Cabo Rico 56 Information, Review, Specs

The Cabo Rico 56's production commenced in 2003, with its design entrusted to the celebrated naval architect Chuck Paine. This marked the introduction of the largest yacht in Cabo Rico's range of offshore world cruisers, with only two of these magnificent vessels ultimately constructed. Each Cabo Rico 56 was built to order, allowing for substantial flexibility in its interior layout, finish, and equipment, a testament to the semi-custom approach that defined the builder. Consistent with Cabo Rico's long-standing manufacturing ethos, the 56 was designed as a heavy-displacement yacht, featuring robust construction and a distinct blue-water identity. The design philosophy behind the 56 integrated the latest thinking in heavy-displacement performance, characterized by a long, NACA foil-shaped keel and a fine entry hull, engineered for both speed and exemplary tracking capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area of 1497 square feet and a displacement of 51,300 pounds, the Cabo Rico 56 has a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.42. This figure suggests a moderately powered vessel, designed not for extreme light-air performance but rather for efficient and comfortable progress in a range of conditions, particularly when loaded for extended cruising. The ballast to displacement ratio stands at roughly 0.365, indicating solid stability, further enhanced by the yacht's deep draft of 6.5 feet and wide beam of 15.67 feet, which are hallmarks of Cabo Rico's design for seaworthiness. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 298 classifies the Cabo Rico 56 firmly within the heavy-displacement category, underscoring its design for stability, comfort, and safety in challenging seas rather than light-footed agility.

The 56 is equipped with a cutter rig, a popular choice for offshore sailing as it breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, facilitating easier handling, especially when short-handed or in strong winds. Its full, long keel contributes significantly to the boat's excellent tracking characteristics and balanced helm, providing a predictable and secure motion in a seaway. The combination of a fine entry, robust construction, and deep draft ensures that the Cabo Rico 56 is well-mannered and capable of standing up to significant wind and waves, offering a secure and comfortable passage-making experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cabo Rico 56 is celebrated for its spaciousness, luxurious appointments, and the high degree of customization available to owners. Reflecting Cabo Rico's commitment to quality, interiors typically feature solid teak joinery, creating a warm and traditional marine ambiance. The layout can be configured with either two large or three smaller sleeping cabins, alongside an exceptionally generous main salon, two heads, and a distinctive aft shower arrangement. This flexibility allowed owners to tailor the yacht to their specific cruising needs, whether for extensive liveaboard comfort or accommodating guests on long voyages.

The large cockpit is a focal point for any cruising boat, and on the CR 56, it is designed to comfortably seat up to eight people, featuring high, ergonomically designed seatbacks for security and comfort offshore. While specific details on ventilation and storage vary with customization, the overall design emphasizes functionality and comfort for extended periods at sea. Given its limited production run, each Cabo Rico 56 is unique in its exact interior finish and layout, tailored to its original owner's vision.