Schionning S49 fast-cruising cat
McConaghy and Schionning create a fast and light cruising cat built at Chinese yardSydney-based McConaghy Boats and Schionning Designs in NSW have
been commissioned to design and build an exciting new 49ft performance
catamaran called, simply, the S49.
The cat’s construction is based on McConaghy's experience in
lightweight high-quality build techniques and Schionning’s expertise in high-performance
cruising catamaran design.
The S49 will offer similar internal comfort and space to the
production boat competition, but boasts a high quality McConaghy standard
custom-yacht finish, as well as being far lighter, stiffer and stronger with
better waterline beam values and higher power to weight ratio, Schionning says
in its overview.
Designed primarily as an efficient fast-sailing cat with
high bridgedeck clearance and chamfer panels to minimise slamming, the new S49 cat
is said to centralise its weight to reduce pitching. Build weight will be
around 30 per cent lighter than most of the competition. Twin daggerboards will
improve windward performance.
LIGHT BUT STRONG BUILD
The S49 will be constructed using the best quality materials: Corecell foam and
Vinylester resin. Build speed is achieved using Schionning’s “very well proven
combination of ‘soft’ sections’.”
To keep costs in check, the boats will be built to a very
high standard in China at McConaghy Boats foreign-owned facility under
strict quality control of their team including expat builders and skilled
Chinese staff.
The S49 will be very easy to sail using electric winches at the raised helm
station, with all lines running back to the helm position it makes her an ideal
single or shorthanded cat.
Single-line reefing and furling headsails operated from a
static control station are said to make handling a breeze. Wide sidedecks and
flat foredeck ensures that it is very safe going forward in rough conditions.
The design incorporates large deck lockers for storage and a
huge cockpit with a very open comfortable feel. This is made possible with the
advanced engineering of the boxed bridgdeck not needing a back beam.
The mainsheet track is on the cabin top which is visible and
controlled from the helm station. The helm will offer a comfortable two seater
position with head and shoulders above the cabin top for perfect all around
visibility, with all lines close at hand.
The designers say the fold down shade-top gives the best of
both worlds: full shade with the option of zip in clears or sunny side up.
Large rope boxes ensure that the lines are kept out of the way and the helm
area safe.
Inside, the S49 has the comfort and luxury one expects from a top of the line
cat, says Schionning .
The uncluttered saloon and galley are far bigger than normal
because advanced engineering allows the mast to be in the ideal position
without the normal cross bulkhead restricting the saloon size.
There is a gourmet galley, plenty of fridge and freezer
space and saloon seating with a big table for indoor entertaining and the
luxury of a forward facing nav station with full 360 degree visibility.
The saloon front has opening hatches giving good visibility
forward and fantastic airflow into the saloon which is a real luxury when
anchored in those hot tropical islands.
Down below, the S49 has the master suite to starboard with a huge almost king-size
bunk aft, plenty of locker space, a his and hers vanity area, large head with
washing machine and separate shower cubicle forward with big hanging locker.
There are opening ports, hatches in the deck above and a hatch aft of the bunk
give a cool open feel below.
In the port hull are two guest cabins both with big
comfortable queen plus bunks, amidships a spacious head and shower area. Each
cabin has a private en suite head with further access to the shared shower
area, simply lock the door for complete privacy. A nice touch offering bigger
head areas while optimising use of space for the shower, which is the least
used space on the boat.
On the power side, the S49 is said to have an efficient alloy mast and boom,
fully battened square-head main, single-line main reefing in the boom, roller
reefing headsail and furled screecher on the prodder. A spinnaker can be added,
flown off the prodder end. A simple, fast, efficient rig.
Engine power comes from two Yanmar 50hp saildrives with
folding props set in separate engine bays with deck hatches for easy access.
There is a 6KW genset to power all the equipment and air conditioning. There
are large water and fuel tanks to ensure that the vessel is fully self-sufficient
while away from the dock.
“This is a serious bluewater cruiser capable of taking you around the world
with high mileage daily runs in comfort and safety with minimal slamming.
“At last, a proper cruising cat designed and built by two
leaders in their field. AND with a pedigree like this why buy anything else?” says
Schionning.
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