YACHTING SWISSBOAT
Nov/ Dec 2011
The Scandinavian Cruiser 20 (SC 20) combines the charm of classical Skerry Cruisers with state-of-the-art technologies. They are created for sailors, who value elegant design as much as high speed and easy handling.
Love at first sight. I came, saw... and was defeated!
We visited a small shipyard on a trip to China last summer, located near the coast somewhere between Shanghai and Hong Kong, with approximately 20 employees, led by an American. Shipbuilding in China is new territory for us, but common in the American market for decades. And it just happened when I saw the SC 20 for the first time, not quite finished, but beautiful as she lay there with her elegant lines, and fittings of the finest quality (are there really such small cleats and furlers?).
This boat is perfect for the archipelago and lakes. How nice would such a yacht (not a dinghy), be on our European inland lakes? No sooner said than done, and today we have the first SC 20 here in our showroom on Lake Constance, in the Heart of Europe.
The fan base grows and grows, because - tailored for the lifestyle of today - the Scandinavian Cruiser fit perfectly into our time. It allows you to sail a stylish boat without spending a lot of valuable time for upkeep, maintenance, and crew organization. It offers easy, safe and sporty sailing, and is eminently suitable for sailing single-handed, as a couple, or even by a small family. Everything is possible, launching without a crane, easy trailoring, uncomplicated rigging, anchoring in shallow water, pure daycruising as well as for handicap or one-design regattas.
Finally ready to test sail "Scandy" in beautiful weather and perfect wind conditions, but the wind is not coming exactly from where I would have liked, so I must tack out through the harbor, which is not my cup of tea, but the featherlight boat tacks easily within seconds.
And then I realize that somebody took a photo of me but it is clear that the attention is not directed towards me alone. "Scandy" had received compliments ashore for the elegant design, but on the water with full sails she is even more beautiful - a real eye-catcher. Returning to the harbor again later does not go unnoticed either…
Finally on “the high seas” she is quick with the spinnaker, and the jib furled, and with the slightest breath of wind the long narrow hull speeds along, while many other boats are still stuck.
Suddenly the winds comes and "Scandy" accelerates and even planes ... Wow, after four decades…
"Scandy" is as alive as a dinghy, but as stable as a yacht.
On the wind she points very high, and it is easy to maintain precise control, even while heeled, on any course during the occasional gust. And when the wind dies having a picnic on the comfortable seat cushions, followed by a swim and sun-bathing is not too bad either...
The rotating free-standing carbon fiber mast, without classical shrouds or spreaders offers easy handling and the best aerodynamics and low weight. The mast is divided into two parts and is quickly attached.
All fittings are from major manufacturers like Harken or Ronstan. The furling gennaker, self-tacking furling jib and the fully battened mainsail is efficient and easy to use.
Deck and cockpit are indeed in classical design, but offers modern functionality. All halyards, sheets and lines are led below deck, designed for single-handed sailing. The race crew
consists of two people. The hull of E-glass vinylester resin and Navicell Q60 foam sandwich is light and stiff.
Scandinavian Cruisers offers excellent performance, with a total weight of 340 kg, with half the weight in the lead torpedo keel, ensuring a low center of gravity.
Conclusion: The goal of designing the Scandinavian Cruiser 20 as the fastest small cruiser with classic lines and modern technology is quite successful.
Whether she is Boy’s Toy, Girl's Best Friend, Gentleman's tender, or a small regatta racer, one thing is for sure: Once you have her you don’t want to give her up again!
The person behind the development and marketing of the SC 20 is Nis Peter Lorentzen. He comes from the Danish Bandholm boatbuilding family and has made the Scandinavian Cruiser a reality. This little boat is the beginning of an entire range of boats up to 66 feet. www.scandinaviancruisers.com
Distribution CH / DE / AT:
Classic Yacht and Trawler, Mühlepark 1, 8598 Bottighofen, Switzerland
www.classicyachtandtrawler.com
The company was founded in 2010 by Diana and Michael Failer and is located on the Swiss side of Lake Constance. It offers Scandinavian Cruisers in the style of the classic European Skerry Cruisers, and seaworthy classic trawler motor yachts from 35 feet in the German-speaking countries. All our yachts are characterized by the highest quality and the latest technologies and materials.
