Jimmy Cornell and his look at the key characteristics of cruising yachts

Jimmy Cornell in his element - at the helm of a sailing yacht

Choosing a yacht for offshore sailing - not one of those things that are done in a hurry. I researched this topic in dozens of crossings and spoke with hundreds of skippers. Of course, everyone has their own point of view on which boat is better and why. But a few points are noted by all.

It doesn't matter what your budget is, there are always many different proposals and important decisions that need to be made. And each of which can significantly affect the ease and the very success of your trip. These tips can serve as a kind of checklist for both beginners and experienced sailors, helping to identify key points of safety, comfort and functionality when analyzing the hull, deck, rigging and interior arrangement of the yacht.

Hull, keel and rudder blade

Choosing the size of the boat is not only the most important, but often also the most difficult. Therefore, the most serious mistakes are made here. Some people choose a boat that is too large for their needs, difficult to handle, expensive to maintain and repair. Electric winches, twists and thrusters certainly make it easier to operate large boats, but ask yourself this question: Will I be able to handle this boat only with my partner or, in an emergency, alone?

However, my research shows that most owners complain more often about the undersized yacht. Well-known fact: lack of space and privacy can create a rather tense atmosphere among crew members on long voyages, leading to friction and conflict.

Jimmy Cornell is a yachting legend with over 200,000 sailing miles

Single or multi-body

However, an even more difficult choice than size is choice between monohull yacht and catamaran... And, with all due respect to trimaran, I'm not at all sure if they are suitable for offshore travel for a small family crew.

Yes, at the dawn of yachting there were certain doubts about whether catamarans were suitable for sailing on the high seas. Since then, however, their design has improved significantly. The naval architects have put a lot of effort into improving the safety of the kats, and the shipbuilders have tried to make a reliable vessel suitable for open waters. And the best evidence of this is all the growing popularity of catamarans among yachtsmen who go long distances. Catamarans have many advantages over a yacht of the same size and I remain completely impartial in this matter.

Rudder feather

According to numerous studies, rescue data and reports Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and other rallies, more boats have been abandoned over the past 30 years due to rudder problems than for any other reason.

Rudder feather - an integral part of the design that can dictate the choice of the yacht. Balancing rudders gradually switched from racing boats to cruise boats. And, not protected at least partially skegom, they are quite vulnerable. If a boat with only this type of rudder is available to you, make sure that at least the lower half of the feather is protected, since this is exactly the place that can most often be hit by various debris. Regardless of the pen type, there must be an effective backup taxiing system on board that is easy to start and familiar to all crew members.

On my Garcia Exploration 45, Aventura IV, the boat, which I helped to design according to my requirements, is two aluminum nibs supported by skegs. For added reliability, the upper section of the nib itself is made of a lightweight composite material that can deform and squeeze without affecting the body. This is just what you need when, say, you encounter a block of ice in the Arctic, and the feather continues to function normally for several thousand miles until there is an opportunity for repair.

Rudder protection is especially important when sailing in waters where it is easy to collide with debris or ice

Keel, draft and displacement

Consistent with my search for the ideal draft and keel type, I have come to a certain consensus that fixed keel perhaps preferable for oceanic travel, while shallow draft with bulb keel or centerboard better for cruising. My two last boats were with centerboards, and I can safely say that from the point of view of safety and convenience, they performed well both in shallow water and in crossings.

Displacement can be a serious question for those interested in seaworthiness - I know from my own experience. My 36 foot first Aventura having 9 tons, she was a heavy and not very nimble vessel in light winds.

I was determined to get a boat with a smaller displacement next time. And it's true Aventura iii, 43-foot and wide, with its 9.5 tons, it is as close to perfection as possible. And I always strive to make sure that her weight is brought down to a reasonable level.

