Performance Classic 41: Performance nicely packaged in a do-it-yourself design
Fridtjof Gunkel
· 31.07.2025
Self-building is a niche market. Many of the few projects are characterised by the hobby boat builder's lack of qualifications or are not even completed. This is hardly surprising, as it is not only necessary to build the boat itself from whatever material and using whatever method, but also to fit it out and fit it in. This requires skills as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, engine specialist, rigger and painter.
Do-it-yourself construction at its best
A few yachts are not only finished, but also manage to outstrip even upmarket production yachts. Lutz Schröder has built such an exceptional boat, in moulding construction. And not only that, he even designed the boat, another trade. You can't really get any more manufacturing expertise than that. The result is a 41-foot-long performance pilot cutter. A rare species in itself. Schröder's "best of" has a closed yacht stern, a moderately sloping stem with a fixed long bowsprit and a striking superstructure with straight sides. The moderately large cockpit is surrounded by a shallow coaming on which the helmsman and mainsheet can sit comfortably. The single wheel is large and works very directly.
Even on deck, the quality of the woodwork, the finish of the surfaces and the functionality of the deck layout are striking. Well-selected and appropriately positioned fittings testify to sailing experience. And the boat sails superbly. The values are right and steering on the windward edge is just as much fun as sailing under gennaker. This self-built boat is one of those boats that is a joy to steer, even on the cross. That's how it should and must be.
Boat will not be sold again
The positive overall impression continues below deck. The construction and design are as excellent as the deck, and the visual appearance matches the exterior. To be fair, Lutz Schröder is a master boat builder and has already built two Luffes himself. With his latest project, his "best of", he was able to really let off steam: "This boat just has to please me and my family, it won't be sold again."
Further self-build topics
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.
