The procedure is quite unusual. A shipyard is planning a new line to expand its programme and is inviting existing customers and potentially interested parties to help shape the concept themselves. C-Yacht launched an initial survey among its extended customer base back in May 2014, based on an aft cockpit yacht. This is a first for the brand. The yacht builders from Lelystad on the Markermeer are known for their comfortable, robustly built blue water boats with a centre cockpit.
In collaboration with the designers from Dykstra Naval Architects, the shipyard has analysed the numerous survey results, defined feasibilities and translated the results into two concrete new construction projects. The Dutch company has now presented concrete renderings for the C-Yacht 47AC and 42AC models for the first time at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf.
Lennard Noorlander, Sales and Marketing Manager at C-Yachts, says that the company is still in talks with customers to finalise the very last details. After that, the realisation of build number 1 will begin quickly. According to Noorlander, the smaller 42AC will probably be launched first, followed by the larger 47AC.
Both models are externally identical, both visually and conceptually. Even the dimensions remain true to scale. There are no differences on deck and only minor differences in the interior. The boats have a cruising-orientated cockpit layout with sheet winches for genoa, gennaker or code zero directly in front of the steering wheel and halyard winches on the side of the companionway. The arrangement of the central mainsheet winch as part of the base for the cockpit table is exciting. The cockpit is half open aft, allowing unobstructed access to the folding bathing platform. The new AC boats from C-Yachts can be fitted with either a self-tacking jib or a short overlapping genoa. And for both boats, the customer can choose between draught variants of 1.90 or 2.20 metres.
The standard layouts for both boats are the same, with three cabins and two heads. Alternatively, instead of the second aft cabin, you can also opt for a large, internally accessible forecastle. And instead of the separate shower cubicle in the aft wet room, a work surface for navigation can be realised. In any case, the shipyard wants to respond to customer wishes as far as possible when designing the interior, including the choice of woods, colours and materials.
There is already an official price list for both models. The 42AC will cost 425,000 euros in the basic configuration ex shipyard, while the larger sister 47AC will cost 625,000 euros. The prices include 19 per cent VAT, but do not include the sails.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