Body material

As with displacement, if the material of the hull is not at the top of your priorities or the yacht is not custom made, then this is a decision that will usually be made independently of you. In most cases, boats are made from the most suitable material on which designers and designers have agreed. Building a boat for long voyages, you can talk with the designers about additionally to strengthen the most critical places... However, such points should be taken into account in advance, since such modifications can only be made at the initial stages of construction.

Metal enclosures, steel and aluminum, attract with their inherent strength, although both materials also have drawbacks. Steel hulls and decks require a thorough pre-painting preparation, and then - careful maintenance throughout the life of the boat. In case of aluminumSome people are worried about possible galvanic corrosion. However, this is hardly justified: modern alloys and methods construction took care of this.

Aluminum yacht Garcia Exploration 45 designed by Jimmy Cornell

Aluminum yacht Garcia Exploration 45 designed by Jimmy Cornell

Sails, deck rigs and rigging

Better for a long journey stock up on sail as strong as possible; with double - and ideally triple - UV-resistant zigzag stitching. And also with protective pads in places that can touch the spreaders when the sail is fully raised. The twisted staysail should also have special strips that protect the sail from ultraviolet radiation.

I have pondered the preferred type of mainsail for a cruising yacht and I have no doubt that the best choice for those interested in seaworthiness would still be sail with through battens and slit corrugation... However, grotto rolling systems have also evolved. And some boom twists combine the advantages of both types. On the one hand, making it possible to quickly and easily reduce the sail area, and on the other, practically without losing TTXif you have a mainsail with armor.

Spinnakers and gennakers

Spinnaker must be equipped with normal blocks, otherwise problems may arise when you need to quickly remove them in a squall. While there are usually no problems with choosing a well-cut spinnaker, some blocks are better than others.

Various light sails "for the weather", like asymmetrical spinnakers, code zero, cruise gennakers etc. are supplied with their own twisting devices. And they can be a useful bonus in general sailing armament, since they are relatively easy to handle even for a small crew.

Aluminum yacht Garcia Exploration 45 designed by Jimmy Cornell

Rigging

Initially, I preferred weapons like cutter, on its Aventura iv, however, ultimately inclined to believe that fractional armament arrow-shaped spreaders more efficient than standard cutter... Really, staysail showed excellent side-haul performance and the mast also stood better than the previous Aventura... However, I still insist on split armament with a staysail on the inner head for strong winds.

This was a good decision that further strengthened my belief that maneuverabilityThe two jib configuration is a major advantage for any boat over 40 feet. 

When you install running rigging, take a good look at the deck layout, how they pass sheets and ropes - so that they can freely enter the cockpit and quickly reel on blocks if necessary.

Aluminum yacht Garcia Exploration 45 designed by Jimmy Cornell

As for the files, then mast must have sufficient slots for spinnaker and jib halyards, including spare. On Aventura iv the mainsail halyard was made from Dynemthat does not stretch. And I decided to do geek topper also from the same material in order to have a permanent spare wheel for the main halyard. I always prefer to have two spinnaker halyards so that I can use them on the leeward side in case of emergency when the sail is up. The same halyards were used by me for code zero.

Deck layout

Correct deck layout - a pledge of safety, allowing me and the crew to do most of the work with the sails directly from the cockpit. It is important that each cable is color-coded and inserted into its own stop on the piano. The same applies to everything related to twists. Some manufacturers do not pay enough attention to this.

In trade winds use blockage-hoist on fordewind or backstay. This is a simple yet effective system that I have used on all my boats and which I highly recommend.

For efficient sail managementespecially with a small team, electric winches will be practically irreplaceable. For example, when you need to quickly remove staysail before the squall hits, the twist line can be wound around the electric winch at the push of a button, while the other hand can gradually pickle the sail as it unwinds.

This simple operation rarely takes more than one minute. And everything works equally well, whether you are riffling out of the cockpit, picking the halyard with an electric winch, or when doing it by hand.

Jimmy Cornell's experience is invaluable in the design of modern, functional and safe yachts.

