Concordia 47 Information, Review, Specs

The Concordia 47 began production in 1996. It is a direct evolution of Farr Design #369, sharing its robust hull with the acclaimed Corel 45, a pure racing platform. The primary goal for the Concordia 47 was to adapt this high-performance hull into a more "cruiser friendly" design, without compromising its sailing prowess. Bruce Farr's philosophy for the Concordia 47 was to create a "unique cruising yacht, light, fast, and easy to handle, with a beautiful interior for entertaining or extended cruising".

Carroll Marine, the builder, was celebrated for its commitment to high-performance sailing yachts. Founded in 1984 by Janice and Barry Carroll, the Rhode Island-based company quickly gained a reputation for speed, efficiency, and robust construction, often leveraging advanced materials and innovative techniques. Their extensive collaboration with leading naval architects like Farr Yacht Design ensured that Carroll Marine vessels, including the Concordia 47, combined expert craftsmanship with cutting-edge design. This partnership allowed the Concordia 47 to utilize "the best of modern yacht design and advanced material technologies" in its construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Concordia 47 is an exceptionally powerful and fast sailboat, clearly designed for exhilarating performance. Its impressive Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 32.93 indicates that it carries a substantial amount of sail area relative to its displacement, enabling excellent performance even in light winds. This, combined with a high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.47 (47%), signifies a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind pressures and carrying its sail plan effectively.

Further underscoring its performance pedigree, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 111.08 places the Concordia 47 firmly in the category of light displacement vessels. This low ratio suggests a yacht that is easily driven, accelerates quickly, and achieves high speeds for its length. Anecdotal accounts confirm its ability to "sail beautifully in 6 knots of breeze". Compared to other performance cruisers of its size, such as the Farr-designed Beneteau 461, the Concordia 47 is notably lighter, by as much as 20 percent. It features a fine entry and relatively narrow waterline sections, characteristic of many IMS-derived racing designs, contributing to its speed and responsiveness. Owners and reviewers describe it as a light, fast, and easy-to-handle yacht, offering a blend of performance features and comfort.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout are not extensively documented, the Concordia 47 is consistently praised for its "well-thought-out interior" and described as having a "beautiful interior for entertaining or extended cruising". The design intentionally balances comfort with its competitive nature, with the layout and detailing reflecting a desire for a boat that is "comfortable but competitive, fully equipped for both inshore and offshore racing and cruising". The general quality of finish and use of materials are in line with Carroll Marine's reputation for superior construction, although specific details on wood trim, storage, or ventilation require further owner testimonials.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Carroll Marine boats generally appreciate their robust construction, responsive handling, and competitive edge. Specific to the Concordia 47, observations include its dual appeal as both a comfortable and competitive vessel. One owner noted that while the boat seemed nice for a production model, it did feature "lots of fiddly bits to break," suggesting potential areas for maintenance attention. Overall, the Concordia 47 is viewed as a great boat to own for those who value a blend of performance and comfort in their sailing experience.