Cabernet Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cabernet emerged from Chantier Naval Aubin during a period of transition for the French shipyard. Founded by Baptiste Aubin in 1926, the company initially focused on traditional wooden boats, later evolving to embrace modern designs and materials like fiberglass for series production. The Cabernet, with its fiberglass hull and plywood core deck, reflects this shift towards efficient manufacturing methods while maintaining the shipyard's commitment to building reliable vessels. Philippe Harlé, known for designing a vast array of sailing yachts, brought his characteristic touch to the Cabernet, aiming to create a boat that offered pleasure and ease of sailing. While specific details on the design goals for the Cabernet are not extensively documented, Harlé's designs often emphasized practicality and good sailing characteristics for a wide audience. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or different marks during the Cabernet's production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 22.9 feet and a waterline length of 20.67 feet, the Aubin Cabernet is a light to moderately heavy displacement vessel. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 299 suggests a moderately heavy cruiser for its size, indicating a solid feel on the water rather than an ultralight racer. The sail area to displacement (SA/D) ratio of about 17.76 indicates moderate performance, suggesting she should perform adequately in a range of wind conditions, likely excelling in light to medium breezes without being overpowered quickly in stronger winds. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 0.35 (35%) points to moderate stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of sail. Equipped with a wing keel and a single rudder, the Cabernet is designed for predictable handling and maneuverability, making her suitable for coastal cruising and day sailing. The masthead sloop rig offers a straightforward and efficient sail plan for ease of management.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and maximum headroom for the Aubin Cabernet is not readily available from the provided data or general search results. However, for a sailboat of its size (under 23 feet) from its era, one could typically expect a relatively simple and functional interior. Such boats often feature a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area, followed by a small salon area with bench settees that may convert into additional berths. A basic galley area, potentially including a small sink and a space for a portable stove, would usually be found. A marine head, likely enclosed, would also be a common feature. The finish quality, consistent with Chantier Naval Aubin's ethos, would likely emphasize durability, potentially featuring a combination of fiberglass liners and some wood trim, offering a practical and robust living space for weekend trips or short cruises. Storage would typically be found under berths and in small lockers.