Creation of comfort

Comfortable cabins are simply necessary for sailing in the open sea or ocean, as well as at least one "all-weather" place for the watch. Since we usually spend most of the day sitting, it makes sense to take care of comfortable seating both in the main cabin and in the cockpit. An aspect that is definitely worth considering when planning to go with a crew is the need to have two latrine.

Good insulation coupled with adequate ventilationprovided with a sufficient number of hatches and ventilation ducts - this is another point that is often overlooked by manufacturers who make boats for temperate climatic zones. But they are vital for swimming in the tropics. Good ventilation and sound insulation critical for the engine compartment.

Thoughtful down to the details galley also a priority. It is better to give preference to compact U or L-shaped layout, rather than open. Provide enough storage spacethat will be easily and quickly available.

Garcia Exploration 45

Garcia Exploration 45 technical cabin layout options

Garcia Exploration 45 technical cabin layout options

Reliable cockpit protection is another important point noted by captains in surveys on the construction of cruise yachts. Some constructors manage to do hard spray hoodsthat do not spoil the general appearance of the boat. But most still prefer folding spray hoods.

Garcia Exploration 45 Hard Spray Hood

Location and volume of the engine

Engine location and ease of accessy is a moment that is easy to miss, while it must be kept in the top of priorities. All parts that need regular inspection and maintenance should be easily accessible. Also important access to master nodes: alternator, belts, starter, pump and impeller, injector, oil change, oil and fuel filters, engine intake kingsons, seawater filter, transmission and oil seal bushing.

In general, the list of requirements is quite long, and few manufacturers of monohull yachts up to 40 feet meet at least half of them. By the way, this one of the aspects in which catamarans are unconditionally in the lead, with their engines located aft, around which there is usually ample room and which are easily accessible from different directions.

Many yachtsmen-cruisers - in general, myself - are wondering if the boat needs them. bigger engine... The traditional criterion was 1 horsepower per foot of length. However, some people prefer a higher ratio like 1.2 per foot. There is another approach that determines the engine power at the rate of 5 horsepower per ton of displacement. In a general sense, I agree with the latter.

Security

When asked for my opinion on a yacht, the first thing I always pay attention to is its safety. And, it should be said that quite a few boats meet my criteria:

• How well protected is the cockpit?
• How open is the helmsman?
• Is it safe to work at the foot of the mast or at the bow?
• Are there enough handrails to grab onto?
• Do the struts and storm rails look sturdy and reliable enough?
• Is the boom too low over the cockpit?
• How accessible is the main pump, is it sufficient power, does it have a reserve in case of emergency?
• How accessible is the steering gear and what action should be taken in an emergency?
• Is the liferaft located in an easily accessible place where the weakest member of the crew can reach it?
• In what safe position can the dinghy be stowed during the transition?
• How easily accessible is an anchor chain?
• Is it easy to drag a launched boat or a person who has fallen overboard?

Jimmy Cornell at the helm of his previous yacht

Time to make a decision

“He who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new” - Albert Einstein

That is why it is so important to learn not only from your mistakes, but also from the mistakes of your predecessors. At one of the recent rallies, I suddenly realized that most boats are ready for them perfectly, but the participants themselves are not. Too much seemed to be ignored or left to the last minute. From onboard email access to essential parts, not to mention duplicate autopilot.

I discussed this point with an old friend and his remarks resonated exactly with my own observations: “Our advantage is that we learned to sail on simple boats without fancy equipment. Having learned from them, you can easily switch to more complex ones - but not vice versa. "

The availability of yachts and equipment is overwhelming today. But if you take into account the key points described here, and prepare your boat (and yourself!) As carefully and ahead of time as possible, you will be in significantly better shape for the long voyage. And yours level of safety and comfort will be much higher than what we once had.

Interparus Yachting is the official representative of the Garcia Yachts shipyard. For all questions, please contact Sasha Goron +33644142168 (WhatsApp)

15.02.2019