level of weather protection. You can cook alfresco in the true sense, enjoying the views and fresh air, while knowing that if conditions change, you can simply drop the appropriate awnings and carry on without retreating below.
This is sailing reimagined for people who love being on the water but refuse to sacrifice comfort in the process and I love it!
