Antigua 44 Information, Review, Specs

Antigua Yachts, though its operational lifespan was relatively brief from 1981 to 1984, inherited and continued the manufacturing ethos of Caribbean Sailing Yachts (CSY). This heritage endowed the Antigua 44 with a reputation for being a "no-nonsense cruising yacht," built to withstand demanding conditions, particularly prevalent in the Caribbean, the region that inspired CSY's name.

History and Design

The story of the Antigua 44 begins in 1981, directly following the dissolution of Caribbean Sailing Yachts (CSY). In a strategic move, John Coats and his brother acquired the molds and unsold inventory from CSY, laying the foundation for Antigua Yachts and ensuring the continuity of proven cruising designs. The Antigua 44 was their primary model, a direct descendant of the popular CSY 44. The designer of this enduring platform was Peter Schmitt.

The design philosophy inherited by Antigua Yachts from its CSY origins emphasized the creation of stout, comfortable, and capacious vessels. These yachts were not intended as high-performance racers, but rather as stable, heavy-displacement boats built for reliable passage-making and comfortable living aboard. The fiberglass hulls were renowned for their robust construction, a hallmark of this design lineage. While the standard draft was 6.5 feet, a shallow draft version was also available at 4.92 feet, offering versatility for different cruising grounds. Notably, while the hull construction remained solid fiberglass, Antigua Yachts transitioned the deck construction from solid fiberglass to balsa core in some instances to achieve lighter weight.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Antigua 44 is characterized by its heavy displacement and ketch rig, indicative of its design as a dedicated cruiser rather than a light-air performer. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 12.24, the Antigua 44 falls squarely into the category of a heavy cruiser, suggesting that while it can handle strong winds with ease, it may feel underpowered in lighter conditions. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 354.15 further confirms its status as a very heavy displacement vessel, promising a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Despite being described as "under powered," the Antigua 44 is widely recognized as "stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized." This robust stability is supported by its ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 36.8%, providing good initial stiffness and the ability to stand up to a significant amount of wind. Owners can expect a boat that is reassuringly solid underfoot, well-suited for long offshore passages. Anecdotal evidence suggests that differences in upwind performance between various keel configurations are minimal, as noted by designer Peter Schmitt himself. Overall, the Antigua 44 excels as a dependable blue-water cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Antigua 44, drawing directly from the CSY 44 "walk-through" version, typically offers a spacious and liveable layout, reflecting its design as a comfortable liveaboard cruiser. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design prioritizes voluminous interiors, a characteristic of its heavy-displacement predecessors. The boat is notably equipped with a substantial fresh water capacity of 244 US gallons (927 liters), highlighting its suitability for extended periods at sea.

Owners describe the Antigua 44 as having virtually the same layout as the CSY 44 walk-through, though some differences in interior wood finish have been noted. Generally, these vessels are known for their robust internal construction and the use of durable materials, designed to withstand the rigors of offshore cruising. The emphasis is on practicality and comfort, providing ample living space and storage, which is crucial for long-term voyaging.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Antigua 44 consistently praise its sturdy construction and comfortable accommodations, directly benefiting from the design heritage of CSY. These vessels continue to be a part of the cruising fleet worldwide, cherished for their robust build and spacious interiors. Owners of Antigua 44s often form tight-knit communities, actively sharing knowledge and experiences, a testament to the enduring appeal and capability of these classic cruisers.