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The XL Series also features more spacious and luxurious interiors, adhering to another C&C tradition of creating a performance yacht that's also comfortable. As several workers are laying up a liner, Turner explains the balsa core will be layed up in a process adapted from the aero- space industry by designer Cassian in the mid-1960's, a breakthrough process that now is the industry standard. In looking at an interior liner in a 40-footer, he points out that before the liner is installed, a structural grid or 'spider' is laid in place first. The spider, which runs from forward of the mast to all the way aft and incorporates the engine bed, is overlayed with the hull becoming an integral part of the hull. While the liner itself is non- structural it, too, contributes to the overall strength of the hull. The liner, which has a balsa core for rigidity, also is overlayed to the hull. Then every bulkhead is overlayed to both the hull and deck. The materials C&C uses are of high quality, such as vinylester resins, aircraft grade resin-impregnated balsa core, Kevlar hydrids, and an NPG (neopolyglycel gel coat. |
Big Cat Cruises in the Fast Lane In an unusual departure for a company known for its monohull sailboats, C&C Internation Yachts, Ltd., is creating a sleek, high speed cruising catamaran called the G-Star 45. What makes this cat special? Superlative performance says Anthony Koo, C&C president. As Rob Turner, senior vice president, explains most cruising cats achieve 10 to 12 knots, sometimes 15 knots. The 45-foot long C-Star should zip along at 18-knots. The 30-foot beam prodices for a huge interior and cock- pit with the bridge deck offering an obstructed view. With Kevlar composite hulls formed using the new Resin Infusion Molding process, the C-Star 45 is engineered to be light, stiff and strong. Typically, says Turner, a cat can offer diagonal stability or reserve buoyance, but the C-Star 45 "deals with both effectively." Currently under construction, it features an A-frame atop a forward carbon fibre crossbeam. Tensioned stainless steel rods run from the A-frame to each hull. "The crossbeam keeps the hulls apart while the tension rods, keep them together and at the same time prevent chatter," Turner explains. |
 Most C&C's today are built with marine grade Kevlar hybrids, which C&C developed for DuPont for use in the marine industry. Some hull composites include Nomes, honeycomb and Kevlar shown above. |
To insure there is no hull deflection as the pre-cut pieces are set in place, a collar is fit around the entire boat. As Turner puts it, "without a symetrical hull, you have a boat that is hard to steer." The end result is a yacht that possesses true structural integrity. In fact, all C&C yachts carry a five year warranty against hull blistering, as well as on all structural components and the various in-house produced components. |
In assessing the C&C sailor, Turner observes that "the individual who buys our boats has had sailing experience and is more discrim- inating as to what he wants to see on the boat. Today's prod- uction boats essentially are custom boats. Each is different and has its own personal identi- fication given to it by the owner. One thing remains the same, though. With the past as prelude, C&C continues to turn out fast, competitive yachts that one can sail in comfort. |
For information on the C&C series Yachts as well as
the C&C 45, C&C 51 and C-Star 45 catamaran write:
C&C Internation Yachts, Limited, 526 Regent St., Niagara-On-The-Lake,
Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0. Or call (416)468-2101 or fax (416)468-4743.
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