C&C 115 Information, Review, Specs

The C&C 115 marked a significant offering from C&C Yachts during a period of revival for the brand. Its production began in 2005, following C&C's joint venture with Tartan Marine, which aimed to introduce a new line of well-received C&C yachts. The design brief, helmed by Tim Jackett, was to create a boat that effectively "covers all the bases," appealing to sailors seeking both competitive racing capabilities and comfortable cruising amenities. This aligns with C&C's long-standing philosophy of crafting "performance cruisers".

Tim Jackett's design approach for the C&C 115 is characterized as "no-nonsense," emphasizing clean lines and a crew-friendly layout that benefits both racing and cruising. While C&C historically pioneered balsa-cored fiberglass hulls and later adopted BPA epoxy, the C&C 115 typically features a solid fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring robust construction. Some models were even built with epoxy hulls and carbon rigs, further enhancing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 115 exhibits characteristics of a true performance cruiser, a hallmark of its builder. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 24.11, the boat is well-powered, suggesting excellent performance in light air conditions and the ability to accelerate quickly. Its displacement to length ratio of around 146.59 categorizes it as a light to medium displacement vessel, contributing to its lively feel and speed. The ballast to displacement ratio, at about 35.6%, indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling.

Anecdotal reports from sailors often describe the C&C 115 as predictable, rewarding, and highly responsive, akin to a "sports car" on the water. The design is praised for its balance and ease of handling, performing well whether being pushed hard in a race or sailed more conservatively for a comfortable cruise. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a spade rudder and fin keel with a bulb, contributes to its agility and upwind performance. The design also features a low-profile toe rail and a deck layout that is practical for racing, demonstrating attention to detail in its performance-oriented design.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance aspirations, the C&C 115 does not compromise on interior comfort and functionality. The interior is designed with a practical two-cabin layout, typically featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and an aft cabin. Owners frequently praise the boat's interior design, noting it strikes an excellent balance between racing practicality and cruising comfort.

The C&C 115 boasts a comfortable maximum headroom of 6 feet 3 inches in the main salon, accommodating most sailors. While specific details on materials vary, C&C yachts are generally known for quality interior joiner work. The layout usually includes a well-appointed galley for meal preparation and a functional head compartment. Storage is typically adequate for coastal cruising, reflecting a design that prioritizes both living space and the weight consciousness needed for performance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the C&C 115 consistently commend its dual-purpose nature, highlighting its ability to be a very fast boat that can also be comfortably cruised. Many describe it as a "good, solid boat" that holds its value due to its robust construction and proven performance. The design's efficiency and ease of handling are frequently praised, with many owners appreciating how well the boat sails and responds to the helm.

While general maintenance is always a factor with any vessel, no widespread, recurring systemic issues are commonly reported across the C&C 115 ownership community. Owners find that the boat is well-built and capable of competing effectively in races while providing a secure and enjoyable platform for family cruising. The overall sentiment is that the C&C 115 successfully achieves its aim of delivering a capable and comfortable performance cruiser.